Brampton Woods RPN named to Nightingale Honour Roll Tina Colque says you 'can't have a heart or not care'   Thursday May 13, 2010 -- Lisa Bailey Tina Colque’s self-professed “zero tolerance for non-caring” is likely behind her inclusion on the Nightingale Honour Roll. Colque, who is a registered practical nurse at Leisureworld Caregiving Centre Brampton Woods, was one of many members of the profession from across Ontario nominated for the Toronto Star Nightingale Award 2010. Named for nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, the award recognizes nurses for their compassion and commitment to patient care. The honour roll is made public for National Nursing Week, which runs May 10 to 16 this year. The recognition caught Colque by surprise. She says it is “very nice” and “very humbling.” She could add the congratulatory letter and certificate of appreciation to the collection of heart-felt cards and notes she’s received from family members of residents she’s cared for. “I try to keep as many (of them) as I can because really that’s what it’s about, to make a difference in someone’s life,” she says. “That’s what I aim for, that’s what I’m in it for.” Colque’s compassion and kindness are clear to see, says Brampton Woods director of care Justin Moriarty. He notes that staff and family members hold the night charge nurse in high regard not only for her knowledge and experience — she’s worked at the Brampton home since it opened in 2003 — but also for her desire and ability to connect with residents and always look out for their best interests. “She can deal with everything in stride and never lose sight of the person behind all of the medical problems that might be presenting,” Moriarty says. “She has that way with people where she wins them over and everyone would want her to take care of them.” Colque says “you can’t help but concern yourself” with long-term care residents and family members because the connections often last for years and endure challenges associated with aging or health conditions. “You can’t work here and not have a heart or not care,” she says. Colque, who knows several languages, enjoys getting to know residents and their diverse backgrounds and cultures, as well as working with families. The latter, she says, requires good communication skills, respect and teamwork to steadily build a relationship from the apprehension and upset that family members may feel initially when their loved one enters long-term care. “They really trust you with their parents’ lives, and it’s good that someone can trust you that much,” she says. Colque, too, likes to laugh and make people smile. “I’ve got a lot of honourary grandmas and granddads there,” she says with a chuckle. Involved in the home’s dementia and palliative care committees, Colque says she would like to one day be a palliative care nurse. If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.