Category: Meet our Team

Each month we get together with one of our Winterberry team members for a quick Q+A so our patients and community can get to know us all a little better! This month we caught up with Rachel, Human Resources (HR) Manager as she has recently been promoted to a new role in the clinic.

Congratulations on your new role Rachel! Can you share with us your new job title?

My new job title is Human Resources Manager.

What is your background? 

I originally completed my degree in Business Management, then went to work for a large childcare organization after school, where I slowly moved from an accounting role into an HR role. While I worked there, I completed my Human Resources diploma online and once I completed that, I fully moved into HR and payroll role there.

What made you want to be part of the Winterberry team?

What appealed to me most was that I was going to be Winterberry’s first HR team member. Being able to create HR processes and implement them has been a very rewarding experience. Since joining the team, I’ve never looked back. The people I work with are amazing and so supportive.

What type of work will you be doing in your new role?

Part of moving into a managerial role, I’ll be more actively engaged with our team members to ensure our culture is aligned with our mission and vision, and values.

What is the importance of this work within the clinic?

Winterberry is one of the most recognized clinics in the area and we want to maintain our reputation of excellence. Ensuring we have the best members on our team, will help uphold that reputation.

Will patients benefit from your work in this role? If yes, please let us know how. 

Our patients will indirectly benefit from the work done in my new role. Ensuring our team members are confident and supported in what they do, will show during their appointments with patients. It’s part of my job to ensure our team members are able to provide the best possible care to our patients.

What is your favourite part of being the HR Manager?

Knowing that people feel comfortable coming to me with any concerns or goals they may have and being able to work through them together.

When you’re not improving patient and team lives at Winterberry what will we find you doing?

I will either be out walking my 2 fur babies (Bernedoodle – Ella and Rottweiler – Lola), checking out new coffee shops or wineries, or going to the Hamilton Farmer’s Market on the weekend!

Exciting news that you are taking on new responsibilities at the clinic! 

Thank-you so much! It is an honor to be able to grow with Winterberry as a member of the team, as well as individually in my own practice and knowledge. 

Can you share with us your new job title?

I am the Clinical Research Supervisor; managing a team of about 12 

What type of work will you be doing in this role?

I am managing a growing team of researchers; which includes research coordinators, lab techs, nurses as well as a few of our Doctors and Nurse Practitioners.

What is the importance of this work within the clinic?

What made you excited to make the change in your role at Winterberry?

I am so pleased to be a part of the overall purpose and vision of Winterberry- I became a nurse because it is a job with ever changing and endless opportunities; Winterberry is helping me achieve new career goals that I would have not been able to in a hospital environment. I am very proud of the work I do, my team does and Winterberry as a whole. 

Will patients benefit from your work in this role? If yes, please let us know how. 

Patients are the main focus for research- the reason we are doing it at all! Our patients get first access to any of the trials that we are offering and we attempt to let them know about every single one! There is a chance for patients to learn more about their own health, their possible areas of improvement as well as give them a chance to participate in medicine in a new and exciting way. 

What are you most excited about in this new role? 

I am genuinely thrilled when team members get excited and passionate about research; so being able to help others on the Winterberry team expand their knowledge and practice is extremely rewarding for me; not to mention some of the amazing benefits our patients experience when they come on board! Overall there is a lot to be excited for! 

Krysta one of our key team members, is taking on new responsibilities at the clinic so we caught up with her to ask a few questions: 

Krysta, can you share with us your new job title?

Operations Manager

What type of work will you be doing in this role?

As the Clinic has grown significantly over the last year or two, it is important to create branches of our clinic.  As we now have a new Clinical Manager, a research manager, administrative supervisor and a human resources manager, it will be my responsibility to oversee all operations.  Each department has their own key roles, to which I will provide support.

What is the importance of this work within the clinic?

It is important that we place key players in all area of our clinic where they can specialize and excel.  Being able to offer support to each leader makes our clinic run smoother and more efficient.

Will patients benefit from your work in this role? If yes, please let us know how. 

Patients can expect to see many changes coming in the near future – all of which are because they are being heard by the appropriate person, and together we work toward change.  Having specialized focus areas is something we are familiar with in health care, so applying it to an internal work flow will result in direct benefits to our patients.

The newest change we are going to see very soon is a new online booking system.  Our patients (and staff) have found our current system inefficient for the model of care we provide.  We heard our patients and we have been working to implement this change for months now.  I am excited to say we should have this new system up and running by mid-February!

Each month we reach out to a Winterberry team member so that we can showcase (and celebrate) them in our monthly Q+A. This month we’re excited to feature Erin, our new Clinical Manager.

Erin, what is your role with Winterberry?
I have recently been promoted to the Clinical Manager at Winterberry Family Medicine. I also work as a part of the clinical research team.

I understand this is a new role for you at Winterberry, what were you doing at Winterberry before you became our Clinical Manager?
Prior to becoming the clinical manager, I was working as a nurse seeing a variety of clinic patient’s, as well as working with the research team on the various research trials.

What interested you about becoming the Clinical Manager? 
I am interested in evolving and growing as a professional, while remaining actively involved in patient care.

What is your professional background, how did you get to where you are today? 
I have always had a passion for mental health and started my nursing career working in both the inpatient and outpatient mental health setting. While working with the outpatient mental health department, I was asked to be a part of the design team for the new hospital site that was being built.

As the Clinical Manager you’re an incredibly vital part of our team, can you share any special moments from Winterberry that made you know that you’re making a positive difference in our patient or team  member lives? 
While working as a nurse at Winterberry, I had been seeing a patient for about 1 year and supporting her with her weight loss journey. Over the course of 1 year, we were able to reduce this patient’s body weight, get her down to a healthy body fat percentage and reduce her HB A1C to a normal level. The patient also reached their weight loss goal and began to cry out of excitement when I shared this news.

When you’re not at work, what are your hobbies and special interests?
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy maintaining an active lifestyle through working out, walking my dogs and rollerblading with my family.

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Canadian healthcare, Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) play a crucial role in delivering quality patient care. RPNs are an essential part of the healthcare team, offering a unique blend of education, skills, and services that set them apart from other healthcare professionals.

RPNs are healthcare professionals who undergo education and training to ensure they are well-equipped to provide a wide range of healthcare services. To become an RPN in Canada, individuals typically follow a structured educational path that includes:

College Education: RPNs complete a diploma program offered by accredited colleges across Canada. These programs generally span two to three years and provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics like anatomy, pharmacology, nursing theory, and clinical practice.

Licensing and Certification: After completing their education, aspiring RPNs must pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) to obtain their license. This examination assesses their knowledge and skills in various aspects of nursing practice, ensuring they meet the required standards of competence.

Continuing Education: RPNs are required to engage in ongoing professional development and education to stay current with evolving healthcare practices and maintain their licensure. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that RPNs provide high-quality care throughout their careers.

Services Provided by RPNs

RPNs offer a wide range of services that contribute significantly to healthcare here at Winterberry. Their scope of practice is defined by provincial regulations, but common services provided by RPNs include:

Patient Assessment: RPNs are skilled in conducting thorough patient assessments, including physical examinations, vital sign monitoring, and gathering medical histories. These assessments help diagnose and plan appropriate care for patients.

Medication Administration: RPNs are trained to administer medications, including injections and intravenous therapies, under the supervision of registered nurses or nurse practitioners. They ensure patients receive their prescribed treatments safely and accurately.

Wound Care: RPNs excel in wound care management, including dressing changes, wound assessments, and infection control. Their expertise in this area is invaluable in promoting wound healing and preventing complications.

Health Promotion and Education: RPNs educate patients and their families on various aspects of healthcare, such as managing chronic conditions, adopting healthy lifestyles, and understanding treatment plans. They play a vital role in empowering patients to take control of their health.

Care Planning and Coordination: RPNs collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. They help coordinate services and ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.

Palliative Care: RPNs are often involved in providing end-of-life care and support to patients and their families. They offer comfort and compassionate care during challenging times.

At Winterberry we value our RPNs and are thankful for the continued commitment to our patient’s health and wellbeing. 

Photo by MedicAlert UK on Unsplash

In the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian healthcare, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have emerged as essential healthcare providers who bridge the gap between traditional nursing and medical care. At Winterberry we are proud to have a highly-skilled and caring team of Nurse Practitioners. 

During appointments you may have a Nurse Practitioner helping you. This blog will help you understand what an NP is and what role they play in helping to keep you, your family and our community healthy and well. 

With their unique blend of advanced education and clinical experience, NPs play a crucial role in delivering high-quality healthcare services across the country. 

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Canada is a rigorous and demanding process that requires a solid foundation in nursing and extensive additional training. 

Services Provided by Canadian Nurse Practitioners

Canadian Nurse Practitioners are qualified to provide a wide range of healthcare services, making them valuable members of healthcare teams. 

Some of the services they offer include:

Diagnosis and Treatment: NPs can assess, diagnose, and treat various acute and chronic medical conditions. They can order diagnostic tests, interpret results, and prescribe medications when necessary.

Preventive Care: NPs are well-equipped to provide preventive healthcare, including vaccinations, health screenings, and health education to promote healthier lifestyles.

Chronic Disease Management: NPs play a significant role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. They work closely with patients to develop personalized care plans and monitor their progress.

Minor Procedures: NPs can perform minor medical procedures such as suturing wounds, removing stitches, and conducting biopsies.

Referrals: When necessary, NPs can refer patients to specialists or other healthcare providers for specialized care.

Patient Education: NPs emphasize patient education, ensuring that individuals understand their health conditions and treatment plans. They promote informed decision-making and active participation in healthcare.

How Nurse Practitioners Differ from Medical Doctors

While Nurse Practitioners and Medical Doctors (MDs) share some similarities in their roles, they also have distinct differences:

Education: MDs undergo a more extended and specialized education path, including medical school, residency training, and often fellowship training in a specific medical field. NPs, on the other hand, have a nursing background and complete advanced nursing education.

Scope of Practice: MDs have a broader scope of practice and can perform complex surgeries and procedures, while NPs focus on primary care and preventive healthcare, with some ability to perform minor procedures.

Nurse Practitioners are vital contributors here at Winterberry and we celebrate and thank them for their contributions. 

Photo by Nappy on Unsplash

Here at Winterberry and in every healthcare setting in the country, Registered Nurses (RNs) play an integral role in ensuring the well-being of patients. These dedicated professionals are highly trained, compassionate, and vital members of the healthcare team. 

So what is an RN and what training do they have?

Becoming a Registered Nurse is no small feat. It requires rigorous education and training. Most RNs hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, although some may possess a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing. BSN programs typically take four years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

During their education, aspiring RNs learn a wide range of skills and knowledge. They study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. They also gain proficiency in patient assessment, healthcare ethics, and the intricacies of the Canadian healthcare system.

Upon completion of their education, RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their license to practice. This exam assesses their knowledge and competence in various nursing domains.

What can you expect an RN to do when caring for you?

Registered Nurses are versatile healthcare professionals who provide a multitude of services to patients across different settings. Their primary responsibilities include:

Patient Assessment: RNs are skilled in assessing a patient’s health condition. They conduct comprehensive physical exams, take medical histories, and analyze diagnostic tests to form a holistic view of the patient’s health.

Medication Administration: RNs administer medications to patients and monitor their response to treatment. They ensure that medications are administered safely and correctly, and they educate patients on proper medication management.

Wound Care: RNs work with patients as appropriate in wound assessment and management. They clean and dress wounds, monitor healing progress, and provide guidance on wound care to patients and their families.

Patient Education: One of the crucial roles of RNs is patient education. They teach patients about their conditions, treatment plans, and self-care techniques to promote better health outcomes.

Collaboration: RNs work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and allied health providers, to coordinate patient care and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Registered Nurses are often considered to be the heart of the healthcare system. Their dedication, education, and commitment to patient care make them indispensable members of the healthcare team here at Winterberry. 

Photo by Eben Kassaye on Unsplash

At Winterberry we’re proud of our team and are always looking for ways to not only celebrate and showcase them. We’re also dedicated to helping our patients get to know our team them better and that’s why each month we catch up with one of our amazing Winterberry team members and ask them a few questions. These quick Q+A’s help all of us get a glimpse into what makes them a special part of our team.

Dayna, what is your role with Winterberry?

I am a Registered Nurse, and Certified Diabetes Educator

What is the best part of being a Certified Diabetic Educator?

The best part of being a Diabetes Educator, is providing our clients with the tools, knowledge and resources needed to successfully self-manage their diabetes. 

What interested you about being a Diabetic Educator? Why did you choose this area of specialty?

Millions of people in Canada live with diabetes, and education is the key to good management of diabetes. Health teaching is already a big part of my role as a nurse, and I wanted to specialize in an area of need.  

As a Certified Diabetic Educator you’re a vital part of our team, can you share any special moments from Winterberry that made you know that you’re making a positive difference in our patient’s lives? 

Anytime our patients feel supported, confident and accomplished is a good day.  Some simple smiles and laughs, never hurt either. 

When you’re not at work, what are your hobbies and special interests?

When I am not at work, you will either find me, outside with my kids and dog, or travelling to a new wine region with my husband. 

Each month we catch up to one of our almost 50 team members at Winterberry to find out more about what they do at Winterberry, how they chose their profession and so much more. This month we were so happy to find time with Munira and hope you enjoy our quick Q+A!

Munira, what is your role with Winterberry?

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at Winterberry. With 15 years of experience within the critical care and long-term care setting, it became apparent through my journey that primary care is foundational to the patient’s overall treatment plan and well-being. It was a natural transition to move onto the family care environment after attaining my FNP credentials from D’Youville University (Buffalo, USA)  in 2019.  

What is the best part of being an NP?

The best part of being an NP is the opportunity to make personal connections with my patients. Knowing about their overall  lifestyles and motivations is integral to proposing treatment options that are suited to individual needs and circumstance . Being a nurse practitioner allows me to deliver holistic, patient centered and compassionate care. Winterberry makes it possible to spend quality time with my patients seamlessly while providing individualist care. 

What interested you about being an NP? Why did you choose this career?

I always wanted to be in the medical field in order to make a direct difference in an individual’s quality of life. Nursing offered me that basis. After gaining invaluable experience over a decade in nursing, I made the conscious decision to expand my skills in treatment, work-up, diagnosis, and intervention, these are key competencies that I utilize as an NP. 

What does an average day look like for you at Winterberry?

An average day at Winterberry is anything but average. Working amongst some of the smartest practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, doctors and staff there is always something interesting and exciting to learn. I have the privilege of seeing patients individually throughout my day and also coming together for some down time at lunch and having education sessions with my colleagues to discuss comprehensive cases. 

As an NP you’re a vital part of our team, can you share any special moments from Winterberry that made you know that you’re making a positive difference in our patient’s lives? 

I have had an amazing experience at Winterberry. It has been an honour to come into a dedicated group that provides an inclusive yet autonomous environment. Winterberry allows me to give my patients my undivided attention to offer the highest quality care they deserve. I feel I’m making a positive difference when the patient is leaving my room smiling, and satisfied with their needs, and requesting me to be their  NP for future visits.  Providing a treatment plan but also getting updates from my patients on their lives, their interests, and their families is important to holistically addressing their needs while building trust. 

When you’re not at work, what are your hobbies and special interests?

I have two beautiful girls, who are 2 and 7 years old. Together with my husband, we enjoy time outdoors, visiting festivals and attractions. We love to travel and enjoy great food. I love to  watch legal dramas shows and curling up to a good book with a great cup of coffee.  

Each month we catch up to one of our 50+ team members in order to help our patients get to know them better. This month we sat down and chatted with Kylie, one of our hardworking and caring RPNs. We hope you enjoy our chat!

Kylie, what is your role with Winterberry?

I am a registered practical nurse and have been with Winterberry for just shy of two years.

I started my nursing career just at the start of COVID working in long term care before joing the Winterberry team.

What is the best part of being an RPN?

I love working collaboratively with my team members to help optimize patient care. It’s a privilege to teach others about their health and help them when they are at their most vulnerable. I find great satisfaction in helping improve a patient’s quality of life, in any big or small way. Even just making someone smile on a hard day is a big win for me!

What interested you about being an RPN? Why did you choose this career?

I have always loved the sciences and have a passion for caring for people – I am lucky to have found a perfect balance of both in nursing.

I also love to continue to learn and improve my knowledge/skills, which is necessary in health care specifically. I think it’s really special that we get to care for patients of all ages – from newborns to seniors, there’s always something new to learn!

What does an average day look like for you at Winterberry?

There’s rarely a dull day at Winterberry! Most days I am either busy seeing patients or running around the office assisting the rest of our wonderful team.

When you’re not at work, what are your hobbies and special interests?
I am an avid reader and am growing my own personal library. I love to cook, bake and spend my free time with family and friends  🙂