Ruth Valade invested 50 years of her life as a registered nurse in Brantford and since her retirement earlier this year she still returns one day a week to volunteer.
Valade was born and raised in Brantford. She was 17 years old when she graduated from Brantford Collegiate Institute.
“It was 1969 and in those days many women would choose to become a secretary, a teacher, or a nurse. I decided to study nursing,” she said.
Valade enrolled at the Brantford General Hospital School of Nursing.
“Back then it was a three-year program and we had to live in the school residence at the BGH which was quite an experience.
“Two years were classroom studies followed by training in the hospital for the final year.”
In 1972, Valade received her nursing certificate and was one of 10 students who completed their intern year at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brantford. Valade was hired in the surgical unit.
In 2000, the Brant Community Healthcare System (Brantford General Hospital and Willett Hospital, Paris) was formed and Valade transferred over to the Brantford General where she continued until her retirement earlier this year.
In 2007, Valade transferred to the pre-op clinic where she assessed patients and prepared them for their surgery. Then, in 2014 she worked mostly in the ambulatory care center where much of her work involved treating patients who had conscious sedation after undergoing minor procedures such colonoscopies.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my years being a registered nurse,” Valade said. “You learn that every patient has their own individual needs and as nurses we must understand and care for them as individuals.”
Although Valade retired from healthcare in April, she still volunteers at the hospital.
“One day a week I volunteer in the diabetic education centre,” Valade said, adding, “It is something I can do to help out as a way of giving back.”
Valade also keeps busy with other aspects of her life.
“A group of ladies have a project called Little Boxes Plus. We use our scrapbooking experience and create bookmarks and other favors with all the proceeds going to cancer care. Our goal is to raise enough money to purchase a new bed for the Stedman Hospice.”
Valade also enjoys spending time with her husband, Bob, who retired from teaching and was a volunteer firefighter at the Brant County Airport Hall until 2014.
“We have three children and one pursued healthcare as an occupational therapist at St. Elizabeth Health in Hamilton,” Valade said.
“We have four grandchildren from age seven to 18 who we enjoy, and I also go to the gym pretty well every day of the week,” Valade said.
Valade enjoyed nursing. However, so much has changed over the years. “Patients in hospitals are so much sicker these days. It is a very fast-paced work environment. It is a young person’s job.”
Hospital Insider is written by Gary Chalk who assists with communications for the Brant Community Healthcare System.