Nominator Name | Maria Igsoc |
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migsoc@lh.ca | |
Phone | (647) 510-1956 |
CNO Registration Number | 23794672 |
Nursing Designation | RN |
Relationship to Nominee | Nursing Colleague |
Nominee Name | Mark Anthony Urdaneta |
Nominee Email | murdaneta@lh.ca |
Nominee Phone | 9052605589 |
Nominee Job Title | Registered Nurse |
Employer | Lakeridge Health |
Employment Location (municipality) | Oshawa |
Availability and Communication | There’s a quiet strength in a mentor who truly listens especially amid the chaos of a clinical setting. From my first day, Mark didn’t just talk about having an open-door policy; he lived it. Even during packed rounds or when buried in documentation, he would pause, meet my eyes, and ask, “What’s going on?” That simple, consistent gesture made me feel seen, supported, and respected. |
Problem Solving | What set Mark apart wasn’t just what he knew, it was how he challenged me to think. He never handed over answers. Instead, he cultivated the kind of independent, critical thinking that transforms a novice into an expert level. When I came to him uncertain about a patient’s condition or care plan, he’d ask, “What are you thinking so far?” That one question reframed everything. It invited me to pause, organize my thoughts, and draw connections. I wasn’t just solving problems, I was learning how to approach them. |
Use of Reflective Questions and Feedback | One of the most powerful tools Mark used was reflection. After emotionally intense experiences like a patient death or a difficult family conversation, he would take a moment to ask, “How are you processing that?” That simple question opened space for deeper conversations, encouraging me to think beyond the clinical outcome and reflect on how the experience shaped me as a nurse and a person. |
Encouragement | When I first started, I wasn’t sure where I wanted my nursing career to go. I knew I loved patient interaction and wanted to make a difference but beyond that, I felt directionless. That changed because of Mark. |
Role Modeling | If I had to capture what made Mark truly impactful, it would be this: he lived the values he taught. He didn’t just talk about compassion—he embodied it. Whether advocating for a nonverbal patient, staying late to comfort a grieving family, or pulling up a chair to explain something to a nervous student, he led by example with calm, steady grace. Watching him work set a standard—not of perfection, but of presence, integrity, and authenticity. |
Nominator B Name | Reena Victor |
Supporting Nominator Email | Email hidden; Javascript is required. |
Nursing Designation | RN |
Relationship to Nominee | Nursing Colleague |
Supporting Nominator Phone | 2894042252 |
Nominator B: Availability and Communication | Mark has been a consistently approachable and supportive presence throughout my placement. From day one, he made it clear that no question was too small and that I could come to him anytime with concerns. He didn’t just say it, he lived it. Whether it was a quiet moment or a chaotic shift, Mark always made time to check in, creating a sense of stability in an often unpredictable environment. |
Nominator B: Problem Solving | Mark excels at fostering critical thinking and clinical problem-solving in a way that is both empowering and effective. Rather than providing quick answers, he consistently encouraged me to analyze situations, form hypotheses, and make informed decisions. His approach wasn’t about testing me it was about teaching me how to think like a nurse. One moment that stands out was when a patient’s vital signs began trending abnormally. Instead of jumping in with a solution, Mark turned to me and asked, “What do you think is going on, and what would you do next?” His tone was never intimidating, just curious and supportive. As I worked through my thought process out loud, he guided me with thoughtful prompts, helping me connect the clinical dots. By the end of the conversation, I had arrived at the right conclusions but more importantly, I understood how I got there. Mark’s ability to scaffold learning was equally impactful. He gradually increased the complexity of the cases he assigned me, allowing me to build confidence and competence in real time. I never felt overwhelmed or out of my depth just consistently challenged in a way that encouraged growth. Through his mentorship, I learned how to prioritize under pressure, respond with intention, and trust my clinical instincts. Mark didn’t just help me learn, he helped me think, and that’s what sets him apart as a truly exceptional educator and role model. |
Nominator B: Use of Reflective Questions and Feedback | Mark’s use of reflective questioning and feedback is one of the most powerful aspects of his mentorship. He doesn’t just teach clinical skills, he teaches you how to think about your practice. After each shift, we would engage in thoughtful debriefs where he’d ask questions like, “What do you think went well today?” and “What would you do differently next time?” These weren’t just casual check-ins, they were intentional moments that encouraged me to pause, process, and grow from each experience. One day, after a particularly difficult interaction with a distressed family member, I felt unsure about how I had handled the conversation. Mark didn’t just offer feedback, he invited reflection. Through his gentle guidance, I came to see where empathy and clear communication could have shifted the outcome. It wasn’t about pointing out what I did wrong, it was about helping me understand how to do better next time. What sets Mark apart is how he delivers feedback: it’s always constructive, always specific, and always rooted in kindness. His insights are focused on improvement, never criticism, and he has a rare ability to turn every challenge into a learning opportunity. He doesn’t just model clinical excellence, he models emotional intelligence, humility, and professional growth. Because of his reflective approach, I’ve learned to assess my own practice more honestly and intentionally. Mark doesn’t just shape better nurses, he shapes self-aware, thoughtful nurses ready to lead with purpose. |
Nominator B: Encouragement | Mark has been a powerful advocate for my growth as a new graduate nurse. From the beginning, he took a genuine interest in my long-term goals and actively worked to connect my daily learning with a larger career vision. He didn’t wait for me to ask, he proactively identified opportunities aligned with my interests, such as working with ventilated patients or observing complex procedures, ensuring each experience added depth to my clinical foundation. What truly set Mark apart was his ability to balance support with challenge. He consistently encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, framing new experiences as stepping stones rather than tests. He shared insights into various nursing paths and was generous with resources—recommending articles, certifications, and courses tailored to my aspirations. During our one-on-one conversations, Mark always asked thoughtful questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and followed up with practical, actionable advice on how to get there. He treated my goals with the same seriousness he would give to his own team’s professional development. His belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue a future in critical care—a path I once saw as intimidating, but now see as exciting and achievable. Mark didn’t just guide me, he empowered me. His mentorship didn’t end at clinical teaching; it extended to shaping a career mindset built on purpose, possibility, and self-belief. |
Nominator B: Role Modeling | Mark consistently exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding nurse and an inspiring role model. He seamlessly balances clinical expertise with compassion and teamwork, setting a high standard for everyone around him. His leadership is not loud—it’s steady, composed, and deeply human. One moment that left a lasting impression was when I observed Mark lead a high-stakes resuscitation. Amid the urgency, he coordinated the team with calm precision, ensuring that every action was purposeful and that each voice was heard. What stood out even more was what happened afterward. Once the patient was stabilized, Mark gathered the team—not just to review the clinical sequence, but to reflect on the emotional weight of the experience. His ability to pair medical excellence with emotional intelligence is rare and deeply impactful. Mark’s mentorship goes beyond clinical instruction. He’s not just available—he’s fully present. Whether in a moment of crisis or a quiet teaching opportunity, he engages intellectually and emotionally, creating a learning space that feels both safe and motivating. His professionalism, patience, and commitment to lifelong learning have not only shaped my clinical skills, but have influenced the kind of nurse I aspire to become. Mark doesn’t just talk about best practices—he lives them. He models integrity, empathy, and excellence in every interaction. Being mentored by him has been one of the most formative experiences of my nursing education, and his example will continue to guide me long after this new graduate initiative ends. |