For 35 years, Joan Pett and Shelley Hoeg have delivered compassionate, life-saving care to the community at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH). Both registered nurses were original hires when the hospital opened its doors in 1990.
“We started out small, and everybody knew each other,” recalls Shelley, whose connection to MSH goes back further still. Growing up in Stouffville, Shelley was neighbours with Arthur Latcham, the philanthropist who donated the land upon which the hospital was built.
As for Joan — a self-professed “Markham Girl”— she always knew she would pursue a path that let her nurturing instincts shine. “Right out of school, I thought I was either going to be a teacher or a nurse, and I chose nursing. I’ve always wanted to help people,” she explains.
Joan describes her day-to-day work in the Surgical Services team as multifaceted. “In the operating room, you can take a scrub nurse role or you can take a circulating nurse role. I kind of get the best of both worlds,” she says. “It’s nice to find out my patient’s story and develop a trusting relationship in a short time.”
Helping pediatric patients feel at ease before surgery is an especially rewarding aspect of Joan’s work. “One thing I enjoy with the kids is helping them pick a smell for their mask and pick something to watch on the iPads,” Joan says.
With retirement on the horizon, Joan reflects on the sense of family that has defined her time at MSH. “I grew up here my whole career,” she comments. “Everybody has treated me fairly and been supportive in the evolution of my nursing career. And I try to do the same for others.”
Like Joan, Shelley has dedicated decades of service to a particular area of care at MSH — the Oncology Clinic. Starting with just one doctor and two nurses, the clinic now boasts a team of eight doctors, 12 nurses, and three nurse practitioners. “It’s more than just a workplace, it’s a community where every role is valued and everyone contributes to a shared vision,” comments Shelley.
In the Oncology Clinic, Shelley cares for patients undergoing systemic cancer treatments and educates them on symptom management. She emphasizes the deep personal connections she forms with her patients in the Cancer Centre, during their treatment and beyond. “They bring in home baking and treats for us, and some come back years later to say thank you. Some of them have even returned as volunteers,” she says.
Shelley and Joan both credit MSH’s past success and future growth to its supportive community of donors who have helped fund expansion projects and leading-edge technology in their departments of care. “We’re so lucky to have a hospital here to serve our community and loved ones close to home,” affirms Shelley.
“We’re standing out as leaders in the medical community,” adds Joan proudly. “To keep up with accreditation, we rely on donations.”
Both RNs are grateful to be named MSH Heroes — a recognition they each accept modestly. “I don’t consider myself a hero,” says Joan. “Sometimes you wonder if people notice what you do, and it’s just nice to be recognized. It’s kind of like the icing on the cake.”
“Many of my colleagues are deserving of recognition as well. I’ll just thank you very much for this honour,” concludes Shelley graciously.
