Blair Bridge

Blair Bridge isn’t someone who stands still when it comes to professional growth.

The healthcare professional started his career at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (Waypoint) in 2018 as a personal care assistant (PCA). Soon after, he passed his nursing exams and became a registered nurse.

“When I started my nursing career, I wasn’t aware of the different directions you could go within the field till I came to Waypoint,” said Blair, who grew up in the region. “The leadership team and fellow nurses at Waypoint are excited to share all the developmental opportunities at Waypoint and mentor you along the way.”

This culture has opened doors for Blair that he didn’t know existed.

As an RN at Waypoint, Blair has held a variety of positions in four areas. This included working on the front line and as an acting clinical manager in the high secure provincial forensic mental health programs, which care for individuals who have mental health challenges and become involved with the criminal justice system. Blair worked as team lead RN in our regional swing unit, which opened during the pandemic to create additional capacity for patients with serious mental health and addiction needs. Most recently, Blair joined the data analytics department as a nursing informatics specialist.

His current role with the specialized mental health and addictions hospital involves working with both clinical managers and data analytics to identify opportunities to improve quality of care using both data and practical applications.

Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Blair's standout achievement was the establishment of the swing unit. This initiative ensured that patients across central Ontario had access to specialized care, reflecting his dedication to going above and beyond to meet the community's healthcare needs.

“Seeing the impact COVID had on mental health and how many people were struggling at home with substance abuse, unable to access care and supports, it was amazing that we were able to create a unit and answer that community need, “ said Blair. “The most memorable moments were when we discharged patients who were able to get better. The satisfaction in being able to help people was immense.”

In 2021, the swing unit leads, which included Blair, was awarded the “Team Work” Core Value Award recognizing their work on guiding patients and staff through the pandemic.

As Blair reflected on his early nursing days it revealed the impact of Waypoint on his professional trajectory. The supportive leadership team and fellow nurses played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of the possibilities within the field. Blair emphasizes the commitment of Waypoint to mentor and guide individuals, providing a conducive environment for continuous learning and career advancement.

Career development is one of the seven areas Waypoint is focused on after conducting research at the hospital last year to understand what matters to the people who work at Waypoint. The awareness campaign, What Matters To You Matters To Us, is part of a recruitment and retention strategy to recruit and retain the best talent in mental health and addictions. Other areas of focus include compensation, inspiring a culture of safety, innovation and excellence, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Blair stands as a shining example of the organization's commitment to fostering professional growth. His story is not just a personal narrative but a representation of Waypoint's vision – creating a workforce that is not only skilled but passionate about making a meaningful impact in the realm of mental health and addictions care. “For me, a career in healthcare goes beyond the base responsibilities; it's about contributing to patients' well-being, celebrating every victory no matter how small, and being a part of their transformative journeys.”