As healthcare becomes more complex, continuous learning is essential to ensure quality and best practice. Our health providers are at the forefront of patient care and investing in their growth and development is a high priority for JBH through initiatives such as nursing bursaries and the JBH Learning Assistance Program, which is designed to help staff offset costs for tuition or registration fees for courses, conferences, or certifications aligned to development goals.
In 2024, Nicholas Rizzo and Hardh (Harry) Thakkar, Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) who work in Acute Medicine, were among the first recipients of the Frank and Carol Tristani Education Awards bursaries to support their ongoing education, enabling them to take the next step in their nursing careers.
Harry's journey began with a passion for helping others. For him, nursing is the perfect blend of critical thinking, compassion, and hands-on care. During his four years at JBH, Harry has honed his skills in a dynamic and supportive environment, surrounded by an exceptional team.
Being awarded a bursary strengthened his motivation and gave him the financial support he needed to pursue his goal of making the transition from an RPN to a Registered Nurse (RN). “You build strong relationships with patients and their families, and you're constantly learning and growing,” Harry said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone's journey towards healing and wellness.”
He noted that he is most excited about deepening his clinical skills, taking on more leadership responsibilities, and advocating for patients on a larger scale.
Investing in growth and development is what the awards are all about. “We want to look more to what we’re doing in the future, not the past,” said Frank Tristani. “Hopefully whoever uses these scholarships are setting themselves up for the future.”
Nicholas’ career journey began in the hospital's Purchasing department and later Portering. Inspired by his experiences and his wife's nursing career, Nicholas pursued his RPN qualification and began working in the Acute Medicine unit in 2017. The exceptional team on this floor has been a driving force behind his desire to develop his career. The bursary he received enabled him to balance full-time studies, part-time work, and raising his young son while his wife was on maternity leave.
"This award has not only supported my education but also affirmed my commitment to lifelong learning and the care I provide,” he said. “As I move to the RN role, I hope to become a leader and help to create and facilitate more positive changes in the future.”