Meet some of KHSC’s new recruits

Health-care staffing shortages are impacting hospitals and health-care organizations across Canada, including here at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). KHSC’s efforts to recruit new staff have attracted hundreds of new people to the organization over the last few months, but we still have a way to go. We spoke to four of our new recruits to hear about what attracted them to KHSC and what they love about working in health care.

Harpreet

Position: Internationally Educated Nurse, Surgical Unit

Days on the job: 19

Before starting the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership program between the College of Nurses of Ontario and Ontario Health, Harpreet worked on the Kidd 4 surgical unit as a Patient Care Assistant.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to renew my nursing practice skills at KHSC.

“My key to happiness at work is being truly invested in helping others and working in an environment where I can continually grow and learn. At KHSC, anyone can learn new things every day.

“My favourite thing about my work is the teamwork and how everyone helps each other. I am enjoying being a part of the team that makes a difference in people's lives, whether it be patients or those around me helping to provide care.”

Christine

Position: Unit Clerk, Resource Pool

Days on the job: 157

Christine was a full-time student at St. Lawrence College studying Medical Office Administration and worked part time in retail before joining KHSC.

“I took the opportunity to further my education during the pandemic, and am proud to work for an organization my friends, family and community rely on.

“My key to happiness at work is knowing that I make a difference at work every day. I feel appreciated by the people around me and that is a great feeling.

“My favourite thing about my work is the opportunity to interact with so many different people and work in different areas of the hospital on a daily basis. I love the variety, but also love knowing I will always be working with strong, supportive people who share the goal of providing safe, effective care for all patients.”

Dr. Albert

Position: Emergency Medicine Doctor

Days on the job: 37

Since graduating from Queen’s University Emergency Medicine in 2014, Dr. Albert worked in Victoria, B.C. as a full-time emergency department doctor and Clinical Assistant Professor with the University of British Columbia before joining KHSC.

“If I’m being totally honest, finding happiness working in health care can be hard these days. An experienced colleague once said, ‘I try to be sugary sweet to everyone,’ which I interpret as, although I may not be able to always give people what they want, I can at least try to be kind and humble.

“My key to happiness at work is being part of a positive, efficient and passionate team of people who are knowledgeable, motivated and feel like they are providing the best possible medical care.

“My favourite thing about work is the flexibility and variety. I feel prepared to work in a variety of different settings and with different patients, allowing for an endless array of professional opportunities to keep me engaged throughout my career. I also love working with residents - they inspire me to be the best version of my professional self.”

Mary Grace (MG)

Position: Registered Nurse (RN), Intensive Care Unit 

Days on the job: 111

Before joining KHSC, MG was a student at Queen’s University School of Nursing.

“So far, I’ve only been working as an RN for a few months, what has helped me remain happy and positive at work is trying my very best every shift to care for patients and learn how to be a better nurse, while also keeping work at work and enjoying my personal life.

“My favourite thing about work is there is lots to learn and it’s challenging.”