#IamMGH – Meet Julie Lim

#IamMGH tells the stories of our people. Meet Julie Lim, Registered Nurse at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).   

“I’m a registered nurse (RN) in the Stavro Emergency Department (ED) at MGH. Day to day, my role focuses on patient care, making sure patients are well taken care of and supporting the overall flow of the unit. Every shift looks a little different. There are many moving parts in the ED and I’m still learning, so it always feels like there is something new to take on. In addition to my role as an RN, I stay connected to the Nursing Innovation Team as a point-of-care staff nurse volunteer member. Here, I’m involved in research and quality improvement work, which has broadened how I approach patient care and helped me see the bigger picture behind what we do in practice. 

I started at MGH in 2023 as an extern on T9 in respirology medicine. When the Nursing Innovation Team was formed, I joined and worked in a hybrid role, splitting my time between T9, the ED and Nursing Innovation. During my final year of school, I completed my consolidation in emergency and after graduating, I worked as part of the Nursing Resource Team before transitioning fully into my current role. 

My interest in nursing came from both research and patient care. I have a degree in kinesiology and completed a research placement at Toronto Rehab. Research has always been a big interest of mine, but during that time, I really noticed how nurses connected with patients and supported their care. When the pandemic happened, I saw it as an opportunity to move into clinical practice. Nursing Innovation ended up being a natural fit because it allowed me to stay connected to both research and patient care. 

Through Nursing Innovation, I had opportunities to be involved in all steps of the research process, from reviewing literature to supporting projects and disseminating findings. It helped me better understand broader challenges in healthcare such as staffing, retention and quality patient care. That experience has shaped the nurse I am today by strengthening how I navigate professional practice, patient relationships and approach both colleagues and patients with greater empathy and compassion. It has also supported my growth by providing opportunities to step into leadership roles and disseminate nursing research to stakeholders. Overall, it’s a unique team that fosters meaningful personal and professional development, with supportive leadership that actively encourages learning, mentorship and the pursuit of your goals. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing patients improve. When I was working on medicine units, I was able to follow patients over a longer period of time and see their progress. In the ED, it’s different. You often see patients at the beginning of their care, help stabilize them and then they move on. Even small moments, like helping someone feel better and being able to send them home, are meaningful. 

At the same time, the work can be challenging. There is a mental and emotional toll that comes with caring for unwell patients, along with the demands of the workload and long shifts. It can be difficult, but the team I work with makes a big difference. Having supportive colleagues who understand what you are going through helps a lot. 

That sense of support extends beyond the unit. Staying connected with the Nursing Innovation Team has also been important to me. They have been incredibly supportive, not just as leaders but as nurses who understand the realities of work. They create an environment where you feel encouraged and supported. 

When I think about MGH’s values, respect stands out to me. I believe it is something you give and receive. At MGH, I have felt that from both my colleagues and patients. People are kind, they acknowledge each other and take the time to connect, even in small ways.