Employee spotlight: Critical Care Nursing Week

Thank you Joëlle, and all your colleagues, for all the great work you do.

Join us as we celebrate Critical Care Nursing Week from October 22 to 28. 

Joëlle Déziel is a critical care nurse at the Montreal General Hospital.

What led you to becoming a critical care nurse?   

When I finished university, I was interested in critical care. I liked the varied care techniques and cases you could encounter, as well as the possibility of making clinical connections, particularly concerning pathophysiology (the study of how a disease, injury or other condition affects a patient). In a way, in intensive care, you’re a specialist when it comes to your patient and that’s what I like. I chose the trauma sector because of the adrenalin and the element of surprise. No two accidents are the same. Each case is unique and I have to adapt to each one.  It’s always a new challenge.    

What is the best advice that someone at the MUHC ever gave you?   

During my training, my preceptor told me: “Your patient is stable until they are unstable.” It’s a phrase that has stuck with me. I am always on the lookout. I learned not to minimize anything and to rely on precise and in-depth assessments. If I have any doubts, I ask myself questions to try to identify an abnormality. This allows me to be more meticulous  in my work. 

Tell us about working with your fellow nurses?   

We often tell new nurses that they are never alone - there will always be help, people are always willing to help. Critical care is a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You have to trust one another and work with all the players.  I like teamwork and that's one of the reasons I stay with my unit.    

How do you like to relax and unwind after a shift?   

I cycle roughly three seasons a year to work, and it really helps me relax. I'm energized when I get to work, and when I get home I can put my day behind me. I'm a pretty active person, so my days off are often spent outdoors and filled with physical activities (hiking, yoga, skiing, camping). I've also started running more regularly this year. Maybe a half-marathon is in my sights for next year, who knows?