JESSICA'S NURSING PORTFOLIO

A little about me & why nursing?

Nurses are an essential part of healthcare. Nurses provide care and compassion during some of the most vulnerable times in a person's life. It's exceptionally meaningful to care for someone in that capacity. As a nurse, you are caring, selfless, and dedicated, aiming to provide the best care possible to your patients. Nursing practice is constantly evolving and there is an opportunity to advocate for changes within the healthcare system, within your organization and community wide. 

I knew growing up I wanted to be someone who helped others and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of others. That passion led me to nursing. Not only could I care for individuals, but nursing provides many avenues their careers can take, having the ability to positively impact change on a greater scale within their communities. 

I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Windsor in Southwestern Ontario. I completed a fast track program in December 2010, officially graduating with my class in June 2011. I started my career working at my local acute care community hospital on the Surgical In-patient unit. During that time, I had the opportunity to complete an Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO).
In September 2013, I left traditional front line nursing to work in Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC). I have developed myself as a leader within this department in a number of different ways, including becoming a subject matter expert during implementation of 2 different software systems and while our department led hospital policy and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have completed leadership educational programs provided by my employer and I've also had the privilege of being a preceptor for numerous 4th year BScN students.

In IPAC, we assist clinical staff in managing patients who have, or may potentially have, any infectious or communicable disease symptoms or concerns. This includes providing information and guidance on new and emerging communicable diseases. We complete surveillance on various types of hospital acquired infections and public reporting. We routinely provide education and training to our staff and students around the best practices in infection prevention, and we work collaboratively with other disciplines in the facility ensuring both staff and patient safety. We also work collaboratively with other healthcare facilities, our local health unit and other community partners as needed. The majority of our guidelines for policy and practice come from Public Health Ontario, specifically the Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (PIDAC) best practice guidelines.

Pursuing a Masters in Nursing has been a goal of mine for a number of years, it never seemed to be the right time (but when is the right time, honestly). After working (surviving) through the pandemic, I knew it was time to advance my career and peruse advocating for change within nursing and the healthcare system. I have two avenues I am pursuing, the first is moving up to a management position. Secondly, teaching and education have long been my favourite aspect of nursing. I see how nursing has changed, especially since the pandemic, and I have aspirations of becoming part of the faculty of nursing at our local community college. Which path and where it leads, I believe God will provide opportunity and guide me where I am supposed to be. Life has not steered me wrong yet.

I'm happy you're here!

four core values

PROfessional credentials & Organizations