“Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital has a wonderful work environment, I’ve felt so well supported on the NICU team so far! I’ve found the open line of communication and the mutual respect between all staff really helps to ensure we are able to work together to provide the highest quality of care. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to introduce the OT role into the NICU, but to be able to do it at such a great hospital is an extra bonus!”
Meet Jessica Wilcox, an occupational therapist specializing in NICU and paediatric feeding. Jessica is brand new to Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital family and has felt warmly welcomed by her colleagues and the culture. When reflecting on the values of the hospital, Jessica feels strongly about compassion. She believes it is important to treat each family she sees with a compassionate approach, especially since most parents she meets in the NICU are there unexpectedly, which is often a stressful and scary time for them.
“Being able to listen to them, empathize with their situation, and be a trusted part of their baby’s health care team is very special. I love the phrase ‘honoured to care’ because it feels like the best way to describe how I feel every time I walk through our doors.”
Outside of work, Jessica has been spending time getting to know her new neighbourhood in Markham as she has recently become a resident. Jessica loves travelling, but since it is not an option these days, she’s been playing tourist in her new city. Jessica is also an animal lover, and recently started fostering a rabbit through a local rescue.
“I’m so happy to have been given the opportunity to begin my NICU journey with Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital and look forward to all of the wonderful opportunities ahead of me here!”