"It's a calling to help where I am needed"

Registered nurse Thea Lacastesantos usually works on a medicine unit at Dartmouth General Hospital. But the internationally educated nurse recently volunteered to pick up extra shifts at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, to help alleviate the pressures in the emergency department.

“It's one of my dreams to work in emergency,” said Lacastesantos, who is originally from the Philippines. “I like a challenge, and it’s so busy, but everything is new – new staff, new types of patients for me.”

Recently, Lacastesantos was assigned to “Pod 7”, a patient care area with up to eight admitted patients who are waiting for hospital beds.

She says she is happy to take on the extra work and contribute to helping the broader system. “I see this as an opportunity for growth and experience. It’s also a calling, as a nurse, to help where I am needed.”

Photo of Thea Lacastesantos, RN.