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Introducing MGH Besties: colleagues turned friends at Michael �������� (MGH) who help make every day positive and memorable for themselves, their teams and the patients they support. They’re part of the thousands of people at MGH who deliver high-quality care and nurture our culture of belonging, well-being and safety. 

The MGH Besties series acknowledges these important relationships throughout our hospital and highlights how our staff work together to show up every day for our patients. We know working in healthcare can be tough and we know we rely on our colleagues and teams to get through all those moments together. What gets us through the good, the unpredictable and sometimes sad moments are our relationships �� the trust, dependability and honesty we have with others. 

Together, Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) Kim Ouimette and Michelle Dass have more than 25 years of experience working at Michael �������� (MGH). 

For the past 10, they’ve worked together in the Surgery Unit, weathering busy shifts, a diverse patient population, and a global pandemic that has changed healthcare in many ways. 

“She keeps me sane,�� Kim says of Michelle. “Some days are stressful, but I can always trust that Michelle is there to talk and listen to me vent without judgment. After work, she’ll text me to check in and ask if I’m okay.�� 

“When we’re on the same shift, I can tell from just a look if Kim needs my help,�� Michelle says. “I try to jump in when I can to lend a hand and help her feel less stressed.�� 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim and Michelle went from colleagues and friends to collaborators when they started the Santa Shoebox Project, a fundraiser that involves working with other members of MGH’s Surgery Team to create care packages for long-term care home residents in East Toronto during the holidays. 

“We both really wanted to do something to help the community �� beyond the care we were already providing at the hospital,�� Kim says. “We were texting and came up with the idea for this project where we could help seniors and others affected by COVID.�� 

The project has been so successful that the Surgery Team now organizes it every year. In recent years, Kim and Michelle were able to hand-deliver care packages to local long-term care home residents. 

“I remember, last holiday, seeing the pure joy on a resident’s face. She was so surprised, and she gave us a big hug,�� Kim says. 

“This fundraiser is close to both of our hearts, so it’s nice to share that feeling together,�� Michelle adds. 

Kim and Michelle also leaned on one another for support during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“The pandemic affected me deeply and I questioned if I wanted to continue nursing,�� Michelle says. “I probably would have left if I didn't have Kim in those moments where I was struggling and felt the most lost. She was always real with me and told me she would support me no matter what.�� 

“Michelle has the biggest heart of anyone I know at work,�� Kim says. “She’s a great mentor and one of the most brilliant nurses I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I’m grateful she’s there and hasn’t left �� I think my work life is better because of her. And it’s nice to know she has my back �� both at and outside of work.�� 

Are you a team member at MGH and have a bestie �� or know of some besties �� who you think would be a great fit for this series? Let us know at @email!