Tell us about yourself!
My name is Sheila Punzo, and I am a Registered Nurse (RN) working in Michael Garron Hospital (MGH)’s Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit. I have been working at MGH since 2003.
What motivated you to join MGH?
My inspiration was my aunt Virginia. She was an RN and worked in MGH’s Operating Room for 35 years. She told me wonderful stories about her work environment – that it was fun, caring and supportive – and her great relationship with her colleagues. A few years later, I met Marilyn Lee, a now-retired manager at MGH. She helped me and brought me into the organization. I’m forever grateful to both of them.
What types of learning, mentorship or professional development opportunities have you had the opportunity to pursue since joining MGH?
- I was one of the RNs who was given the opportunity to train for a new unit in 2009 called SACA (Surgical Acute Care Area). It gave me the opportunity to work in a more acute setting.
- At this time, I started being a preceptor, which I still do now.
Can you share your career path at MGH?
2003-2006: I joined the float pool, which is now known as the Nursing Resource Team (NRT). I was excited to get a position in the float pool as it gave me the opportunity to work in different areas of nursing.
2006- 2013: I transferred to the Surgical Inpatient Unit, where I gained a lot of knowledge and experience and developed my nursing skills.
2013: I worked in the Post-Anesthesia Recovery Room, where I was able to apply the experience and knowledge I had learned from my work in the Surgical Inpatient Unit and SACA.
2013-2014: I moved to day surgery where I was able to improve my intravenous (IV) insertion skills and took on a charge nurse role.
2014-2015: I moved back to the NRT, where I rotated supporting different departments such as Medicine, Surgery and Mental Health.
2015- Present: I now work in the Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit. It has been the most challenging part of my career so far but has also been the most rewarding. My job allows me to meet patients from different walks of life and I’ve learned that mental health is just as important as your physical health.
What motivates or inspires you?
I work with great people who are supportive, caring and fun to be around. When a patient is in crisis, everyone drops whatever they are doing to help. The impact we make on patients and the support from my colleagues motivates me to continue to come to work every day.
If you could share one memorable moment from your time at MGH, what stands out to you?
I was hired shortly before the SARS epidemic occurred. It was a very scary time for everyone, especially healthcare workers. It brought a lot of fear. At the time, everyone at MGH – from leaders to doctors to staff – did their part and kept everyone safe. I had never experienced such a caring and supportive environment during a difficult and challenging time. The professionalism was remarkable, and staff were adaptable to all of the changes taking place. The ability of the team to come together during this time of need and make things happen was incredible.