Sunnybrook is inventing the future of health-care through education
Education  >  News & media  >  News

Sunnybrook nurses recognized as 'Nursing Heroes' in annual awards

April 29, 2021

Nurses at Sunnybrook and across the country have gone above and beyond to provide care for those in need during an unprecedented year. In the annual Nursing Hero Awards organized by Hospital News, one of Canada’s leading health care newspapers, Sunnybrook nurses were once again recognized as nursing heroes.

In a record-breaking year, a total of 63 Sunnybrook nurses were nominated. Ordia Kelly, a registered nurse at Sunnybrook, placed first in this year’s nationwide award. Along with receiving the top prize, registered nurse Sue Thorne was awarded second place and two additional nurses – Cindi Wheeler and Christina Mueller – received honourable mentions.

The Nursing Hero Awards, announced in honor of National Nursing Week (May 10 – 16), salute Canadian nursing heroes and highlight their exceptional work. Nominations are submitted by peers, managers, patients and patients’ family members. The 2021 Nursing Hero winners were selected from a record-breaking 265 submissions from across Canada.

Meet our award-winning and honourable-mention nurses:

Ordia Kelly

Described as true nursing hero, registered nurse and team leader of the C6 General Internal Medicine Unit, Ordia Kelly stands out because her deep commitment to helping patients and her ability to multi-task so effortlessly. As a positive and dedicated individual in times of uncertainty and anxiety, Ordia is a beacon of compassion and grace. She always goes the extra mile as a team leader and elevates the work of the people around her, impacting countless patients and staff members.

Sue Thorne

Sue Thorne has been a nurse for over 30 years, with an impressive 22 years at Sunnybrook. As a registered nurse, she has spent many years caring for every type of patient imaginable. She has brought her exemplary nursing experience and compassion to the roles of advisor in the Office of the Patient Experience, working in the Emergency Medical Assistance Team, a clinical coordinator in Infection Prevention and Control and most recently, as a Risk Manager. Sue is a dedicated nursing hero with her commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and empathy when it comes to patient advocacy.

Cindi Wheeler

Cindi Wheeler serves as a nurse practitioner for the TAVI program in the Schulich Heart Centre and since her arrival three years ago, Cindi’s dedication to her patients is extraordinary. Described as consistently going above and beyond for her patients, Cindi cares for patients with initiative, innovation, and outstanding compassion.

Christina Mueller

Christina Mueller is a nurse practitioner for haematology and has been described as an integral part of many of her patient’s healing. Her commitment to holistic patient care abates the anxiety and uncertainty some patients face. By making a conscious effort to connect with her patients outside the scope of medical care, Christina goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Congratulations to all of our nominees:

  • Yitayew Alameneh
  • Melissa Alexandre
  • Miriam Amon
  • Adriana Antoniu
  • Imelda Aquino
  • Nadiya Arkipova
  • Ariana Buttoo
  • Grace Cabanlit
  • Michelle Carbonel
  • Maria Theresa Carmelo
  • Laura Chamberlin
  • Cynthia Chia-Hsin Chuang
  • Well Chito
  • Karen Choe
  • Lily Lemlem Desta
  • Ivan Dublin
  • Halimo Elmi
  • Nellie Estrada
  • Kevin Finnegan
  • Andreana Flores
  • Meghan Fockler
  • Tyson Foss
  • Nichola Fraser
  • Pamela Gallagher
  • Thusigia Gnanaruban
  • Chito Gonzanga
  • Patricia Harris
  • Noorin Jamal
  • Shaina Janmohamed
  • Rose Jeevaretnam
  • Eunji Jung
  • Ordia Kelly
  • Nikoletta Kovacs
  • Karen Krizan
  • Sylent Lewis
  • Nita Lim
  • Benedetta Mannino
  • Christina Mueller
  • Jennifer Nesbitt
  • Jeanette Nicolas
  • Leslie Ann Nigh
  • Bisharo Noor
  • Fakhria (Farah) Omar
  • Jennifer Pantaleon
  • Keiths Robinson
  • Jemila Sala
  • Christine Sandiford
  • Ildar Shigapov
  • Maria Sia
  • Thao Sindall
  • Jessica Slutsker
  • Shandie-Lyn Stockill
  • Gina Stokes
  • Yejin Suh
  • Gloria Tang
  • Sue Thorne
  • Sui Ling (Cansus) Tso
  • Tony Vong
  • Cindi Wheeler
  • Carrie Winslade
  • Ben Wong
  • Cathy Xi Aowei Lu
  • Min Zhang