Sept. 10, 1995 to Jan. 21, 2021

This past year has been one of tremendous loss. COVID-19 has taken the lives of patients, friends, family members and colleagues. But it’s not just the effects of the virus on our physical health that is to blame for this unprecedented loss. The impact of the pandemic on mental health is undeniable.

The nursing community was shocked by the tragic loss of RN Stefanie Van Nguyen, 26, who died by suicide on Jan. 21, 2021. Van Nguyen was a registered oncology nurse at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. She also worked as an occupational health nurse at Humber River Hospital. She was a dedicated RN who cared deeply for her patients and her co-workers and was well-liked by her colleagues.

RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun told Global News that Nguyen’s family told her that she was very giving and was always the last one to leave work in order to help others. On social media Van Nguyen’s partner, Jason Parreno described her as “a light in this world.” In another post, friend and fellow nurse Amanda Jara urged her colleagues to take care of their mental health. “This career is endless and it will always be waiting there for you to come back when you’re ready,” she writes.

Grinspun says that this pandemic has been especially tough on frontline health-care workers. “It’s unsustainable. It breaks the souls of our people and it’s exhausting them to no limit.” RNAO began its open forum series in February to provide nurses with a space to discuss their mental health and how they are coping during the pandemic. In January, RNAO launched a wellbeing survey for RNs, NPs and nursing students to get a pulse on how nurses are feeling during this pandemic. Early results from the survey were released at a webinar on March 8.

If you are experiencing mental health issues, know that you are not alone. Please reach out for help. Visit our COVID-19 portal for a list of resources and supports for care providers coping with depression, stress and anxiety. Seek support from a health professional because you are loved and we need you.