Meet the nurses at the heart of care at the MUHC

There’s a saying that a nurse’s work is never truly finished. From administering complex treatments and responding to rapidly changing situations, to providing steady support in times of uncertainty, nurses are unmatched in their ability to perform under immense pressure—especially when a patient’s life is at stake.

At the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), more than 3600 nurses support patients across all departments of the hospital. From the emergency department and the operating rooms to intensive care units, nursing teams are central to every stage of care.

“As a nurse, you are responsible for supporting patients through some of life’s most challenging moments,” says Michèle Turmel, Nurse Clinician in Hematology-Oncology. “And then, you help them move forward on their journey. That’s really special.”

For Michèle, the most rewarding part of her career has always been the patients.

“They’re what make the job worthwhile,” she reflects.

Nursing is often misunderstood. Many see medication administration or bedside care. What they do not always see is the full weight of responsibility nurses carry—caring for the whole patient, and their family as well.

“It’s emotionally, physically and mentally demanding,” Michèle says. “We often hear patients say, ‘I didn’t realize you do all of this—you never stop.’ And they’re right. We don’t stop.”

One morning, Michèle met with a new patient at 10:30 a.m., a routine part of her day. But for this patient, it was a morning far from ordinary. She had just received a new cancer diagnosis, years after surviving another type of cancer.

“Suddenly, I’m standing in a room with this patient who is experiencing one of the very worst days of her life, if not the worst. These moments are delicate, and navigating them is learned through compassion,” she says, matter-of-factly.

For Michèle, moments like this stay with her, lingering long after the shift ends. “We touch people’s lives in ways we don’t always fully realize,” she adds.

Over the years, Michèle and her colleagues have received countless thank-you cards and small gifts from grateful patients, but one gift really stood out.

“One patient gave us a beautiful painting that I’ll never forget. It shows a water buffalo standing above the water, and you can see the reflection below the surface—everything happening underneath that you don’t see at first glance. It perfectly captured her cancer journey, and, in many ways, what nursing is like too,” she says.

It’s clear that choosing a career in nursing is never an easy road, but it’s certainly a rewarding one.

For the MUHC’s Director of Nursing, Alain Biron, the greatest aspect of the job is the sense of purpose and leadership it provides. Nursing runs in his family. Inspired by his sister and brother-in-law, he followed the same path, beginning in surgery before moving into community nursing and pursuing a PhD. Fifteen years ago, he joined the MUHC, where he now leads thousands of nurses across the network.

“There’s a sense of purpose to what we do,” Alain says. “There’s the caring aspect, but also the expertise. Nurses are core to health care. We contribute directly to improving quality of care.”

He sees enormous potential for the future of nursing, particularly as technology evolves.

“The future of nursing is rooted in innovation,” says Alain. “Advanced technology and AI will play a major role, and that is where partnership with the MUHC Foundation becomes so important.”

This partnership is already transforming care, with the MUHC Foundation funding cutting-edge technology and simulation training that provides nurses with specialized, hands-on education.

For Laura Craigie, an Advanced Practice Nurse in Cardiology, demonstrates how nursing expertise shapes the entire health care system, not just bedside care. With a master’s degree and advanced clinical training, Laura leads quality improvement projects that directly affect patient safety and experience.

“We focus on making best practices happen,” she explains. “When new research comes out, we integrate it into care—seeing the tangible impact on patients is really incredible.”

Laura’s role underscores the multidisciplinary nature of nursing, which can take on many forms and have an impact far beyond a patients’ bedside.

The MUHC Foundation is funding new cardiac monitors that will automate vital signs and upload data directly into the electronic health record. This means that the MUHC’s nurses will spend less time printing and taping paperwork together, and more time with patients, where their impact is truly needed.

“These advancements will directly impact patient care, and they’re made possible by philanthropy, so we’re very grateful,” adds Laura.

These improvements are not just about technology; they’re about giving nurses the tools they need to enhance the care they provide every day.

“When we talk about progress in health care, we often think about the next big breakthrough, and innovation in the lab. But this work is not possible without the nurses on the ground,” says Marie-Hélène Laramée, President & CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

“At the MUHC Foundation, we know that when you invest in nursing, you invest in better patient outcomes, stronger health systems, and a future where care continues to evolve,” she adds.

In the fast-paced environment of the hospital, nurses are a steady, much-needed presence during patients’ most challenging moments.

Behind every recovery, there is a nurse who advocated tirelessly for their patient, working around the clock to provide the highest level of care. With Nursing Week approaching, it’s the perfect time to express our gratitude for their unwavering dedication.

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