Renae Dixon standing in a hallway posing for her photo

#IamMGH - Meet Renae Dixon

#IamMGH tells the stories of our people. Meet Renae Dixon – registered nurse (RN) and in-patient (IP) vaccine nurse at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).

“I have been working at MGH for about 6 years now. I started out as a registered practical nurse (RPN) and worked my way to become an RN. In February of this year, I transitioned to the IP vaccine nurse position and have helped to put vaccines in arms every day.

I always thought about wanting to be a nurse, but I had no idea what it was like because none of my family members were in nursing. When I was in grade nine, I visited MGH for Career Day and it really pushed my desire for wanting to be a nurse here. Whenever I came to MGH after, I always saw myself working here as nurse and assisting patients. With my mom working as a unit clerk at MGH for more than 30 years, I quickly became familiar with this place and learned more about it every day.

As an IP vaccine nurse, my days tend to be busier, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I check into Powerchart in the morning, examine my patient list and write down which vaccines patients have been given and which dose they are looking to receive. After I finalize the details, I meet with my patients to ask them for consent, explain the process of the vaccine and address any concerns they may have. I always emphasize with each patient that they are protecting themselves and their family. I try to put myself in their perspective to understand why they may feel hesitant about the vaccine and offer information based on their concerns of receiving the vaccine.

Working during COVID-19 has strongly affected my position. It’s scary knowing you’re working in the hospital with this virus and with the potential of bringing it home to your family. Although my position as a vaccine nurse emerged during the pandemic, I myself was also apprehensive about the vaccine because it was something new. I identified with a lot of patients or families who weren’t sure about receiving it. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt if I brought it home to somebody. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can only go so far as with COVID-19 as the illness is not something you can see – the vaccine is the best option in protecting ourselves and others.

What I truly love about nursing is the peace of providing thoughtful care for patients. When patients or visitors are in a hospital environment, they can potentially feel uncomfortable or sick. Especially now with COVID-19, patients aren’t allowed to have any friends or family visit or advocate for them like they normally would. I try to place myself in their position and identify simple things they may need, such as needing a hot cloth or a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush their teeth. Simple actions and maintaining these types of beneficial relationships humanizes you outside of healthcare and creates memorable experiences for all patients.

Nursing care is everything - it has allowed me to gain appreciation for patient choices and decision making. Having this interpersonal connection with patients truly helps them get through their day. These extra gestures humanize us outside of our healthcare position and assists patients when seeing new faces every day. These connections create positive and memorable experiences for all, and that’s what nursing is all about.”

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