#MyBestMoments Campaign - Christine Gonzalez, Registered Nurse, DRCC Ambulatory Clinics

In our #MyBestMoments campaign staff and physicians from across our hospitals and community sites share the moments that have mattered most to them in their careers at Lakeridge Health. Read Christine’s story below.

I started working at Lakeridge Health back in January 1998, in what was the Oshawa General Emergency Department at the time. I had recently graduated from the Registered Nursing Program at Durham College as a mature student. It was a very interesting journey going back to school in my mid-thirties and sitting at the kitchen table doing my homework alongside my three children.

Throughout my 25 years at Lakeridge Health, I have worked in numerous areas, such as Cardiology, Critical Care, and currently in Ambulatory Care and Brachytherapy Recovery at the Durham Region Cancer Centre (DRCC). I was also an avid preceptor for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) for over 15 years. It has brought me great joy being able to positively influence the next generation of nurses. In fact, Lakeridge Health played an instrumental role in my ability to advance my own education and achieve my Critical Care Certificate, as well as my Bachelor of Nursing.

My role in the DRCC allows me to meet patients from all different walks of life. I love being able to talk to and connect with each of my patients as they share interesting life stories with me. I relish in getting to know them and hearing them talk about their favourite adventures and memories.

One of my favourite moments from my time at Lakeridge Health is actually being a part of this article right now. Being recognized and appreciated for the contributions I have made throughout my career to help make Lakeridge Health a place where people feel confident in trusting us with their health care needs feels amazing.

While Lakeridge Health has gone through many changes throughout the years, one thing that has never changed is our unwavering dedication to providing the best health care to those we serve. This goal has always been a mainstay and is something that I personally strive to deliver every day. I have learned from, worked with, and met some amazing people within Lakeridge Health and cherish all the wonderful memories made over the years.