#PeopleofPCH is a series that highlights the diverse stories of staff, residents, and families across Partners Community Health (PCH).
Say hello to Felix Gayongorsa, RAI-MDS coordinator at Camilla Care. For National Nursing Week, Felix shares his story:
“Before moving to Canada from the Philippines, I worked in mechanical engineering field. Once I arrived here, I landed a job at a semiconductor research company for six years before the business closed.
Losing my job motivated me to go back to school and I decided to study at George Brown College to become a registered practical nurse. I was hesitant at first because I had no experience in the field. The decision turned out to be the right one for me because it opened up so many opportunities.
As a nursing student, I worked in a hospital and quickly discovered my passion for caring for the elderly and those who cannot advocate for themselves. Once I graduated, I started working as a registered practical nurse in long-term care homes, until I found a full-time position at Camilla Care. I have been working here for the past 14 years, starting as a medication nurse for the dementia unit and then transitioning into the role of RAI-MDS coordinator.
RAI-MDS, or ‘resident assessment instrument-minimum data set,’ is a standardized and interdisciplinary tool that guides the assessment and care planning process for residents. In my role, I’m responsible for coordinating resident assessments and analyzing data to improve the quality of life for residents. I also arrange care conferences with families and other members of our team, establish processes for data collection and accuracy, and review quality indicators on a quarterly basis.
Collaboration with my colleagues at Partners Community Health (PCH) is key in this role. From the social workers to the personal support workers to the physicians, we all work together to help analyze the data and provide a comprehensive, individualized care planning process.
Nursing is an extremely diverse and versatile profession, offering many career paths to choose from including in acute care, pediatrics, community care, and long-term care. I’m thankful that PCH and my career has given me the opportunity to use my nursing and computer skills to improve the quality of life of residents in the home.”
