Leaving is bittersweet

Lisa Safian was born at the Brantford General Hospital . So were her two children. For the past seven years she has worked at the hospital. So, how can it make sense when Lisa says, “Even though I am leaving the Brant Community Healthcare System it will be good for the hospital?”

“I am looking forward to a new career opportunity,” Lisa said recently. “But I am not looking forward to leaving.”

Lisa's new job is a natural progression of her knowledge, skills and expertise. She has been hired as a nursing professor in the Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) program at the Mohawk College / McMaster University Institute for Health Sciences. Lisa describes the new position as, “a huge challenge- but that's okay. I am still at that point in my life where I want to do more.”

Our loss at the Brant Community Healthcare System is the Mohawk/ McMaster Institute for Health Science's, make that, our future nurses, gain.

“The institute uses a collaborative model- which I love'” Lisa said. “Critical thinking and leadership skills have become paramount in the RPN scope of practice. And it all started right here at Brantford General a few years ago. The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario recognized this and awarded their first-ever Employer of the Year Award to BGH for our groundbreaking work in expanding the roles of RPN's. Nowadays, hospitals across the province have adapted much of what we do.”

Did the fact that Lisa was familiar with the development of the new scope of practice for RPN's at the BGH influence her being hired? “Well, lets put it this way- they know Brantford General is on the map as a leader in the province so it could not have hurt me.”

Lisa was raised in Simcoe and attended Fanshawe College where she became a nurse. Then it was on to McMaster University for her BA in Sociology. She also studied occupational health nursing at Mohawk College and then completed her Masters of Education at Brock University . She smiles, “I have certainly been one of those lifelong learners. That is what healthcare is all about.”

Lisa arrived at Brantford General from Toronto 's Riverdale Hospital where she was an educator. As an educator here, Lisa first supported the clinical educators for the nursing departments. “Today, they are an incredible, very dynamic group.” As her responsibilities evolved Lisa and the others in her department have taken on considerable organizational development activities.

Lisa's experience combining her academic learning and real world experience is exactly what is required to teach nursing students. “Many nursing students today are older and they reflect our diverse background. It makes teaching very interesting. I have a good sense of reality of what goes on in hospitals.”

Lisa admits that she has a soft spot in her heart for Brantford General. “I know I always will. I would not be leaving except for this job. I am leaving because the new position fits my career path. I know there will be much that I will miss. There are many very exciting projects that are about to happen at the Brant Community Healthcare System.”

Lisa is leaving the Brant Community Healthcare System but she will never be out of touch. “I know firsthand the quality of care provided at Brantford General and The Willett. I will be able to talk with authority to nursing students about the outstanding clinical experience they will receive when they do rotations here- and that will be good for patients.”

Gary Chalk is Senior Executive Director- Public Affairs & Development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and many specialized services. The Willett, Paris is a multi-service health centre providing urgent care, primary care and community outreach programs.