IVAR ZOZOBRADO, RN
Renal Health Clinic, Health Sciences Centre

Ivar was nominated as part of the HSC Renal Health Clinic team. Read the nomination here.

Ivar decided to make the leap into nursing after working in a convalescent care home.
“Looking at the nurses there, taking care of the patients. I thought I could certainly do that.”
During his fourth year clinical rotation in palliative care he was thanked by name in a patient’s obituary – a moment he said helped motivate him in his choice of profession during a time when he was unsure.

“That just strengthened my goal – I guess this is where I belong.”

He went on to work at Concordia before going to hemodialysis at Health Sciences Centre for three years. He enjoyed the aspect of technology involved in dialysis nursing.

“You set up your machine and monitor your machine, at the same time you are involved with your patient.”

That being said, he has enjoyed the change of pace and scope of work that has come with working in the renal clinic.

“You have the autonomy to critically think and follow up the patients and work closely with the doctors. You use your nursing skills to assess, evaluate and make up your own assessment.”

He admits that as a new nurse with six years of nursing experience he continuously strives to improve his abilities to provide the best support to both patients and the physicians.
“Nurses are the front line. You are the first contact for the patient.”