Brie Munshaw, a dedicated Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), discovered her calling early in life. "I decided in kindergarten that I wanted to be a nurse; it’s just always been my dream,” recalls Brie, who attributes her passion for long-term care (LTC) partly to her grandmother, who she was very close to.
After graduating from George Brown College in 2005, Brie embarked on a fulfilling career path, dedicated to LTC, that has spanned almost 19 years. Straight out of high school, she was propelled by a steadfast determination to make a difference in the lives of others.
Driven by a passion for working with older Ontarians, Brie found her niche in LTC. For the past 11 years, she has been a pillar of the Cedarvale Terrace Toronto community, accruing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Throughout her tenure, Brie has held various roles, each contributing to her comprehensive understanding of LTC dynamics. As she explains, “It gives me the opportunity to see things from different angles and by having those diverse perspectives, I can better strategize solutions to problems and help guide people in terms of identifying the issues, available resources and how to resolve the problem.”
Brie’s journey has been marked by growth and adaptability. Starting as an Associate Nurse Manager, she has since transitioned into roles such as Staff Development Coordinator and currently serves as both Accreditation Coordinator for Responsive Health Management Inc. (RHM) and Assistant Director of Care (ADOC) at Cedarvale Terrace. With the impending closure of Cedarvale Terrace, Brie looks forward to a new chapter in her career, focusing exclusively on her role as an Accreditation Coordinator for RHM. In this capacity, she will oversee accreditation processes under the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Emphasizing her commitment to individualized care, Brie states, “I really enjoy quality improvement and I’d like to say that I preach person-centered care…And whenever there’s an opportunity to enhance the lives of the residents, I’m all in!”
At the core of Brie’s work is a deep-seated dedication to enhancing the quality of life for palliative residents. “There’s no cookie-cutter approach to care,” Brie explains. “It’s about getting to know the individual residents to improve their personal quality of life.” Beyond clinical duties, Brie cherishes the opportunity to connect with residents on a personal level, sharing their stories and experiences. “These people all have a history; they all had lives before they came to us…Having those conversations and listening to what they’ve experienced, you can learn so much,” she says.
Brie’s compassionate approach and vibrant personality make her a cherished member of the LTC community. With shared interests like baking, crocheting and a penchant for 50’s-inspired fashion, she effortlessly connects with residents, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Reflecting on her interactions with residents, Brie recalls, “You meet these couples who have been married for 65 years, and they want to give you relationship advice…Some of the things they say are hysterical! But it also makes perfect sense.”
Despite the inherent challenges of LTC, Brie remains steadfast in her advocacy for residents and their families. Recognized for her contributions, she received the 2023 Award of Excellence and Innovation from WeRPN, underscoring her unwavering dedication to the profession. As a lifelong learner, Brie continuously seeks opportunities for growth and development, holding certifications in areas such as wound care and diabetes education. Her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in healthcare highlights her commitment to efficiency and process improvement, while her role as a facilitator for The Working Mind allows her to advocate for mental wellness and promote a supportive workplace environment.
While Brie once contemplated pursuing an RN designation, she has found fulfillment and purpose as an RPN in LTC. “I believe I can make positive change as an RPN,” she says. “I love what I do, so it’s sort of a ‘don’t fix what isn’t broken’ type of situation.” Brie finds immeasurable reward in her work. As she aptly sums up, “Long-term care isn’t glamourous by any stretch of the means, but it is so rewarding! I don’t think there’s any greater honour than to be able to help people live their final years in comfort.”
