Originally from Sri Lanka, where he received both a Bachelor degree and a Master of Science (MSc) and worked as an educator, Thatparan (Para) Vinayagamoorthy decided to embark on a new career path after coming to Canada. He graduated from Centennial College in 2019 and began his professional journey as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) thereafter. Since then, Para has devoted his skills and compassion to serving the community at SE Healthcare in Scarborough, where he specializes in Palliative Care.
Para’s role encompasses crucial aspects of end-of-life care, with a particular focus on pain management, wound care and infusion therapy. Within this realm, he navigates the delicate balance of providing comfort and relief to patients during their final stages of life, a task made even more challenging and meaningful by the fact that the pandemic had begun just a year into Para’s new career.
“Providing care and comfort to my clients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has filled me with immense pride and happiness,” says Para. “The act of helping others is what truly brings me job satisfaction.”
One of Para’s most cherished aspects of his work is the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of individuals from various cultural backgrounds. “I derive immense job satisfaction from serving and working within a multicultural community,” he says. “I am very knowledgeable and respectful towards different cultures and beliefs.”
Para’s profound appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures enable him to establish meaningful connections with patients and their families, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Throughout his career, Para has continuously strived to expand his knowledge and skill set, recognizing the dynamic nature of healthcare. He actively participates in ongoing education and training sessions, such as the Living Engaged and Actively with Pain (LEAP) and Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care Education (CAPCE) programs, as well as weekly educational sessions facilitated by the Continuous Professional Competence (CPC) program. This commitment to lifelong learning equips him with the latest advancements in his field, ensuring the highest quality of care for his patients.
As a valued member of his team at SE Healthcare, Para embraces collaboration and interdisciplinary communication. He works closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, care coordinators and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
“It takes a collective effort to provide care,” Para explains. “Without the support of others, we cannot achieve our goals. I feel like I am a valuable member of the team, and my colleagues and supervisors always encourage me in different ways.”
Para places a lot of emphasis on team effort; however, his colleagues specifically singled him out to be recognized at this year’s Nursing Now Ontario Awards, which he won in the category of RPN.
One nominator praised Para for consistently making the effort to provide extra care when requested, which, in turn, helps clients meet their needs at home and avoid hospitalization. The compassionate and dedicated RPN consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every client receives the necessary care, often staying late to attend to an additional six or seven clients in a single evening.
In his role, Para encounters the complexities of pain management at the end of life, navigating the diverse preferences and needs of his patients. As an experienced and dedicated Palliative Care nurse, Para approaches these situations with empathy and understanding, providing education and support to patients and their families as they navigate the challenges of pain management. His expert end-of-life care honours clients’ wishes, enabling them to live out their final days in the comfort of their homes, which is meaningful for both the clients and their families.
Para’s dedication to his profession extends beyond the clinical setting. He possesses strong communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for delivering efficient and effective care. His collaborative approach and commitment to ongoing improvement not only benefit his patients but also contribute to the success of his team and organization.
Para’s journey from Sri Lanka to his role as a Palliative Care Nurse in Scarborough is marked by unwavering dedication, compassion and a commitment to lifelong learning. His ability to bridge cultural divides and provide compassionate care to individuals facing end-of-life challenges embodies the essence of nursing excellence.
