The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) is proud to support the more than 500,000 members who represent the strength and compassion of this province’s healthcare system, many of whom are nursing professionals. Nursing Week is an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the essential contribution that nurses make every day. Their dedication, expertise and resilience are at the core of quality healthcare delivery across Ontario.
Behind every patient experience is a story of connection and purpose. This year, HOOPP spoke with four nurses and HOOPP members about what inspired them to pursue their profession, what continues to motivate them, and how they find meaning in the work they do. While their experiences differ, they all share a deep commitment to being present for those who rely on them most.
“I've been a registered nurse for about 30 years now, and I work in the intensive care unit at Mackenzie Health. I used to work in rehabilitation, but I ended up becoming a nurse because I was inspired by nurses that had looked after my mom. My mom was in the hospital when I was a young girl, and a lot of nurses looked after her for a very long time. I was inspired by them to become a nurse, and then I ended up going back to work at the same rehabilitation unit that my mom was a patient in, paying back this inspiration that they gave me.”
- Helen Watling, a registered nurse in the critical care unit at Mackenzie Health Hospital, on what inspired her to explore a career in nursing.
"I wanted to be a healer. I wanted to be a fixer, and I had to change that mindset to understand that I'm not here to fix things. I'm here to ensure they are comfortable. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm very passionate, I'm very empathetic for people in situations that are now out of their control. Through being a nurse, I understand that I need to be an advocate. And in doing that, I always just wanted the absolute best for not only the patients, but also their families."
- Rachel Fleming, a registered practical nurse, on her experience working in palliative care.
The practice of nursing not only requires clinical excellence but also emotional endurance and empathy. Whether working in critical care, palliative care, or dementia support, nurses bring presence and humanity to every interaction.
"It is important to make sure patients feel known and welcomed and treasured in one way or another, and special to you in the moment especially because they may not remember half an hour or an hour later. I want them to feel secure that they're with someone that will honour and respect their confidence and their privacy while helping them with personal care.”
- Tanya Rahim-Juttlah, a registered practical nurse at Sunnybrook Hospital, on ensuring the dignity of her patients who are receiving memory care.
For many, the moments that stand out are those of gratitude and connection. All four nurses mentioned how simple gestures affirm the impact of their work and keep them going during hard times.
"What keeps me going is doing the best I can to help patients feel supported by the healthcare system. And the families and patients that really support the nurses. It's not about needing to be thanked. It's more that they really appreciate how they were treated, how they had support while they were in some of the worst days of their life."
- Tanya Rahim-Juttlah, on what motivates her on tiring days.
“I had one patient come back to visit and thank me after she was discharged from the ICU. She was so grateful, explaining how my care gave her the ability to see her children grow up. Now her kids are in medical school, and she told me how the care I gave her inspired her kids to become professionals in the medical field. That is a very proud moment for me.”
- Helen Watling, on a memorable patient interaction that stays with her.
Nursing is a profession built on service and care. Our members deserve the same sense of stability and security in return. HOOPP’s defined benefit pension provides peace of mind and long-term financial confidence, so members can focus on the vital work they do.
"My pension is something that I have worked very hard for, and that's going to be there to help me in my retirement. That's something that I can count on. At the time, it was a lot of money taken off my cheque but now I finally realize how important that is. That's the peace of mind. I don't have to worry."
- Christine Marshall, a registered practical nurse at West Parry Sound Health Centre, on what having a HOOPP pension means to her.
“I always tell people, don't think about the short, think about the long. And I always tell young nurses about the benefit of working in a hospital that offers a HOOPP pension because there's guaranteed security with experts looking after this money. Where else are you going to get that kind of investment? The Plan is very well invested, and it is very secure.”
- Helen Watling, on the value of having access to a HOOPP pension.
This Nursing Week, HOOPP extends our sincere gratitude to every nurse and healthcare worker across Ontario. Your compassion and commitment touch countless lives. As you continue to care for others, know that HOOPP is here to safeguard your pension and provide you with a secure financial future.
To learn more about your HOOPP pension, visit the Plan.