Karen Thompson: A Commitment to Care Ingrained in Empathy, Culture, and Service
February 13, 2025
Karen Thompson, a nurse in the Obstetrics department at SMH, took an unexpected path to the healthcare profession. After spending a decade in the business industry, she found herself yearning for something more rewarding. “I came from a business background where I spent 10 years in the banking and mutual funds industry. I felt no joy or fulfilment in the work that I did, so I decided to make a change. I chose healthcare because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on people's lives and nursing gave me the opportunity to do that,” Karen reflects. "The ability to help people heal, or even provide emotional support during difficult times feels incredibly rewarding."
Her decision to work at SMH was driven by the close-knit environment of the staff. "I chose to work at SMH because I truly feel like I’m part of a family here. I am treated like a valued member of the team and there is a strong sense of camaraderie," she says.
Karen's identity as a Black Canadian has profoundly shaped her approach to patient care. "In many communities, there is a deep-seated mistrust of healthcare institutions, especially among people of colour, due to historical inequalities and biases. Being able to connect with patients who may have similar experiences allows me to be a bridge, helping them to feel more comfortable and understood,” she explains. Her ability to build trust and offer empathy is essential, as she recognizes how crucial it is to address both patients’ medical needs and their lived experiences.
In her role, Karen finds joy in the work she does, especially in Obstetrics. "I absolutely love what I do and it never gets old! I feel blessed to bear witness to the miracle of childbirth and to play a small part in the birthing story of another," she says. "I have found my niche, what makes me happy and fulfilled, and it is a wonderful feeling."
While Karen has thrived in her career, she has faced challenges along the way. "Throughout my nursing career, I have encountered ‘micro-aggression’ on numerous occasions," she shares. “It appeared in the form of assumptions about my competence even before the care began, being mistaken for an ancillary worker instead of a healthcare professional, refusing to look at me directly when responding or refusing care simply because of the colour of my skin." Despite these barriers, Karen remains focused on what she can control. "I commit to continuous professional development, I try to maintain my confidence and assertiveness in my knowledge and abilities and continue to provide quality care."
A memorable experience in her career highlights the importance of cultural understanding in patient care. "One experience that stands out to me was when I had to care for an elderly Jamaican man who was struggling with feelings of depression and isolation," Karen recalls. "When I introduced myself and he heard my accent, his face lit up because he recognized we shared a cultural bond. We spoke in our dialect, reminisced about Jamaica and he shared his plans to return home. He proudly showed me pictures of the house he was building back home. The connection we made put him at ease, which made it easier for him to open up about his concerns."
Karen is passionate about the benefits of diversity within healthcare teams, believing it enhances both patient care and workplace culture. “Diversity within healthcare teams brings together individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences,” she explains. “A diverse team will more likely recognize and address health disparities. By representing different populations, the team can advocate for equitable care, ensuring that all patients receive the attention and treatment they deserve.” She also emphasizes that a diverse and inclusive workplace promotes respect, leading to better collaboration and improved relationships among colleagues.
Reflecting on her career, Karen credits a mentor for shaping her approach to healthcare. "I fondly remember when I was a nursing student doing my first clinical placement on the birthing unit at Brampton Civic Hospital. Bridgett Mitchell, [who later worked as the OB Unit Manager at Stevenson Memorial Hospital], was the Clinical Nurse Educator for the unit and one day she casually shared with me that 'as the years go by, the patients might not remember your name or your face, but they will always remember their birthing experience,'" Karen recalls. "What she shared with me as a student has driven my practice and molded me into the nurse I am today." The lesson in empathy, continuous learning, and delivering care with heart has had a lasting impact on Karen’s approach to patient care.
Karen also shares the realities of being a Black healthcare professional. "We are constantly being stereotyped. For example, I will speak my mind, but that doesn’t mean I am aggressive. We may be seen through a lens of stereotype rather than as individuals with expertise and these biases can definitely limit our opportunities and prevent us from being fully recognized for our skills and contributions,” she states.
In such a demanding field, Karen finds ways to prioritize self-care and resilience. “I try to completely disconnect from work when I am off duty as it provides a much needed mental separation. My church is my happy place as it grounds me spiritually and mentally. I do enjoy a good romance novel about 'sweet nothings’ and I look forward to a competitive game of table tennis and dominoes with my sons during my time off."
Her advice to young Black Canadians aspiring to enter the healthcare field is both empowering and encouraging: “As a young Black person entering a field that has historically lacked diversity, you may face challenges or doubts about your abilities. Be confident in yourself and your skills, build resilience. Seek out mentorship from other professionals who understand the challenges you may face and lean on them for advice, encouragement and support.”
Karen Thompson’s journey in healthcare reflects the power of culture, empathy, and professionalism in patient care. Through her work, she continues to inspire change, foster understanding, and make a profound difference in the lives of her patients and colleagues alike.