Noorin Jamal, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
I have the extraordinary pleasure of nominating Ms. Noorin Jamal for the 20th annual Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of witnessing Ms. Jamal’s exceptional abilities in clinical care and her remarkable evolution as a leader in the field of cardiovascular nursing.
Since 2010, Ms. Jamal held an extensive role as a Nurse Practitioner. Her transformation of the Nurse Practitioner role within the Schulich Heart Program has been ground-breaking. In her most recent position in the transcatheter mitral valve program, she has adeptly managed patients pre- and post-mitral valve surgery, significantly enhancing clinical care through the development of pathways that uphold best practice standards. Prior to this, she was a pivotal figure in establishing the first Nurse Practitioner-led virtual heart failure clinic within the Schulich Heart Program, showcasing her ability to innovate and lead in clinical settings during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 20 years of nursing experience, Ms. Jamal is not only an accomplished clinician but also a formidable nursing leader. She has made substantial contributions to academia through her diverse teaching roles at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Additionally, her involvement on the boards of organizations such as the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario and the Canadian Cardiovascular Nursing Association demonstrates her commitment to advancing the fields of Nurse Practitioner and Cardiovascular Care throughout Ontario and beyond.
Ms. Jamal’s excellence in clinical practice has afforded her the opportunity to represent cardiac care as an ambassador at both local and national conferences. Her ability to convey the significance of high-quality care continues to inspire her peers and colleagues.
Despite her demanding schedule, Ms. Jamal remains deeply committed to community service. Her volunteer work at Aga Khan institutions in various capacities—from board member to consultant, focused on addressing healthcare access and education for marginalized populations—driving programming that aligns with the board’s vision for holistic health care, is particularly commendable.
One of the most compelling examples of Ms. Jamal’s transformative approach to compassionate care can be illustrated through the story of a 75-year-old patient who was experiencing recurrent decompensated heart failure, a condition that had severely impacted his quality of life and extinguished his hope. When Ms. Jamal first met him, he was in a state of despair, discouraged by the ceaseless hospitalizations that had depleted his motivation and energy.
Recognizing the urgent need for effective intervention, Ms. Jamal prioritized comprehensive education, helping the patient understand his disease and presenting a clear, actionable plan for his care. By empowering him with knowledge, she instilled a sense of ownership in his health journey. She advocated for an aggressive medical therapy regimen, outlining its potential benefits to stabilize his condition and prevent further hospital readmissions.
Through consistent encouragement and steadfast support, a remarkable transformation began to unfold. The patient, who once resigned himself to a life of limitations, embraced the therapy regimen under Ms. Jamal’s guidance. This pivotal moment paved the way for the successful completion of his mitral valve procedure. He experienced significant improvements in his health, and reclaimed his life by rediscovering daily pleasures, resulting in him remaining out of the hospital for three vital months. He reclaimed his vitality and returned to socializing with his friends at the gym.
Ms. Jamal empowers her patients by providing them with vital education and skillfully guiding them through complex medical landscapes. Her holistic approach to care goes beyond mere treatment of conditions; she restores hope and facilitates a path back to fulfilling lives, allowing patients to thrive.
For her unwavering dedication to excellence in nursing practice and her tireless advocacy for both her patients and the nursing profession, I can think of no one more deserving of the Nursing Hero Award than Ms. Noorin Jamal. Her commitment to uplifting her patients and the community truly embodies the spirit of this esteemed recognition.
Sincerely,
Suzette Turner, RN, MS, ANP(C)
