Fennie Alison Toyco
September 25, 2024
Interviewed by Abira Vaithilingam, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator
Fennie Alison Toyco’s Journey and Role as a Registered Nurse at SCHC
Introduction and Background:
Fennie Alison Toyco’s journey to her current role as a Registered Nurse at SCHC is inspiring and filled with resilience. In 2011, she emigrated from the Philippines to Canada with her husband and two children. Having been a Registered Nurse (RN) for 17 years, she held a high position in the Ministry of Health in the Philippines. However, the transition to Canada required significant sacrifices, as her husband worked on a cruise ship, and she had to start from scratch in a new country.
Before earning her nursing license in Canada, Fennie volunteered at SCHC in November 2011. She passed her nursing exam in May 2012 and found the structure at SCHC similar to what she knew back home. Her initial role involved volunteering at the hub reception and assisting a diabetes nurse at the Kingston location. After passing her exam, she applied for the RPN position and was hired in 2012. Eventually, Fennie has successfully earned the position as Primary Health Care Registered Nurse at the CHC.
Inspiration and Career Path:
As a child, Fennie aspired to become a nun, inspired by the nuns she saw in the church who wore white. Although her parents did not support this dream, they guided her towards nursing—a profession where students wore white. Fennie went to university, graduated, and eventually developed a deep love for nursing.
Role and Responsibilities at SCHC:
Over the years, Fennie’s responsibilities at SCHC have evolved. She has performed tasks as an RPN and RN in her 12 years at the Community Health Centre. Her day-to-day duties include managing appointments, administering injections, and conducting PAP tests—tasks she feels comfortable with due to her extensive experience back home. Fennie was also involved in setting up new clinics, including ordering supplies, organizing rooms, and ensuring smooth operations.
Challenges and Achievements:
Fennie’s initial weeks at SCHC were challenging due to language barriers. Although educated in English, she struggled with the different accents and initially found it hard to understand. However, she gradually adapted to these challenges.
One of her proudest achievements was establishing the new CHC at 629 and contributing to the setup of another clinic at 520. Her efforts included ordering supplies, organizing rooms, and ensuring the overall flow of the clinics.
Client Interaction and Community Impact:
Fennie has numerous memorable interactions with clients, who often express appreciation for her attentive care. One client, Zara Noor, shared how happy and excited she feels whenever she sees Fennie, praising her communication and ability to listen. Feedback from clients and colleagues indicates that Fennie is well-loved and appreciated for her dedication and compassion.
Fennie’s role has had a significant impact on the Scarborough community. She actively participates in health education events and flu clinics and provides hands-on care and education to the community. Fennie sees herself as a jack-of-all-trades, serving as a mentor, mom, and educator, embodying many roles in her position.
Personal Reflections:
The most rewarding part of Fennie’s job is receiving positive client feedback. She takes pride in making procedures like vaccinations and PAP tests as comfortable as possible for her clients. Recently, a client complimented her for the smoothness of a vaccine administration, highlighting Fennie’s skill and care.
In conclusion, Fennie Alison Toyco’s journey from volunteer to staff at SCHC is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for nursing. She hopes SCHC will continue to support her professional growth and remain committed to providing exceptional care to her clients and the community.