de Souza Institute Welcomes its Historic 20th Designate – Windsor Nurse Symbolizes Nursing Excellence
Windsor, Ontario – Windsor Regional Hospital and the de Souza Institute jointly celebrate the accomplishments of Oncology nurse Erikka Johnson who becomes the first nurse in Windsor to obtain the de Souza Nurse Designation and just the 20th nurse in all of Ontario to reach this extraordinary milestone.
The de Souza Institute is an innovative learning centre dedicated to cancer care excellence and since 2008 has provided ongoing educational support and professional development to more than 9,000 clinicians. In order to obtain the prestigious de Souza Nurse Designation, candidates must complete extensive course work as well as a clinical fellowship.
“The needs of cancer patients and their families are physical, spiritual and psychological. Erikka is leading by example and making sure that she has the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond to these needs,” said Dr. Mary Jane Esplen, Executive Director of the de Souza Institute. “Erikka’s determination to become a de Souza Nurse Designate is a testament of her commitment to nursing excellence and lifelong learning.”
“Cancer affects the entire family and not just the patient. You need to be capable, confident and empathetic to treat the patient and support their family,” said de Souza Nurse Designate Erikka Johnson. “The de Souza Institute has given me an opportunity to be a better nurse, especially when dealing with end of life care. I am very proud to apply this advanced knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life for my patients and their families.”
The demand for nurses with specialized skills in cancer care is continuing to grow. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 2 in 5 Canadians will develop cancer within their lifetime and 1 in 4 Canadians will die of cancer.
“Erikka is a shining example our commitment to high quality patient care, professional development and outstanding nursing practice,” said Monica Staley, Vice President, Regional Cancer Services, Windsor Regional Hospital. “Our patients are receiving first-rate cancer care by an exceptional staff, who daily do extraordinary things for their patients, their families and one another.”
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About Windsor Regional Hospital:
Windsor Regional Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in the Province of Ontario. It is the regional provider of advanced care in areas that include, complex trauma, renal dialysis, cardiac care, stroke and neurosurgery, intensive care, acute mental health, family birthing centre, neonatal intensive care, paediatric services, regional cancer services and a broad range of medical and surgical services required to support these specialized areas for more than 400,000 people in the Windsor-Essex region.
Through a major process involving the two hospitals in Windsor, a realignment of programs and services was achieved where, on October 1, 2013, Windsor Regional became responsible for the governance, management and operations of the Ouellette Campus along with continuing its responsibility for the Metropolitan Campus.
To learn more about Windsor Regional Hospital visit www.wrh.on.ca
About de Souza Institute:
Established in 2008, de Souza Institute, in partnership with University Health Network, Cancer Care Ontario and funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, provides ongoing educational support, professional development and career counseling to nurses caring for cancer patients and families.
de Souza Institute is providing cancer care excellence by: delivering innovative continuing education and mentorship programs; helping nurses to achieve national specialty certification; funding graduate scholarships to develop tomorrow’s leaders, and supporting in self-care and career development.
To learn more about de Souza Institute visit www.desouzainstitute.com
Contact Information:
de Souza Institute
Deyan Kostovski
416-417-8566
deyan.kostovski@desouzainstitute.com
Ron Foster
519-995-2482
ron.foster@wrh.on.ca