Meet Princess Gantalao, Registered Practical Nurse at Michael Garron Hospital

Tell us about yourself! 

Hello, my name is Princess Gantalao and I'm a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) on H7, in the Department of Medicine at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). I officially joined the team as an RPN in 2026, but my journey at MGH began in 2024 when I started as a ward aide while I was still in my first year of practical nursing school. 

What motivated you to join MGH? 

When I started nursing school, I knew I wanted to gain experience in a hospital setting as early as possible. I had no previous hospital experience, so I was nervous, but I also knew it would be the best way to build my confidence and better understand what nursing would look like. 

As a teaching hospital, MGH gave me the opportunity to apply what I was learning in the classroom while working alongside experienced healthcare professionals. It felt like the perfect place to develop my skills, learn from others and build a strong foundation for my nursing career. 

What types of learning, mentorship or professional development opportunities have you had since joining MGH? 

Since joining MGH, I've had many opportunities to learn and grow. As a ward aide in the Family Birthing Centre (FBC) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), I developed a strong understanding of infection prevention and control while working closely with Environmental Services to help maintain a safe patient care environment. Although I wasn't providing direct patient care, I learned how every role contributes to delivering high-quality care. 

In 2025, I joined the Clinical Extern Program where I worked in Respirology and Medicine. I was mentored by experienced nurses, clinical extern coordinators and managers who helped strengthen my clinical knowledge and confidence. During that time, I gained experience with ventilator management, oxygen therapy and peritoneal dialysis, while also learning about the important role allied health professionals play in supporting patient recovery. 

I also had the opportunity to shadow in the Stavro Emergency Department, participate in a mock Code Blue, attend education sessions on wound care and chest tubes and take part in a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiative focused on pressure injury prevention and management where I participated in patient rounding, completed risk assessments, staged wounds, applied dressings and contributed to evidence-based care. Every experience helped me build new skills and prepared me for my role today as an RPN. 

Can you share your career journey at MGH? 

2024 to 2025: I joined MGH as a Ward Aide at the FBC unit and NICU, gaining experience in a hospital setting. I prepared the operating rooms for C-sections, maintained and stocked maternity room supplies, prepared baby warmers and ensured NICU isolettes (incubator) were clean and ready for use. 

2025 to 2026: I joined the Clinical Extern Program where I developed my nursing skills while working in Respirology and Medicine (T9/G6) and later H6. I learned many valuable clinical and therapeutic communication skills during my time as an extern. 

2026 to present: After graduating from the Practical Nursing program at Centennial College and obtaining my RPN license, I interviewed for various units in the hospital and accepted an RPN position in the Medicine Department. I look forward to continuing my education and hopefully get my BScN degree in the future. 

What motivates or inspires you? 

I'm inspired by the amazing people around me, including my family, friends, colleagues, mentors and every person I've had the opportunity to meet. Every interaction, lesson and experience has helped shape who I am, both personally and professionally. 

One quote that has always stayed with me is "I am nothing but a mosaic of the people I've met and the things they've carried." As a new graduate nurse, that really resonates with me because I continue to learn from the patients I care for and the people I work alongside every day. 

If you could share one memorable moment from your time at MGH, what stands out to you? 

There have been so many memorable moments throughout my time at MGH, from sharing conversations and laughter with patients to building meaningful connections with my colleagues. 

One moment that stands out was when our team came together to celebrate an important milestone for a patient during their hospital stay. Seeing the joy on the patient's face and watching everyone work together with such compassion reminded me that nursing is about so much more than clinical care. 

Moments like that reinforce how meaningful even the smallest acts of kindness can be. They continue to inspire me and remind me why I chose a career in nursing. I'm excited to create many more memories as I continue my journey at MGH.