Ruth Bradshaw’s journey into health care may have started by taking a risk, but because she followed her heart, she’s now living her dream of caring for others.
Credit
Matthew Manor
Ruth Bradshaw is living proof it’s never too late to go after your dreams.
20 years ago she bet on herself and decided to start a whole new career. She was in her early 40s.
Sure it was scary, but she had some secret weapons: her positivity and a passion to help others, which first sparked when she was in grade school.
“At 40-years-old I had my last baby, I have three beautiful children,” beams Bradshaw.
“After 22 years of managing retail jewelry, I realized I wanted to follow my dream. I’ve wanted to work in health care since I was in Grade 5, so at 42-years-old I enrolled myself in the Personal Support Worker program at St. Lawrence College. When I graduated I was given the Academic Award through the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.”
Gosh, did we luck out when Bradshaw swapped her cap and gown for a pair of scrubs at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
For nearly two decades, she’s been shining as bright as a diamond at our Kingston General Hospital site, as a patient care assistant.
Side note… we dare you to look at Bradshaw and not smile. It can’t be done!
“My role as a patient care assistant is wonderful. Why? Because 95 per cent of my time is spent with patients. They can be from hours old to the end of life, and everything in between. I provide all aspects of personal care, help lift spirits by spending time with them and so much more.
“I stand very proud of the work I do. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping people feel better, look better and get them through their day.”
Now 63-years-young, Bradshaw is known throughout the hospital for her electric energy and big, bright grin.
And if you look closely at her KHSC ID badge, the phrase “every shade of happy” is taped onto it.
That message isn’t just for patients and families, but her colleagues too.
In fact, she’s sharing her kindness and knowledge with the next generation of patient care assistants.
“What I enjoy most about my role is knowing I make a difference in someone’s day, whether that’s a patient or a coworker. I love working alongside all the nurses, doctors and other disciplines like the physiotherapy, environmental and nutrition services teams.
“I also enjoy sharing my expertise with new hires. My motto is ‘always leave your patient better than you receive them.’”
And that’s exactly what Bradshaw does.
Her journey into health care may have started by listening to her heart and taking a risk, but her desire to help others never wavered, and this June she’ll be celebrating 20 years with KHSC!
“I love what I do, this is my passion. If you have dreams, follow them. You will have no regrets.”
Join us as we thank Bradshaw and all patient care assistants in honour of Personal Support Worker Day on May 19.
They truly make a difference with the care they provide and we’re so grateful they’re part of the KHSC team!
This is the place where people are transforming care.
Thousands of different people come together and make KHSC a great place to work. We're a team on a mission to transform care, together.
