Introducing… a neurosurgery registered nurse
Nisha Salimon is a registered nurse on 7 West, the neurosurgery unit at Hamilton General Hospital. She has been working at HHS for one year since completing a bridging program to receive her Ontario nursing registration.
Favourite colour: red/ book: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy/ vacation spot: my home country, India/ music: Bollywood songs/ animal: rabbit/ food: Indian food
How did you come to work at HHS?
I was a nurse in India and when I moved to Canada with my family I needed to complete a course to get Canadian nursing credentials. I originally came to Vancouver but when I learned about the program at Mohawk College my family decided to move to Hamilton. After completing a bridging program at Mohawk and working at HHS as a student, I was hired.
Tell us about your first day at HHS.
I started at HHS as a student last year in March. I was so nervous but I didn’t forget to put a smile on my face. My supervisor introduced me to everyone and throughout that day the smile on my face became much more natural. Everyone was so friendly and approachable.
What made you pursue nursing?
As soon as I came to Canada I started working towards becoming a nurse here like I had been in India. It was a long and challenging process and there was no guarantee that I would be able to practice here. But nursing is so important to me. I love to care for those in need. When I finally achieved my Canadian registration I was so happy to be able to continue doing what I love.
Tell us about what you do in your role.
As a nurse in neurosurgery on 7 West, I care for post-operative patients after they leave the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit. I assess the patients, give them medication and monitor any changes in their status. Our unit works closely as a team because our patients are often unstable and if anything changes we have to act fast. Communicating with other members of my team is an important part of my job.
What do you love most about your job?
The smiles I see on my patients’ faces are my favourite part of my job.
What is most challenging about your work?
Every day is a challenging day. But that helps me gain new knowledge and learn from the people around me. On the neurosurgery floor, our patients require constant monitoring because small changes in their status can be very dangerous. We have to be prepared for the unexpected and that is a constant challenge.
What do you do after work to unwind?
I spend quality time with my family. I have a caring and supporting husband and a naughty but wonderful 3-year old girl. As soon as I leave the hospital I become a complete house wife and a caring mother. I love to take my daughter to the park and get together with family and friends.
What are your short and long term career goals?
My short term goal is to gain experience in neuroscience and my long term goal is to do my masters in nursing. I am interested in the central nervous system. One day I would like to be part of HHS Neurology team.