National Nursing Week is May 6-12, 2024, a time to recognize the nurses who help keep Canadians healthy. This year's theme is "Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow". As a research institute and hospital, The Neuro's nurses demonstrate this theme in their work, by not only caring for patients with neurological conditions but aiding research to find better treatments.
The Neuro spoke to four nurses from different departments around the hospital, who described their daily routines, what they like about their job and how they feel about the important role they play in helping others.
Angelica Jessca Manalad
Angelica Jessca Manalad is an operating room nurse originally from the Philippines. She says her team is like a family, and that makes challenging situations much easier. Helping people at their most vulnerable gives her a deep sense of fulfillment.
Vince Dimayuga
Vince Dimayuga is an assistant nurse manager at The Neuro's Clinical Research Unit. CRU nurses draw blood, monitor vitals and assess patients and caregivers to ensure they are supported while in their care, among other things. He likes that he gets to help people as part of his job and contribute to the discovery of better treatments for neurological diseases.
Marlon Calito
Marlon Calito chose nursing as it resonated deeply with his core values. A nurse practitioner candidate at the MS Clinic, he collaborates with doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals at The Neuro to provide comprehensive care to patients. For Calito, this role represents an opportunity to improve healthcare accessibility and introduce innovative collaboration methods.
Coleen Maraga
Coleen Maraga, a nurse in stroke and neurosurgery, faces each day's challenges with compassion and determination. She finds fulfillment in bringing joy to patients and their families, especially in vulnerable moments.
