Fergus native Lisa Gillespie was selected as the Toronto Star’s Nightingale Award winner for Nurse of the Year— beating out the other 170 nurses from across the province nominated for the honour.
Her work at the Oxford County Public Health and Emergency Services needle exchange clinic in Woodstock, is what gained attention from the judges, particularly the “Take Home Naxloxone” program that teaches those at risk how to recognize and treat an opiate overdose from drugs such as OxyContin.
Gillespie received her training at Mohawk College in Hamilton and then later went back for her degree at Ryerson University in Toronto. She started her career in a hospital setting, working in the cardiac care ward but after starting a family, sought out something with a more regular work schedule. At the time, a position at the Oxford County clinic had opened up so she applied.
Though Gillespie claims her current role was a matter of luck and timing, she can’t imagine doing anything else.
“This type of work just suits my personality I think— helping those who are vulnerable and marginalized, speaking out and sticking up for the underdog. It was luck, pure and simple, but I’ve really grown into it.”
Gillespie’s work proves that nursing is a varied and dynamic field with a diverse range of opportunities available for those who seek them out.
“Before, when I went to nursing school, I didn’t even know that this type of program or work existed, there’s just so many different opportunities. It’s just always interesting and challenging, and I would encourage anyone to go into nursing,” she said.
Gillespie attended a ceremony on May 16 in Toronto where she officially accepted the honour and was personally thanked by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.
“It’s quite a thing for a small-town girl from Fergus Ontario, getting this award and meeting the premier,” she said. “It’s just thrilling, the whole thing. It’s been very exciting.”
