Sunnybrook nurses saluted as heroes

Congratulations to Larisa Barbour, RN of the Odette Cancer Program who is the first place winner in the annual Nursing Hero Awards organized by Hospital News, one of Canada’s leading healthcare newspapers.

Nominated by colleagues for her compassionate, person-focused care, Barbour is regarded by many patients as their “angel.” She works exclusively on the night shift, comforting patients when they often feel most alone and vulnerable. A colleague says Barbour has “unwavering patience and boundless empathy. She’s the nurse we all strive to be and also hope to have if we ever found a loved one or ourselves in the hospital.”

“Larisa truly lives her values and brings her authenticity and compassion to relationships where she impacts the lives of those she cares for, in the most meaningful way," says Tracey DasGupta, RN, Director of Interprofessional Practice, Sunnybrook.

Barbour has been a nurse in oncology at Sunnybrook for over 20 years. She did not plan to be in oncology care, but fell in love with the field and has remained in it ever since.

“To be given such an award is an honour,” says Barbour. “I always wanted to be a nurse to help patients get better and to see them through the journey. I can’t imagine being anywhere else, and thanks to the support of the amazing team I work with every day, I feel very fulfilled.”

Congratulations also to Yvonne Ramlall, RPN of Holland Musculoskeletal Program who is recognized with an Honourable Mention Nursing Hero Award.

The Nursing Hero Awards announced in honour of National Nursing Week (May 11 to 17, 2015), salute Canadian nursing heroes and highlight their exceptional work. Nominations were from peers, managers, patients and patients’ family members. This year’s winners were selected from over 100 submissions from across the country, with Sunnybrook nurses receiving seven nominations in total and securing the first place position for the second year in a row.