A 35-year legacy: a nurse reflects on her time at MSH

As Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) celebrates its 35th birthday this year, it’s only fitting to reflect on the people who helped build its heart and soul.

During Nursing Week, we’re shining a light on one of those remarkable individuals: Rosemary Cameirao, who has been a dedicated nurse at MSH since the very beginning.

For 35 years, Cameirao has walked through the hospital’s doors as a comforting presence to patients and a pillar of support to her colleagues. She’s worked across multiple departments—NICU, Mental Health, and Childbirth & Children’s Services. For the last 10 years, she has worked in the Paediatric Ambulatory Clinic, sharing a position two weeks at a time in NICU and Paediatrics. After six years in this role, there was a need identified to have two full-time nurses, and thanks to the late Dr. Grewal, it happened. Cameirao and her co-RN were pioneers in the development of the Paediatric Assessment Clinic, which now encompasses 11 paediatric clinics with 22 paediatricians.

When Cameirao joined MSH in 1990, she was already an experienced nurse. But something about the spirit of the hospital—the camaraderie, the shared commitment to patient care—felt like home. “I’ve made some very deep relationships here,” she reflects. “This place has become family to me.”

She has always been known for her warmth, humour, and generosity, whether it’s mentoring new nurses, offering a listening ear, or showing up with donuts and coffee to lift the team’s spirits. “We laugh, we cry, we get mad—but that’s what’s great about having your colleagues to lean on, because they get it,” she says with a smile. “We support each other and have each other’s backs no matter what.”

Mentorship is close to her heart. “Always keep your eyes, ears, and hands open—and your attitude open, too,” she says when asked what advice she gives to new nurses. “Come in every day ready to learn something. And on your drive home, ask yourself: What did I learn today? How can I expand on it? How can I make it better for myself and my patients?”

She encourages new nurses to get to know their colleagues, as the teams work very closely together, and it is very much a family-like environment. “Absorb new knowledge and learn from your experiences,” she advises. “Always ask for help when you need it, and be there to help your colleagues too. Nurses are strong advocates for our profession and standard of work – your voice will be heard and you will be supported.”

She’s also seen the evolution of emotional support in health care. “Earlier in my career, we didn’t have any formal debriefing process. You’d just go home carrying the weight of outcomes that weren’t good,” she says. “Now, if something happens or even if someone just needs to talk through a situation, there’s a debrief. It’s a powerful way to process, heal, and support each other as a team.”

With 49 years of a full and fulfilling nursing career under her belt, Cameirao is often asked why she hasn’t retired yet. “I still have my physical and mental capacity, and I love my job,” she says. “When I feel I can’t give safe care anymore, that’s when I’ll step away.”

Family remains central to her life outside of work. She lives just a few blocks from the hospital in Markham. Her daughter lives in Oakville with her husband and two children, and her son still lives nearby. “I’ve professionally attended many births, witnessing family joy and fine Labour and Delivery teamwork, but the most pivotal moment of my career was being present at our first grandchild’s delivery, where I officially took on the title of Nana.”

As she nears the end of her career, Cameirao is full of gratitude for the people she’s worked with, the patients she’s cared for, and the memories she’s made. “It’s going to be a sad day when I leave,” she says quietly. “I hope I don’t return as a patient, but if I ever do, I know I’ll be in the best hands. Being on the other side will feel different, but some things won’t change—like the kindness in the hallways and the warm, familiar smiles that always make you feel at home.”

As we celebrate both Nursing Week and 35 years of care at MSH, her story reminds us that while technology, buildings, and systems evolve, it’s people—and nurses like her—who remain the heart of health care.

Photo: For 35 years, Rosemary Cameirao has walked through the hospital’s doors as a comforting presence to patients and a pillar of support to her colleagues.

*Story submitted by Michelle Lee Hoy.