Tell us about yourself!
My name is Vincent Matthew Completo and I’m a Registered Nurse (RN) at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) in the Medicine Department. I started working at MGH in 2023.
What motivated you to join MGH?
The hospital’s commitment to community care deeply resonates with my own values and I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work in a community hospital setting. I believe MGH’s approach to fostering a healthy East Toronto community is truly inspiring.
What type of learning, mentorship or professional development opportunities have you had the opportunity to pursue since joining MGH?
I’ve had the opportunity to gain exposure to various units within the hospital as I progressed in my roles from Extern to Registered Nurse. I got experience in both inpatient and outpatient units. I have worked in different areas of the Medicine Department, including outpatient services, our respiratory unit, the telemetry unit, and currently a general internal medicine unit. I am grateful for the mentorship of an exceptional group of preceptors who have helped me refine my nursing skills.
Can you share your career path at MGH?
November 2023: I attended a job fair at MGH, seeking career opportunities as an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) from the Philippines. While working towards completing my nursing credentials in Canada, I took the initiative to apply for an extern position at MGH to gain exposure to a Canadian hospital setting.
December 2023: I began as an Extern in MGH’s Outpatient Department, where I supported patients with appointments for minor surgeries related to general medicine. To enhance my skills in preparation for becoming an RN, my manager also assigned me shifts on various inpatient medicine units throughout the hospital, including the respiratory unit, general internal medicine unit, and the telemetry unit. This experience allowed me to acquire new knowledge and skills while I was an Extern.
April 2024: With my manager's support, I secured eligibility for the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) through the College of Nurses of Ontario, a crucial step toward becoming an RN. SPEP offers IENs like me the opportunity to complete supervised practice hours to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and language proficiency. Assigned to MGH’s telemetry unit, I was mentored by an exceptional preceptor who helped me refine my skills and warmly welcomed me into the nursing profession.
July 2024 to present: After completing nearly four months of training, I successfully obtained my RN license from the College of Nurses of Ontario and joined MGH’s General Internal Medicine Unit as a full-time staff member. While my journey at MGH has been filled with ups and downs, the unwavering support of my managers and coordinators has been instrumental in my transition to this new role. They have provided countless opportunities for growth and development, and I am incredibly grateful for their mentorship.
What motivates or inspires you?
My aspiration to become a healthcare provider was ignited by a deep desire to help my family and community. In the Philippines, where access to healthcare is a privilege rather than a right, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of poverty on people's health. These experiences fueled my determination to make a difference.
Working in a community setting in the Philippines allowed me to empathize profoundly with those unable to seek necessary care. When I joined MGH, this compassion became my driving force. I am inspired daily by the opportunity to provide patients with the care they need and empower them to take charge of their health. Educating patients and delivering optimal nursing care is incredibly fulfilling. While nursing is undoubtedly challenging, the knowledge that I am making a tangible impact on people's lives sustains my passion. This profession is more than a job; it's a sacred commitment to human well-being.
If you could share one memorable moment from your time at MGH, what stands out to you?
A patient with dementia was experiencing significant anxiety and agitation due to an overwhelming desire to go outside. With a history of wandering, the patient was being monitored, but the unit's busy atmosphere prevented him from getting constant attention from staff.
Recognizing the patient’s distress, I took the initiative to connect with him on a personal level. After carefully explaining the situation, I told him I would explore the possibility of a supervised smoke break, as per his doctor’s recommendation. With the team’s support, I was able to escort the patient outside. During this time, I offered companionship and a listening ear, allowing him to share his stories and find solace in the moment. This small act of empathy not only calmed the patient but also fostered a sense of trust and connection.