Nursing Week: Rosa Rozy imparts advice to next generation of nurses

By: Louise Allyn Palma

Every day, nurses take on a multi-faceted role in the health care system to deliver safe, quality and compassionate care to communities around the world. Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) is proud to celebrate National Nursing Week by speaking to different individuals in the nursing practice and sharing their stories and advice for the next generation of nurses.

Today, we shine a light on MGH Registered Practical Nurse, Rosa Rozy.

MGH News: “What do you wish you knew back in nursing school that you know now?”

Rosa: Honestly, I didn’t choose to be a nurse when I started nursing school. I have been an RPN for 36 years, and I initially wanted to become an architect. After moving to Canada from Iran, it could have been the perfect opportunity to start fresh and change my profession, but I love nursing now. 

I wish I understood the value of my profession when I was in nursing school; I never truly valued my worth at the time as a nursing student and as a nurse when I first started out. And now, nursing is in my blood. I love doing it. From an emotional, physical or any aspect – nursing is viewed as a heavy job. But you get to see how important you can be to someone, and that is gratifying regardless of the hardships.

MGH News: “What advice would you give your 19-year-old self?”

Rosa: Once you’re on this journey, you have been chosen to walk a path that despite its shocking twists will make you feel satisfied in every turn, and it’s totally worth every step. But you have also been chosen to be kind, helpful and somebody who can do something for others.

Be patient with yourself and the journey that you have started. Remember how important you are, don’t think about the heaviness of the job. Think about the effect you can have on people, families and lives.