This Nursing Week, we ask you to honour, recognize and support all the nurses who save lives in the operating rooms and work behind the scenes. Learn more about UOHI’s Daniella, a CATh lab nurse, and Debbie, a Cardiac Operating room nurse, and why they both continue this work after more than a decade in the profession at the Ottawa Heart Institute.
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MEET DEBBIE | Debbie Bhaumik
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Operating Room
Is nursing a part of your family background?
I grew up near the China border in a province called Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in the capital city of Itanagar.
No one was in healthcare at the time, but my parents found it fascinating. There was a charitable institution close to where we lived called the Ramakrishna Mission, which was known for doing exceptional work. Their mission and charity were partially funded by the government and largely through donations.
My parents were deeply moved by what they did, and I was too. I thought they were doing a great job and wanted to be associated with them. At that time, they were also accepting nursing students, which piqued my interest.
As an adult, I lived and worked in Calcutta for a while before spending some time working for the NHS in the UK, focusing on public health.
What continues to inspire you as a nurse?
During my time in bedside nursing, early in my career when I first came to Canada, I was nursing in Alberta at a brain trauma unit.
I was deeply moved by the experiences of patients with traumatic brain injuries and brain tumours who required total care. But it was the love of their families that left a lasting impression on me.
I witnessed their loved ones during visiting hours, bringing affection even in difficult circumstances.
They would kiss their faces, showing care despite the challenges, often overwhelmed. It made me realize how trivial our daily conflicts can be. These patients were surrounded by love and compassion at the worst moments of their lives, highlighting how precious every moment is. This experience truly gave me a different perspective on what matters in life.
What happens in the Cardiac Operating Room (COR)?
Many people don’t understand what goes on in cardiac surgery. When patients come in, they are often very anxious because of the magnitude of the surgery. However, there is an incredible team involved, usually consisting of eight to ten people from different disciplines who take care of one patient.
Given the education, skill set, and background of the team members, our patients are in very good hands.
I want patients to feel confident that their team is highly skilled, professional, and dedicated to their care. We are also well-prepared to handle any emergencies that might arise. Ultimately, we do everything we can to ensure that patients leave the cardiac operating room with the best chance of recovery.
MEET DANIELLA | Daniela Ducas
Registered Nurse, CATh, EP & Structural OR
After a decade of CATh lab nursing, what keeps you going?
It’s a super fulfilling job. If you’re here to help the community, you do, mainly because patients feel so at ease with the nurses. The best part of my day is seeing patients come into the lab so sick and, a few minutes later, after the procedure, actually sit up and feeling so much better. It never gets old.
Tell me about the people you work with?
I love that we have a multidisciplinary team; it’s rare to find nurses who are friends with doctors, X-ray techs, and respiratory therapists. Walking through the hallways, you recognize everyone, creating a strong family atmosphere.
What is it like to work at the Ottawa Heart Institute?
Our management team is genuinely trying their best to make us happy. Nursing is challenging, but the Institute supports us and tries to facilitate everything we need. It’s important to give yourself some grace while you’re learning. I see many new nurses who are experts in their previous domains, but when they come here, they must start from scratch. This nursing environment is entirely different, but once you get your foot in the door and adapt to the new way of responding to situations, it becomes a really great job.
How did you get into nursing in the first place?
I have always been passionate about biology and healthcare, wanting to do something that helps people. Initially, I considered becoming a teacher or exploring kinesiology and physiotherapy. My interest in working with the public has always been strong, especially since the heart fascinates me.
When I was young, my grandmother had bowel surgery, and several family members had heart issues. It’s interesting to talk with relatives about their experiences, like stents; everyone has a relatable heart story. Since everyone has a heart, I believe this field is crucial and won’t go away anytime soon.
How would you describe your training?
It’s very intricate. It starts with how to scrub your hands and ends with prepping these $40,000 Tabby valves. There’s a lot in between, and it does take a lot of training. We do have extensive instruction. Senior staff are open to newer staff coming in and ” showing them the ropes.”
