Michelle Davies was inspired to become a nurse from a young age, following in the footsteps of her two grandmothers. But it was the strength and resilience of her mother that truly ignited her passion for nursing. Michelle cared for her mother through battles with multiple forms of cancer, including lung cancer that left her with only 1.5 lungs, breast cancer, which resulted in a mastectomy and colon cancer. Michelle's caregiving also extended to her husband, who survived a heart attack last year, and her 25-year-old son, who has lived with bipolar disorder and social anxiety since his early teens. Michelle’s deep connection to caring for her family naturally led her to a career where she could offer that same compassion to others. Despite being born with a hearing impairment, Michelle has always been determined to overcome every obstacle, from academic struggles to discrimination, on her path to becoming a nurse.
Michelle worked as a personal support worker (PSW) for 22 years, where she gained a strong grasp of the holistic needs of residents, from daily care to emotional well-being. This experience provided her with a solid understanding of the healthcare environment, allowing her to foster deeper connections with residents and collaborate more effectively with her team. Her long-standing role also enhanced her empathy, patience and adaptability — crucial skills for delivering high-quality care.
Wanting to take the next step in her healthcare career, Michelle enrolled at Ontario Tech University (formerly known as the University of Ontario’s Institute of Technology). She initially faced difficulties in several classes due to some professors not adapting to her hearing impairment. Despite failing a few courses, Michelle remained determined to overcome every obstacle to achieve her dream. Her experience improved significantly with a new professor who was more considerate and sensitive to her struggles. With his support, and the assistance of a transcriber in her third year, Michelle excelled — ultimately passing with an impressive 98 per cent. Not only did she advocate for greater awareness of auditory challenges and accessibility issues in public facilities, but she also proudly graduated as an RPN in 2012, serving as an inspiration to others.
Michelle currently works as a clinical lead specializing in falls prevention at Fairview Lodge LTC home in Whitby, Ontario. In her role, Michelle spearheads the Rapid Response Huddle, coordinating with the interdisciplinary team to assess and update personalized care plans for high-risk residents, particularly those with cognitive impairments or mobility challenges. She conducts regular rounds to monitor these residents, ensures environmental safety, implements comprehensive falls prevention strategies tailored to each individual’s needs and educates staff on falls prevention and alternatives to restraint use. Michelle also promotes mobility and independence through personalized care plans, reviews medications for fall risks and maintains thorough documentation of incidents. Her approach is highly collaborative, engaging families and working closely with healthcare professionals to implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.
“I am passionate about enhancing the safety and quality of life for Fairview Lodge residents,” says Michelle. “Through the fall prevention program, I reduce risks, empowering residents to live more fully and securely. I am committed to promoting their independence and well-being, instilling them with confidence and peace of mind.”
Michelle and her teammates took the online fall prevention course from the University of British Columbia, and after having successfully completed it, they developed their own program for Fairview. Michelle sees this as one of her greatest accomplishments since starting at the lodge. Through having implemented this program, she exemplifies true leadership and a commitment to enhancing the lives of her residents. By conducting regular assessments, educating staff, residents and their families and advocating for fall prevention strategies, she not only ensures a safe and nurturing environment but also fosters a sense of community and trust. Michelle’s passion for her work is evident in the genuine relationships she builds with her residents.
“I love my job because I get to be there for the residents,” she says with sincerity. “Even if they don’t have families, I’ll be there for them. And I love being an RPN because it allows me to be with the residents more and cultivate meaningful relationships with them by taking the time to listen, understand and advocate for their best interests. I just love them so much! And I love making them smile!”
This deep-seated love for her role not only brings her immense job satisfaction but also inspires her team to strive for excellence in care.
“I think I’m meant to be an RPN,” Michelle gushes, her eyes sparkling. “Before I thought I couldn’t be a nurse because of my hearing disability, but that never stopped me from trying! And now, I even have my own digital EKO stethoscope that my team bought me. Now I feel like I was meant to be an RPN!”
By prioritizing the well-being of those she serves, Michelle embodies the very essence of compassionate nursing, transforming lives one day at a time.