Sherry completed her Diploma in Nursing from Georgian College in 1990 with her final pre-graduation placement here at Headwaters. On her last shift in our Emergency Department, she was asked if she would like a job on the Obstetrics Unit.
“My plan was to complete my Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Obstetrics Courses and then move onto work at SickKids. I completed all of my training and then some but never moved on,” said Sherry.
“I remember saying to my mom as a small girl that I wanted to work with the babies one day. I knew I either wanted to be a teacher or a nurse and thought with nursing I could get the best of both worlds,” recalled Sherry.
Sherry loves to teach; whether it is orientating new staff to the unit or teaching patients about labor, pain options or anything they are lacking knowledge in surrounding their care.
“Every day is my favorite day. I love what I do. I love supporting people,” said Sherry.
Sherry’s proudest accomplishment over her 31-years at Headwaters was redeveloping the entire Prenatal Bereavement Program. Sherry lost a baby herself at 13-weeks pregnant and the next patient she had after she returned to work lost her baby at full term. This really highlighted for her what was lacking for those ‘having patients with wings’.
“Educational materials are important, but it isn’t always about that. I knew we needed to provide grieving moms and birth partners with mementos. They needed something to take home instead of emptiness even if they don’t realize they needed it in the immediate moments following the loss. With the new program we provide them with photos, locks of hair and casting of foot and handprints. We give them memories,” said Sherry.
The butterfly program also began in Obstetrics; by placing a butterfly on the entrance of a patient room other staff and physicians are alerted that a death has occurred, and that people are in mourning. Soon thereafter, the entire hospital adopted the program.
“The team here at the hospital is incredible. Several of my colleagues in Obstetrics have worked here for over 20-years and we call each other ‘the old girls’. It is nice to be able to work with people who think the same way you do, genuinely care about you and want to support you,” said Sherry.
Over the course of the pandemic, Sherry has been reminded of her education when pursuing her Bachelor of Science in 2010 from Ryerson.
“My first course was on burnout and self-care. It felt like a chance to reflect on things, and I realized then and even now that nursing isn’t the issue all the other stuff is. I love what I do; it’s COVID that I dislike and the unpredictable changes it creates,” said Sherry.
Thank you, Sherry for your fearless dedication to your profession and patients. You have devoted your entire career to helping others (including many who couldn’t advocate for themselves) and our hospital and community is profoundly grateful.