QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
With The Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners, and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health such a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today we’re featuring Nicole Doiron, Nutrition and Food Services utility worker.
Nicole Doiron has a bright smile and a warm presence, two of the qualities she brings to her role as a Nutrition and Food Services utility worker at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital. She provides meal service to patients in the emergency department (ED) and the women and children’s unit.
In her emergency department role, she gathers information about the number of patients needing meal trays, as well as other important details, including allergies and special dietary requirements.
“I personally deliver to all the patients, along with serving hot tea and coffee, and I fill the department’s pantry cupboards and fill the fridge with fresh sandwiches daily.”
Nicole says having a Nutrition and Food Services unit aide serve food directly to patients in the emergency department is a relatively new development. Previously, food trays would be delivered to the department, and it was part of the continuing care assistant (CCA) role to serve them to patients. However, because CCAs were busy performing other important patient care tasks, meal delivery would often be delayed. “It feels like a positive step forward to ensure the ED has the same benefits as the admitted patients in all the wards,” says Nicole.
She enjoys providing service to the longer-term patients on the women and children’s unit as well. “You’re getting to see them regularly. I’ve got a pretty good memory – I’ll see a face and say, ‘You were in a couple of months ago. You didn’t like the mac and cheese.’”
Nicole finds building rapport with patients rewarding. “I am quite skilled at communicating with the patients, getting to know their likes and dislikes, when I’m seeing them repeatedly day after day; sometimes they’re just looking for a friendly face. It seems appreciated by the patient that I took the time and that I care about their stay being as pleasant as possible.”
Nicole has worked in health care for 10 years, having previously worked as a self-employed hair stylist.
“Working in health care means taking pride in how I deal with all the staff I come in contact with, being friendly, helpful and just try to bring some cheer into my role.”
We want to learn and share your stories. What keeps you going, despite challenges? What does working in health and health care mean to you, both personally and professionally? Who is that colleague or teammate that makes going to work easier when things feel hard?
Whether you’ve had a defining moment that reaffirmed your purpose or want to recognize a colleague who embodies the heart of health, share your story with us. Let’s celebrate each other! E-mail: heartofhealth@nshealth.ca