Trillium Health Partners
We are honoured to nominate Domino Puson for the 21st Annual Hospital News Nursing Hero Award—not only for what he has achieved, but for the extraordinary journey that has shaped how he leads, mentors, and advocates for nurses today.
Domino’s path to nursing leadership was not a straight line. As an internationally educated nurse, his journey to Canada was marked by resilience, humility, and perseverance. He chose nursing for deeply personal reasons, having lost his mother to cancer—an experience that shaped his purpose to care for others in their most vulnerable moments. After losing both parents at a young age, the dream of becoming a nurse once felt out of reach. Financial barriers meant his family could not afford nursing school, and working multiple jobs in the Philippines barely covered daily expenses. It was through the belief and support of his brother-in-law that Domino was able to pursue his education—graduating as a nurse, becoming a clinical instructor, earning a master’s degree, and eventually serving as a university Dean.
When Domino immigrated to Canada, he expected his experience and qualifications would translate into opportunity. Instead, he encountered the barriers that many internationally educated nurses know too well. Despite his extensive background, he was unable to secure nursing work and was required to return to school to meet Canadian standards. During this period, he worked in warehouses and retail simply to survive, collecting shopping carts alongside other highly educated professionals whose skills were similarly underutilized. It was a humbling and discouraging chapter—one that could have ended his nursing journey altogether.
What changed his path was the power of mentorship and community. Encouraged by a colleague, Domino applied for a unit coordination assistant role in the Emergency Department at Credit Valley Hospital, opening his door to Trillium Health Partners. There, leaders recognized his potential and invested in his growth. Through mentorship, encouragement, and practical support—including guidance on tuition reimbursement—Domino was empowered to return to nursing education, rebuild his clinical experience, and ultimately re-enter the Emergency Department as a Registered Nurse.
As he continued to grow professionally, Domino discovered his passion at the intersection of nursing, mentorship, and informatics. After completing additional training and navigating further academic hurdles, he found his professional calling. A time-sensitive opportunity shared by a leader who recognized his readiness led Domino into his current role as Project Coordinator for WeMentor+, a digital mentorship platform created for nurses at Trillium Health Partners.
It is in this role that Domino’s lived experience has become his greatest leadership strength. As Project Coordinator, he has led the design and implementation of WeMentor+, an innovative platform aimed at attracting and retaining nursing talent. The platform supports professional growth, mentorship, and inclusivity—principles Domino brings to life through his own lived experience. He leads as a nurse first, grounding decisions in a clear understanding of bedside realities, career transitions, and the challenges nurses face.
Having navigated the barriers faced by internationally educated nurses, Domino intentionally co-designed WeMentor+ to be inclusive, accessible, and purpose-driven. The platform provides a structured space for mentorship, connection, and growth, supporting nurses across all stages of their careers. Through his leadership, the platform has expanded beyond its initial pilot to support programs such as the Internationally Educated Health Professionals initiative and Invitation to Leadership, helping connect nurses with mentors and opportunities aligned to their goals.
Beyond the platform, Domino is recognized as a leader who bridges the gap between care delivery and technology. He ensures systems are designed to support nurses rather than add burden, particularly during times of change. Whether within Trillium Health Partners or in broader provincial and national discussions, he consistently brings forward the nursing perspective, ensuring frontline voices are represented.
Colleagues seek him out not only for his expertise, but for his empathy, authenticity, and credibility. He supports others through transitions, amplifies nursing voices, and reinforces that nursing must remain central to health system transformation. His leadership is grounded in humility and shaped by lived experience.
Domino Puson’s journey—from internationally educated nurse to mentorship and informatics leader—reflects resilience, inclusivity, and the power of support. Through his work, he continues to make a lasting impact, ensuring nurses feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed.