Terry-Ann DaCosta, RN, BScN, MN, ENC(c): A Journey of Dedication and Resilience in Healthcare
February 12, 2025
Terry-Ann DaCosta has always known that healthcare was her calling. "I wanted to be in healthcare for as long as I can remember," she says. "I believe that I was fascinated by the thought of helping people and making a difference in society." This passion led her to Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), initially motivated by its geographical location, but it was the incredible team of staff she encountered that made her stay. "I got to know the staff and found that they are wonderful to work with," she reflects. Now, as part of the team, she is proud to contribute to the growth and future development of the hospital.
Being a Black-Canadian healthcare worker comes with its unique challenges. "From time to time, I come face to face with prejudice and feel the need to prove myself," Terry-Ann shares candidly. Despite these obstacles, she has found ways to navigate them, ensuring that she is always "overqualified" for the positions she applies for, using her excellence and skills to break barriers and advance in her career.
The most rewarding part of her work is clear: "It’s very rewarding when the patients leave satisfied about their care." It's this focus on patient well-being that drives Terry-Ann every day, always striving to provide compassionate care to those who need it most.
Terry-Ann also emphasizes the power of diversity in healthcare. She believes that having a diverse healthcare team benefits both patient outcomes and the workplace environment. "With diversity in the workplace, it decreases ignorance and prejudice among cultures," she notes, highlighting how cultural understanding can bridge gaps and improve care. She herself had a memorable experience with a patient who was initially challenging to communicate with. "She was receptive to me because her caregiver as a child was from my cultural background," Terry-Ann recalls. "It was a positive experience."
Throughout her career, Terry-Ann has drawn strength from her faith, which she sees as a guiding force in her work. "I believe my purpose is to change and impact every life that I come in contact with positively," she says. This mindset is central to her approach to healthcare, where she consistently strives to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
As a Black healthcare professional, Terry-Ann wishes more people understood that "colour has nothing to do with competence." She advises aspiring healthcare workers, especially young Black Canadians, to focus on their abilities and not their skin colour. "If you are required a BSN for practice, get a MN. Don’t focus on your colour, focus on your ability and don’t assume everyone will judge you by the colour of your skin," she says.
To maintain resilience in such a demanding field, Terry-Ann prioritizes self-care by observing a weekly Sabbath. "I do not work on that day; I pray, exercise, eat well, and do not take everything to heart." This commitment to balance allows her to continue serving with passion and strength.
Terry-Ann DaCosta’s journey in healthcare is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the importance of diversity and compassion in the workplace. We are proud to have her as part of the SMH team, making a difference every day.