The Power of Nurses to Transform Health
National Nursing Week, May 6 to 12, is a time to recognize the essential role nurses play in health care. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” chosen by the Canadian Nurses Association, highlights the profound impact nurses have on patient and resident care, as well as the health system overall.
At St. Joseph’s, we are proud to recognize and thank our more than 1,300 nurses whose compassion, expertise, and dedication touch the lives of our patients, residents, and their families every day. Your work truly makes a difference - and this week, we celebrate you.
As part of National Nursing Week, St. Joseph’s is highlighting four nurses, sharing their unique roles, why they love nursing, and what this year’s theme means to them.
Paulo Da Rosa, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Complex Care Program
Paulo Da Rosa is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Complex Care Program at Parkwood Institute Main Building, where he has been making a significant impact since joining St. Joseph’s in 2021. With nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare, Paulo’s career is grounded in evidence-based practice, mentorship, and collaboration.
"Nursing isn’t just about providing care at the bedside," says Paulo. "It’s about shaping the future of our healthcare system. We bring clinical expertise, critical thinking, and compassion to every interaction."
In his role, Paulo prioritizes patient assessments, manages referrals, and collaborates with care teams. He is also an active member of corporate committees, developing tools like decision trees to guide nurses in delivering evidence-based wound care.
"Nurses are not only caregivers, but also innovators and leaders," he explains. "We lead quality improvement initiatives, contribute to policy, and advocate for patient-centered care—driving meaningful change."
Paulo’s passion for nursing was sparked by the care his daughter received as a baby, which inspired him to pursue nursing at Western University. "I love making a difference in patients’ lives during their most challenging times, and empowering nurses to deliver the highest standards of care," he says.
Nursing has also opened doors for Paulo, including serving as President of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada. "I truly don’t know where I’d be without nursing," he reflects.
Reflecting on this year’s National Nursing Week theme, Paulo emphasizes the vital role nurses play in healthcare: "Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients and families. We bring together expertise, critical thinking, and compassion to improve outcomes - for individuals and across the healthcare system."
Marissa Bradley, Registered Practical Nurse, Treatment and Rehabilitation Program
Marissa Bradley is a registered practical nurse in the Treatment and Rehabilitation Program at Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care Building. She began her career at St. Joseph’s in 2017 as a personal support worker and transitioned to nursing in 2019.
“Over the years, I’ve seen how the values of St. Joseph’s create a supportive and healing environment for both patients and staff,” says Marissa. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that truly makes a difference, especially in mental health care, a field that is close to my heart.”
A typical day for Marissa includes supporting patients through recovery, collaborating with her care team and administering treatment. “My goal is always to support patients in their recovery, ensuring they feel heard and cared for,” she explains.
Her passion for mental health nursing is deeply personal. “Having faced my own struggles, I developed a passion for mental health care and wanted to dedicate my career to helping others through their journeys,” Marissa shares. “My mother’s compassion and dedication as a nurse left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to follow in her footsteps.”
Reflecting on this year’s National Nursing Week theme, Marissa emphasizes the vital role nurses play in healthcare: “This theme not only highlights the hands-on care and compassion nurses provide each day but also the broader impact we have in improving health care systems, advocating for patients and driving innovation.”
Brenda Seitz, Registered Nurse, Urgent Care Centre, St. Joseph’s Hospital
Brenda Seitz is a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, working in the fast-paced Urgent Care Centre. Her responsibilities range from treating minor injuries and broken bones to triaging patients in emergency situations. "Urgent care is unique because it’s unpredictable – no two shifts are ever the same," she explains.
Brenda’s passion for health care has been a constant throughout her life. After completing a general science program, she realized nursing was her true calling. "I didn’t know exactly where I’d start in health care, but I knew I was meant to be at the bedside with patients. I wanted to advocate for them, provide care and make a difference," she shares.
A turning point in Brenda’s career came during the pandemic, when health care workers faced extraordinary challenges. "I thought I had seen it all after nursing through SARS, but this level of uncertainty was different," she recalls. “Even on tough days, I knew this is where I belonged.”
While Brenda has experienced many pivotal moments in her career, one stands out. Years ago, at a dance with her husband, a man suddenly collapsed. Brenda, alongside another nurse who would later become her colleague and mentor, performed CPR until paramedics arrived, saving the man’s life. Years later, the man’s grown son visited the Urgent Care Centre where Brenda worked and recognized her as the nurse who saved his father. "That moment – saving that man’s life with a nurse who would become my colleague and mentor – has stayed with me throughout my career," she says.
Brenda joined the Urgent Care team in 2014 after working in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and she has been a dedicated member of the team ever since. "The mentorship and friendships I’ve gained here have been invaluable," she says. "Nursing is a career built on connection, and I’m grateful for the people I’ve met."
With more than a decade of experience, Brenda continues to learn and grow. "The work keeps me on my toes. There’s rarely a day I don’t learn something new," she says. "But often it’s the moments when a patient says, 'You’ve done this for a long time, haven’t you? That didn’t hurt at all,' that makes me feel pretty good."
Reflecting on this year’s National Nursing Week theme, "The Power of Nurses to Transform Health," Brenda highlights the core of nursing: "The patient is always at the center. No matter how systems change or roles evolve, nursing is about keeping the focus on the patient. That’s the power we hold."
Mayfair Appiagyei, Registered Practical Nurse, Complex Care Program
Mayfair Appiagyei is a registered practical nurse in the Complex Care Program at Parkwood Institute, where she has been making a significant impact since joining St. Joseph’s over two years ago. Mayfair’s nursing practice is defined by her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to patient advocacy.
Each day, Mayfair embraces her 12-hour shifts, providing patient assessments, administering medications, assisting with activities of daily living, and collaborating with her team. For her, nursing is about not only delivering quality care but also applying problem-solving skills and empathy to create meaningful change. One of her most rewarding experiences is witnessing patients who initially required mechanical lift transfers walk out of the unit independently, a transformation that Mayfair calls “magic.”
Mayfair’s passion for nursing stems from a natural inclination to help others, motivating her to pursue this profession. She feels privileged to be part of a team that is so committed to patient recovery and well-being. "The collaboration on our unit is amazing," she says. “To see patients regain their independence and thrive is a powerful reminder of why I chose nursing.”
Reflecting on this year’s National Nursing Week theme, Mayfair highlights the transformative role nurses play in health care, both at the bedside and beyond. "Nursing is about shaping health care systems and advocating for patients at every turn," she explains. "The true power of nursing lies in our ability to make a lasting impact, one patient at a time."