RUTH FARNAN, DR. LES JANZ LEADERSHIP AWARD

“Ruth is a person who gets things done – not an easy task in our department and she has earned the trust and love of the Emergency Team.”

Congratulations to Ruth Farnan, RN, recipient of the 2021 Dr. Les Janz Leadership Award.

Ruth, who is a Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) is described by her colleagues as “the unsung hero of the Emergency Department at LGH.”

Ruth, spent time at the Emergency Department at LGH when she was a student nurse and she knew she wanted to return once she had consolidated her skills and experience.

Before arriving in Emergency at LGH she spent two years in a High Acuity Unit and she has now spent a decade in various roles.

She took on the role of CNE in 2020, and focused her attention on strengthening orientation procedures, creating a more nurturing environment and increasing educational opportunities for staff.

Emergency departments are busy and chaotic and can be disorienting for new staff members. Ruth collaborated with her colleagues to create enhanced professional support systems, in-class orientation sessions and opportunities for clinical development to ensure that new recruits have a strong foundation for success.

Ruth has also worked to deepen departmental knowledge by increasing training opportunities, working with experts from other hospitals and expanded education programs in a number of areas including advanced life support, trauma care, emergency palliative care and mental health and substance use.

“What I like most about the team that I work with is that it really is like a family,” says Ruth.  “It’s a very close team, and although Covid put a bit of a wrench in socializing, we are a team that works and plays together. We support one another not only during busy shifts, but also in all aspects of our lives.”

Learn more about Ruth and watch her receive her award below.