National Nursing Week – Odesia Oday

During National Nurses Week, we celebrate and highlight the important work of our nurses in providing compassionate, quality care to our patients. Below, we spotlight Odesia Oday, who is currently a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in the Ambulatory Procedures Unit (APU).

“I became a nurse because I wanted a meaningful career that gave me gratification and motivation in helping others and providing them with care.”

Odesia has been a nurse at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) for 33 years. As the RPN Team Lead in the APU, her departments focus is minor elective surgeries under local anesthetic. Her tasks include supervising bookings, ensuring that APU has the necessary equipment and supplies for daily cases, as well as managing the patient flow in the department.

Throughout her career at JBH, Odesia has enjoyed the connections that she is able to build with patients and their families, especially during surgical procedures.

“Patients can be very nervous and anxious during these times,” she said. “I know I can make a difference in their experience by reassuring and putting them at ease from beginning to end.”

She also appreciates the memories she has been able to build within the hospital with colleagues.

“One memory that stands out in particular is Christmas rounds. Once a year, the hospital comes together to celebrate the holidays by singing or performing skits. It is nice to see the unity of JBH and the feeling of family.”

Thank you for all you do!