Tell us about yourself!
My name is Rozina Ramrattan and I am a Clinical Resource Leader with the Inpatient Surgery Unit at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). I am a Registered Nurse (RN), Certified Critical Care Nurse and I have a Master of Clinical Science. I have been working at MGH since 2007.
What motivated you to join MGH?
Joining MGH felt like a natural step in my career. I was drawn to the hospital system, and I was lucky enough to meet my first MGH hiring manager at a hotel job fair. I was hired on the spot after a lengthy conversation with her. Starting out as an RPN, I wanted to be in a place that valued growth and offered plenty of opportunities to learn and advance. MGH seemed like the perfect fit, especially with its diverse patient population, which I knew would be both challenging and rewarding to work with.
What types of learning, mentorship or professional development opportunities have you had the opportunity to pursue since joining MGH?
MGH has been fantastic in supporting my professional growth. Early on, I had the chance to complete the Critical Care Nursing Program at George Brown College, which opened the door for me to work in MGH’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). I've also been able to take on leadership roles throughout the hospital, such as Interim Supervisor for Cardiology and the Nursing Resource Team, and now, as the Clinical Resource Leader for Inpatient Surgery. On top of that, MGH has been supportive as I pursued my Master of Clinical Science at Western University. The mentorship I've received, especially during my Masters, has been invaluable – it's been a big part of my growth.
Can you share your career path at MGH?
2007: I started my journey at MGH as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) after graduating from Centennial College. I was eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to patient care in a supportive environment.
2011: After completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at Toronto Metropolitan University, I transitioned into a Registered Nurse (RN) role. This was a pivotal moment for me as it allowed me to take on more responsibilities and provide a higher level of care.
2012: I completed my Critical Care Graduate Certificate at George Brown College. This additional training deepened my expertise and solidified my role as a critical care nurse in the ICU, where I spent eight years honing my skills and providing care in critical health situations.
2020: I was ready to expand my role into leadership and took on interim supervisory positions in both Cardiology and the Nursing Resource Team. These roles gave me valuable experience in managing teams and ensuring quality care across different departments.
2021: I became a Clinical Educator in the ICU. This role allowed me to mentor and guide new nurses, which was incredibly rewarding. Sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of healthcare professionals has always been a passion for me.
Present: I now serve as the Clinical Resource Leader for Inpatient Surgery. This position allows me to focus on driving innovation and ensuring excellence in surgical care. I’m excited about the future and continue to seek opportunities to grow and make a positive impact in healthcare.
What motivates or inspires you?
What keeps me going every day is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Working in the ICU, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial our care can be, especially when patients are at their most vulnerable. Knowing that I can help someone in such a critical moment is incredibly motivating.
I also find a lot of inspiration in mentoring the next generation of nurses. It’s rewarding to see them grow and develop their skills, knowing that I’ve played a part in that. My own journey from RPN to Clinical Resource Leader has been all about continuous learning, and I’m always excited about what’s next in the world of healthcare.
The support from my colleagues at MGH is another big motivator. We’ve built a culture of collaboration and innovation, which really fuels my passion for the job. Seeing how we all pull together to support our community – especially during tough times like the pandemic – is inspiring and reminds me why I love what I do.
If you could share one memorable moment from your time at MGH, what stands out to you?
One of the most memorable and intense experiences at MGH was during the COVID-19 pandemic, while I was working as a bedside ICU nurse. Before the pandemic, I had never feared being a nurse, but that changed as the virus took hold. The sheer number of critically ill patients, the uncertainty of the situation, and the heartbreaking reality of losing lives despite our best efforts, was overwhelming.
We were proning patients daily, turning them onto their stomachs to improve their oxygenation, and it was amazing to see how this intervention could sometimes make a significant difference. Watching a patient's oxygen levels stabilize and improve after proning was one of the few bright spots during those dark days.
One moment that stands out was when a patient who had been critically ill for weeks finally started to recover. After so much time on a ventilator, seeing them take their first breaths on their own and eventually leave the ICU was incredibly emotional for the entire team. It felt like a hard-won victory amid so much loss.
The pandemic was a tough and frightening time, but it taught me so much about resilience, teamwork, and the strength of the human spirit. Despite the fear and challenges, it reinforced my passion for nursing and my commitment to providing the best possible care, even in the most difficult circumstances.