As a dedicated alumna, Golea reflects on her role as a volunteer and her commitment to shaping the future of nursing education.
Gaby Golea’s (MN’ 1997) decision to stay connected to the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing stems from a sense of gratitude for the many opportunities she has been afforded as a graduate, and from a sense of responsibility to prepare the next generation of nurses.
Her involvement as a volunteer has allowed her to contribute to the Faculty in a variety of unique ways including reviewing BScN applications, guest lecturing, and participating in a focus group to revitalize the gerontology nursing curriculum that aligns with her passion for senior care.
As the Director for Professional Practice at UHN’s Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, staying engaged with the Faculty as an alumna, is something Golea also sees as mutually beneficial for both her own career and the future of the Faculty.
“Being a mentor and clinical instructor for Master of Nursing students has helped me stay current in my profession,” says Golea who has supervised placements for students in the MS HSLA program over the years. “By mentoring students, I’m staying informed about leading technologies and gaining a better understanding of what new nurses are experiencing and learning, and what they need.”
Golea has found that attending events or just staying informed about Bloomberg Nursing research and news, has helped her remain knowledgeable about the innovative work being generated in the nursing profession at the academic level, and the trends emerging in nursing education, policy and research.
She points to a recent story about Associate Professor Quinn Grundy receiving the Ontario Early Research Award in support of her work on pharmaceutical policy as an example of the possibilities available within the nursing profession. She is also excited about the new appointment of Assistant Professor Rosanra (Rosie) Yoon whose research in the area of addictions and mental health demonstrates the Faculty’s commitment to broadening the scope of the Faculty’s research outside of acute care settings.
Over the past year, Golea has also been proud to contribute to Bloomberg Nursing’s ongoing Strategic Planning consultations, an opportunity she says demonstrates the importance of alumni engagement.
“I think it is important for the Faculty to have feedback from alumni in the field. Whether you are in a leadership, or a clinical role you have a sense of what is happening in the world and can help shape areas the Faculty sees as priority to explore,” says Golea.
As she considers the future, Golea knows without a doubt she will remain connected to Bloomberg Nursing, as a mentor and as a participant in all the Faculty has to offer.
“I’ve been an alumna since 1997 and I have never regretted it. As alumni we continue to learn from the faculty and faculty continues to learn from us, I’m excited about where the future will take us in nursing,” says Golea.
Learn more about how you can give back as a member of the Bloomberg Nursing alumni community. Contact Nicole Landa, Senior Development Officer at Nicole.landa@utoronto.ca for more information.