Sunnybrook nurse practitioner claims third prize in 20th annual national “nursing heroes” contest
Sunnybrook nurses were once again recognized as nursing heroes in the 20th annual Nursing Hero Awards organized by Hospital News, one of Canada’s leading health care newspapers.
Nurses at Sunnybrook received several recognitions in this year’s awards. Members of Team Sunnybrook were awarded third prize, designated a top five finalist and named honourable mentions in this year’s Nursing Hero Awards. Winners and nominees include:
- Noorin Jamal, a nurse practitioner who claimed third prize
- Sheila Hossain, a nurse who was highlighted as a top five finalist and;
- Jenny Jones, Vivene Taylor and Francesca Valdez, who were all named honourable mentions in this year’s nationwide awards.
Additionally, a total of 25 Sunnybrook nurses were nominated by their peers 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 every year in honour of National Nursing Week (May 12 – 18, 2025), salute nursing heroes in Canada and highlight their exceptional work. Nominations were from peers, managers, patients and patients’ family members. This year’s winners were selected from more than 220 submissions from across the country.
Meet our award-winning, finalist and honourable-mention nurses:
Noorin Jamal
With over 20-years of nursing experience, Noorin is not only an accomplished clinician, but also, a formidable nursing leader. Since 2010, Noorin has held an extensive role as a nurse practitioner. Her transformation of the nurse practitioner role within the Schulich Heart Program has been ground-breaking. In her most recent position in the transcatheter mitral valve program, she has adeptly managed patients pre- and post-mitral valve surgery, significantly enhancing clinical care through the development of pathways that uphold best practice standards. Prior to this, she was a pivotal figure in establishing the first nurse practitioner-led virtual heart failure clinic within the Schulich Heart Program, showcasing her ability to innovate and lead in clinical settings during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sheila Hossain
Sheila began her career at Sunnybrook in 2008, entering one of the most demanding and high-stakes areas of nursing: trauma critical care. From the outset, Sheila distinguished herself with her aptitude for critical care. Her commitment to continual learning and excellence quickly led her to transition into the Trauma Neuro ICU. She is not only a skilled clinician, but also, a gifted mentor. She has dedicated herself to supporting the next generation of nurse, recognizing that teaching and mentorship are critical to the future of the profession. Through both formal teaching sessions and informal bedside coaching, Sheila exemplifies leadership grounded in humility and service.
Jenny Jones
Jenny was nominated by a patient and their family. As a nurse in the D4 ICU, her presence, skills and ability to connect with them made all the difference. Jenny goes above and beyond to make sure her patients and their loved ones feel safe and secure while in her care. The patient that nominated her, said despite his serious condition, he found strength through Jenny’s support. During another hospital stay for this patient, Jenny created another moment of hope and strength. Recognizing this patient needed a morale boost, she returned the next day with a bracelet that she made for them that read “Battle Ready”. Gestures like this are what make Jenny more than a nurse; she was a lifeline, a supporter and a trusted friend.
Vivene Taylor
As a registered practical nurse (RPN), Vivene has worked on Veteran and Palliative Care Units for many years. Vivene is a key member of the Veterans Nursing Resource Team (VCNRT) – a group of adaptable, cross-trained nurses who are oriented to Sunnybrook and prepared to provide excellence in patient care. Vivene consistently goes above and beyond in providing excellence in care for patients and is always there to support her colleagues. What truly sets Vivene apart is her unwavering person-centred approach. She not only provides excellent care to her residents and their families, but also fosters positive relationships with her nursing colleagues, interprofessional team members, support staff and unit leaders.
Francesca Valdez
At the heart of the Neurovascular Unit (NVU) is Francesca, registered nurse. With unwavering compassion, she advocates for patients, supports colleagues, mentors new nurse, fosters a positive work culture and drives initiatives to enhance care. Motivated to bring hope to patients and show the team the meaningful impact pf their work, she launched the “NVU Graduates” project. This initiative shares inspiring stories of stroke survivors who have recovered and left the hospital, giving current patients and families hope while celebrating the incredible work of the health-care team.
Congratulations to all of our nominees:
- Irene Alao
- Alice Anena
- Sathiyaranee Arunasaiam
- Chimo Bhutia
- Michelle Chew
- Ann-Margaret Delgado
- Shannon Gilley
- Sheila Hossain
- Jennifer Huynh
- Noorin Jamal
- Jenny Jones
- Jessika Kovasc
- Pat Oag
- Janet Pilgrim
- Tiago Real
- Nichole Rodney
- Paolo Santos
- Hazel Saunders
- Kalliopi Stilos
- Vivene Taylor
- Angela Te-Smith
- Karin Trofimova
- Suzette Turner
- Francesca Valdez
- Casey Wigg
