Sheila Hossain, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

It is with the utmost respect and admiration that I nominate Sheila Hossain for the prestigious Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. Sheila’s exemplary career as a nurse at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has been defined by her unwavering dedication to patient care, her exceptional clinical expertise, and her deep-rooted compassion and empathy. Through her daily work and countless contributions, she has become not just a vital part of the Sunnybrook team but an inspiring role model for her colleagues and a beacon of hope for her patients and their families. Sheila’s professional journey and steadfast commitment to excellence in nursing care make her a truly deserving candidate for this honor. 

Sheila’s Journey to Sunnybrook

Sheila began her career at Sunnybrook in 2008, entering one of the most demanding and high-stakes areas of nursing: trauma critical care. Sunnybrook is renowned as Canada’s largest trauma center, providing life-saving interventions to patients from across Ontario who experience some of the most critical and complex medical emergencies. Sheila stepped into an environment defined by urgency, complexity, and the need for the highest levels of clinical excellence.

From the outset, Sheila distinguished herself with her aptitude for critical care. Her commitment to continual learning and excellence quickly led her to transition into the Trauma Neuro ICU, where she cared for patients suffering from devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and multiple traumas. In this high-pressure environment where every second counts, Sheila proved herself to be a critical member of the team, combining sharp clinical judgment with compassionate, patient-centered care.

The Role of a Trauma ICU Nurse

The role of a Trauma ICU nurse (TICU RN) is among the most demanding in healthcare. Trauma ICU nurses are responsible for managing the care of patients suffering from severe trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, burns, gunshot wounds, and other critical injuries. These patients often require immediate life-saving interventions, mechanical ventilation, continuous hemodynamic monitoring, and intricate care planning.

Sheila exemplifies the skill set needed for this challenging role. She is proficient in:

• Advanced patient assessment, recognizing subtle changes in a patient’s condition and acting immediately to prevent deterioration.
• Resuscitation expertise, performing CPR, managing ventilation, stabilizing vital signs, and administering critical medications under pressure.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration, working seamlessly with surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation teams to deliver holistic patient care.
• Effective communication and advocacy, ensuring that the patient’s voice is heard even when they cannot advocate for themselves.

Sheila’s ability to combine technical excellence with human connection sets her apart. Her clinical skills are matched by her empathy, calm demeanor, and ability to inspire confidence in patients and colleagues alike.

Professionalism and Approach to Patient Care

One of Sheila’s most outstanding qualities is her unwavering professionalism. She consistently demonstrates preparedness, focus, and resilience, regardless of how chaotic the circumstances may be. Sheila begins each shift by thoroughly reviewing patient reports, preparing meticulously, and ensuring that every intervention is well-planned and intentional.

Her presence at the bedside is a source of calm and reassurance. Patients and families immediately sense Sheila’s competence and compassion. Whether managing complex procedures, preparing life-sustaining equipment, or simply holding a frightened patient’s hand, Sheila ensures that every detail is attended to with care and precision.

In the ICU, attention to detail can be the difference between life and death. Sheila’s meticulous organization, situational awareness, and prioritization skills ensure that her patients always receive the safest, highest-quality care.

Exemplary Documentation and Communication

Clear, thorough, and precise documentation is critical in critical care nursing, and Sheila’s documentation is second to none. Her patient notes are consistently accurate, comprehensive, and insightful, facilitating seamless communication between interdisciplinary teams.

Beyond written records, Sheila’s verbal communication is equally outstanding. She communicates with patients and families with clarity, empathy, and respect, translating complex medical terminology into understandable language. This fosters trust, empowers families to be active participants in care decisions, and helps ease anxiety during frightening times.

Sheila’s collaborative spirit extends to her colleagues as well. She is known for her ability to articulate patient needs clearly during handovers, contribute meaningfully during rounds, and foster an environment where open dialogue and learning are encouraged. Her communication style strengthens the entire team’s ability to provide coordinated, exceptional care.

Expertise in Critical Care and Resuscitation

Sheila’s expertise in critical care and resuscitation is well-known throughout Sunnybrook. In the most intense, high-stakes moments—when seconds matter most—Sheila shines. She remains composed, focused, and ready to intervene swiftly and effectively. Whether initiating advanced life support protocols, managing emergency intubations, or leading CPR efforts, Sheila’s actions are characterized by precision and calm under pressure. Her leadership during resuscitations has saved lives and inspired colleagues to trust in their own skills and preparation. Her deep knowledge of critical care best practices, paired with her ability to apply them instinctively in emergencies, makes her a backbone of the Trauma ICU.

Mentorship and Dedication to Education

Sheila is not only a skilled clinician but also a gifted mentor. She has dedicated herself to supporting the next generation of nurses, recognizing that teaching and mentorship are critical to the future of the profession.

Sheila often takes new nurses under her wing, offering guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. She is patient, approachable, and generous with her knowledge, creating an environment where colleagues feel safe asking questions and seeking advice. Her mentorship has empowered countless nurses to grow in skill and confidence, contributing to a culture of excellence within the ICU. Through both formal teaching sessions and informal bedside coaching, Sheila exemplifies leadership grounded in humility and service.

Compassion and Empathy

In the high-intensity world of trauma nursing, compassion is essential but often difficult to sustain. Yet Sheila consistently embodies empathy in her care. She understands that her patients are not just clinical cases—they are human beings facing some of the most frightening and vulnerable moments of their lives.

Sheila listens deeply to her patients’ fears and concerns, offering emotional support alongside medical care. She comforts families struggling to comprehend devastating diagnoses. She grieves losses with dignity and celebrates recoveries with genuine joy. Her ability to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence reflects the very best of nursing.

In moments of tragedy and triumph alike, Sheila’s compassion shines as a beacon of humanity in a field that demands it most.

A Role Model and Nursing Hero

Sheila Hossain is more than a dedicated trauma nurse—she is a role model, a teacher, a leader, and an inspiration. Her professionalism, clinical expertise, unwavering empathy, and commitment to mentorship have left an indelible mark on Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Sheila embodies the essence of a Nursing Hero. She lifts up her patients, strengthens her colleagues, and represents the very best of the nursing profession. Her tireless dedication has saved lives, comforted grieving families, and built a stronger, more resilient healthcare community.

It is with heartfelt enthusiasm that I nominate Sheila Hossain for the Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. She is profoundly deserving of this recognition, and she continues to inspire all of us lucky enough to work beside her.