Mentorship Role Supports New Nurses as They Deliver Excellent Care to Stroke Patient

Giovanni’s wife called 911 and he was taken to the Oshawa Hospital where he later found out that he had suffered a stroke.

“I knew something wasn’t right, but I didn’t know I was having a stroke,” said Giovanni when thinking back to that morning. “I felt fine throughout the night and had no symptoms at all leading up to it.” 

Leaving him with paralysis of both his arm and leg, as well as difficulty using the left side of his body, Giovanni was admitted to the Integrated Stroke Unit (ISU), a specialized unit that is part of Lakeridge Health’s cross-continuum stroke services. Lakeridge Health is also the District Stroke Centre for Durham Region. Giovanni received his acute care in the ISU, followed by nearly two months of rehabilitation. 

Throughout his hospital stay, Giovanni was so impressed by the care and support he received from the nursing team. “The entire nursing staff on the fifth floor of the stroke unit did an amazing job. The care they gave me was unbelievable, and I have not one bad thing to say about the treatment I received.” 

However, his recovery journey was more than just physical, as Giovanni emphasized the importance of a positive mindset and remaining optimistic throughout. “I was very determined and didn’t get down on myself,” he said. “I just kept telling myself that with the help of everyone around me, plus my own determination, I would be successful.” 

Giovanni’s optimistic attitude and self-motivation paid off as he continued to defy the odds and advance in his recovery. “The statistics were not on my side based on the type of stroke I had,” he said. “It was believed that I probably wouldn’t be walking for a long time and would have to leave the hospital in a wheelchair.” However, on March 22, 2023, Giovanni was able to walk out of the hospital on his own. “As of today, I’m almost walking without a cane,” he said proudly. 

Some of the nurses that provided such great care to Giovanni were new graduates that received their own support from peers in a new nurse mentor role at Lakeridge Health called Clinical Practice Leader (CPL) II. CPL IIs are also Best Practice Champions as part of our Best Practice Spotlight Organization designation.

“CPL IIs focus on nursing orientation and assist their colleagues in developing bedside clinical skills,” explained Bronwen Carling, Director, Interprofessional Practice, Lakeridge Health. “These experienced clinicians model quality patient care, professionalism, and support evidence-based practice within the clinical environment.” 

Giovanni witnessed this excellent display of mentorship throughout his recovery. “They were great supports to the nurses, and I would like to say thank you to them,” he said. “The entire team was truly incredible.”