Sunnybrook nurses designated ‘nursing heroes’ in national contest

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.

Sunnybrook nurses were awarded first and third prize in this year’s Nursing Hero Awards. Mark A Gravoso, a registered nurse at Sunnybrook, claimed top prize and Valeriya Potapov, a registered nurse at Sunnybrook, placed third in this year’s nationwide awards. Along with Sunnybrook taking home first and third prize, a total of 10 Sunnybrook nurses were nominated for this year’s awards. Our nurses are there in your toughest moments and are a part of what makes Sunnybrook special.

The Nursing Hero Awards, announced in honour of National Nursing Week (May 6 - 12), 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 86 submissions from across the country.

Meet our award-winning nurses:

Mark A Gravoso

Mark has 16-years of clinical nursing experience from the Philippines, Abu Dhabi UAE and Canada. He is an internationally educated nurse (IEN) and is currently working as an RN in General Internal Medicine at Toronto General Hospital (UHN) and on the Vascular Access Team at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He has completed his Clinical Educator Certificate from the Michener Institute of Education at UHN, is the President of the Integrated Filipino-Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA) and a Member of the Canadian Vascular Access Association.

Valeriya Potapov

Valeriya has embarked on her nursing journey at the Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre for 13-years. Throughout her career, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, develop professionally and strive for excellence in her practice. She is an active advocate and proud member of nursing council. Her peers describe her as a team player, advocate, and she is known to go the extra mile for patients to provide them with hope and comfort. Valeriya has a depth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to patient care and she makes a lasting impact in the lives of many individuals each day.

Congratulations to all of our nominees:

• Jennifer Arruda
• Michelle Co
• Mark A Gravoso
• Semona Piera
• Valeriya Potapov
• Emily Rosenblum
• Carmen Stiller
• Kalli Stilos
• Patricia Welsh
• Jennifer Willard