This month Kimberly-Ann Niceforo, Clinic Director for the Sudbury Horizon location, is celebrating 20 years with the company – and we are thrilled to feature her as this month’s Clinician Spotlight! As an Occupational Health Nurse and experienced healthcare provider, Kimberly is a long standing and valuable member of the Horizon OHS team.

Q) HOW IS IT THAT YOU STARTED YOUR CAREER IN HEALTHCARE?

A) Weeks before graduating from my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University and while I was finishing my clinical at Laurentian Hospital as a post-surgical nurse, I recall so vividly heading down the hall to submit my resume to the hospital Ward Manager. When I handed it to her she smiled and asked me when would be the best day to start. I asked “Do you mean for an interview?” and she said “No, your orientation as a part-time grad nurse!” And so was the beginning of my career in healthcare.

Q) WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START WORKING IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SPECIFICALLY?

A) Following a string of contracts as a Public Health Nurse at the Sudbury local Health Unit, a former nursing colleague asked if I would consider moving to Toronto for a permanent full time Nurse Consultant position that had been posted at her workplace. I applied for the position and was invited to start on July 13, 1998 – 20 years ago this month!

Q) CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AT HORIZON?

A) I manage Horizon’s Sudbury clinic – truly a “one stop shop” for all things in Occupational Health. I ensure policies, procedures and medical directives are up to date, and adhered to for the smooth and successful operation of the clinic. Working alongside my wonderful and dynamic team, I spend much of my time assisting with clinical duties and consults as required. In order to guarantee the success, growth and development of our business, my team and I always ensure our new and existing clients are fully satisfied. Our goal is to see returning customers with smiles on their face.

My time with the company has been an amazing journey that has brought me so much pride, as well as amazing opportunities, experiences, growth and development. Over the years I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings. Starting as a Nurse Consultant, I then moved on to Disability Nurse Case Manager, Clinic Nurse, Medical Surveillance Senior Nurse, Medical Surveillance Program Manager and finally landed where I am today as Clinic Director.

Q) WHAT IS IT ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH THATYOU FIND INTERESTING?

A) I love it all, to be honest! In fact, after only a few months of having worked on-site with one of our largest clients, Vale Ltd., I started a diploma program via correspondence through St. Lawrence College in the Occupational Health Nursing Program. However, if I had to choose what I find most interesting, or what I like the most about Occupational Health, it would be the prevention side of things; detecting early illnesses and occupational diseases through periodic medicals and being able to make a difference with early intervention. I also enjoy the different skills set that I have learned as an Occupational Health Nurse from spirometry, to audiometry, to venipuncture, to electrocardiography, to drug and alcohol testing and most recently hair follicle testing.

Q) WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE THAT YOU GIVE MOST PATIENTS?

A) As a certified Canadian Occupational Health Nurse, I am constantly reinforcing proper hygiene and work practices. This entails educating one to remove dirty clothes at work prior to going home, showering at work, as to prevent bringing dust/soiled clothing into one’s home; to avoid biting nails and wash hands before eating and smoking as to prevent cross contamination; and to use proper Personal Protective Equipment such as proper eyewear, hearing protection, respirator/facial protection etc. with dusty and/or required jobs.

Q) IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?

A) I would like to thank Horizon Occupational Health Solutions (Medisys Health Group) for a wonderful 20 years, for the experiences and opportunities that I have gained along my career path and for the great people I have met, worked and learned from throughout the years!