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A clinical leader sits at a desk with colleagues in discussion
March 5, 2018

Introducing… a clinical leader

Nick Millar is a clinical leader for medicine based in several units at Juravinski Hospital. He’s been with Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) for eight years.

What do you love most about your role?

As a clinical leader, I spend much of my time facilitating quality improvement projects that promote senior-friendly care in our medicine units. On these projects, our front-line staff are heavily involved in the development and final steps of the project stages. When I see our staff engaged and sharing knowledge at a high level, I feel rewarded.

What do you find challenging?

Honestly, I find it hard to explain my role to others. It is not as common in other healthcare fields and the role can change in scope fairly often.

Describe a typical day

My day usually starts with facilitating group huddles in our three medicine units. I make sure I spend a considerable amount of face-to-face time with our staff during this time. Then I sit in on committee meetings for the different projects that I facilitate. I also spend time reviewing our adverse events and follow up with staff to provide coaching and guidance. Then, I often do another walk around in our units to check in on our staff in case they have questions or requires support.

There are many opportunities for our staff to explore their leadership and project skills. In doing so, I can facilitate the transformation of our staff members into leaders.

Tell us about your most gratifying experience at HHS

Quite simply, it’s the amount of times I hear ‘thank you’. Patients, families and staff are so appreciative and mindful of all the hard work we do to provide the best care for all.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about your role?

They might be surprised about how I am immensely involved in quality improvement work in our areas. There are many opportunities for our staff to explore their leadership and project skills. In doing so, I can facilitate the transformation of our staff members into leaders.

Describe how you use social media in your work

I use social media to showcase the amazing work of our teams in improving patient care through inter-professional learning and quality improvement projects.

You can follow Nick on Instagram @nick_millar0911.