National Nursing Week
Published Monday, May 12, 2025
May 12 to 18 is National Nursing Week and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. Meet Erika Whatley and Kendaaz White, Registered Nurses at our Hospital.
Erika Whatley, Registered Nurse
Erika Whatley is a Registered Nurse at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. Her journey in nursing began here, working as a unit care aide while completing a diploma in Practical Nursing. In 2019, she graduated as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and developed a passion for surgical nursing. However, she felt a strong drive to continue advancing in her career.
In 2020, Erika returned to school to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Nipissing University's bridging program, all while balancing full-time work. After a challenging but fulfilling journey, she graduated with Honours in December 2023 and successfully completed the NCLEX in March 2024. Erika felt fortunate to secure a permanent part-time position in Hemodialysis, where she could continue to grow and make a meaningful impact.
Over the past year as a Registered Nurse, her drive to push forward has only strengthened, and she now serves on the Nursing Practice Council and as the Policy and Political Action Executive Network Officer for the RNAO Lakehead Chapter. Florence Nightingale's words, “I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse,” continues to resonate with Erika as she remains committed to advancing nursing, constantly pursuing further education, and aiming toward a future where she can earn a Master's degree and make an even greater difference in health care. This unwavering drive to keep learning and improving has been the foundation of her career, and Erika looks forward to the many opportunities ahead to continue pushing herself and the profession forward.
Kendaaz White, Registered Nurse
Kendaaz White recently graduated Lakehead University (class of 2025) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Throughout the past five years, he has been involved in multiple areas within the health care system, including rehab and treatment centres, long-term care homes and research studies within First Nations communities. With his array of experience in health care, Kendaaz ultimately found a true passion for nursing. He now works at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as a Registered Nurse in 2C (cardiology).
Kendaaz shares, “I have consistently found fulfilment by helping and caring for patients and families as they go through some of the most difficult times in their lives. My ability to work as a nurse has allowed me to help many individuals and families physically, mentally and emotionally. Ultimately, I am proud to be a Registered Nurse at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre!”