Get to know me!
Hi everyone!
My name is Desereh (you can call me Des). I’m originally from Cambridge, Ontario but moved 5hrs away to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Ottawa. I’ve since settled in Ottawa and now call it home. For the last 5 years I’ve practiced as a Registered Nurse at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in a cardiac step-down & structural heart recovery unit. In January 2021, I transitioned into the role of Clinical Care Leader for this area. Some of my primary responsibilities involve the ever-so-challenging staffing and recruitment, clinical quality initiatives, and overall bed flow management. Cardiac care has always been a passion of mine, and I feel very grateful to work amongst such a highly skilled and patient-focused interdisciplinary team at UOHI.
On a more personal note, I recently got married in June to my husband Chris, who is also an RN at the Heart Institute. Chris and I met through mutual friends while he was working in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit, more recently he has worked in the Cath/EP Labs. Together we love travelling and spending time outdoors with friends and family. I try my best to keep health and wellness at the forefront and enjoy exercising to de-stress throughout the week (along with a good Netflix show).
Professional Summary
2021-Current
Clinical Care Leader
Regional Referral Centre
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, ON
Responsible for staffing, recruitment, and position control of RN’s and inpatient clerks.
Liaise closely with physician groups, triage coordinators, APNs, educators, and allied health to ensure quality patient care and staff education.
Efficiently respond to a variety of simultaneous demands.
Supervise day-to-day operations and provide staff support.
Monitor quality indicators and conduct staff performance appraisals.
Unit lead for inpatient Accreditation in Nov 2022.
2018-2021
Registered Nurse
Regional Referral Centre & Cardiac Day Unit
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, ON
Responsible for pre- and post-op monitoring of acute cardiac patients for various cardiac procedures in a fast-paced ambulatory and inpatient care unit.
Cared for patients with complex cardiac diseases.
Proficient in leadership roles such as Charge Nurse & Epic Superuser
2016-2018
Customer Service Representative
Summer Student Program
P & H Milling
Cambridge, ON
Provided excellent Customer Service support to customers. Collaborated with Sales Representatives and Operations Management regarding product quality and delivery.