Tristan Francisco, a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and Associate Director of Care at Fountain View Community, is determined to change the perception of nursing in long-term care. Tristan's journey began with a firm resolve to make a meaningful difference in long-term care, a decision that wasn't always met with understanding. "Even within the healthcare field, there is sometimes a lack of understanding and appreciation for the complexities of caring for seniors," says Tristan.
The moment Tristan stepped into his first nursing job in long-term care, he loved it. "There's a diversity of diagnoses, and caring for seniors is incredibly rewarding," he emphasizes.
With his desire to build genuine connections and make a tangible impact, Tristan embraces Sienna’s purpose of cultivating happiness in daily life. "What motivates me is the ability to build relationships with people – residents, families, and healthcare providers in the community."
He sees that the biggest impact he can make comes from the time he makes between the clinical assessments with residents. Getting to know them through day-to-day conversations and understanding who they are as individuals, their goals, and their experiences enables him to provide the best care.
"There is no question that nursing has its challenges; however, I focus on making each person's day a little bit better," says Tristan. "One of the most satisfying moments was when a family member recently told me how their impression of long-term care changed because of the tour we took together and that she was going to make Fountain View one of preferred homes for her loved one."
From his first experiences as an RPN to his current role, Tristan has found fulfillment in senior residents' unique and varied needs. It's also why he has returned to school to become a registered nurse. As he balances work, school and family, Tristan finds excellent support from his colleagues and mentorship from his leader, Nargish Malam, Executive Director at Fountain View.
As he progresses in his nursing career, Tristan is steadfast in his mission to foster inclusivity and teamwork within his community. 'My goal is to foster an environment where everyone has a voice,' he says. Through collaborative communication, Tristan strives to deliver the highest standard of care while fostering a supportive environment for all.
Tristan will graduate in spring 2025 as a registered nurse. Looking to the future, his aspirations include further growth in leadership roles, driven by his desire to change the culture at the highest level. Through his dedication and compassion, Tristan exemplifies the values of trust, empathy, and resilience that define nursing excellence.
In celebrating Nursing Week, let us honour the remarkable contributions of nurses like Tristan, whose care and advocacy builds trust between residents, team members and families in long-term care.
