27 Years of Community Nursing Excellence in Durham Region
Our Story
Since 1998, Partners in Community Nursing has been Durham Region's trusted provider of specialized community nursing care. What began as a vision to bring exceptional healthcare directly to homes and schools has evolved into a comprehensive network of skilled professionals serving families across Durham Region from west Pickering, north to Beaverton, east to Newtonville and south to Lake Ontario, and surrounding communities.
For over two decades, PICN has built lasting relationships with families throughout Durham Region by consistently delivering compassionate, individualized care when and where it's needed most. Our team of approximately 130 dedicated nursing professionals provides 24/7 care availability, ensuring that families have access to expert nursing support around the clock.
Our Foundation
Founded on the principles of accountability, compassion, responsiveness, and respect, PICN has grown from a small community initiative into one of Durham Region's most trusted healthcare providers. Our commitment to excellence has made us a leader in pediatric nursing, palliative care, and specialized clinical services throughout the region.
Our Mission
To provide exceptional nursing care for clients and families in home, school, and community environments while fostering professional development for our nursing staff and meeting the diverse healthcare needs of Durham Region residents.
The Leadership Team
Experienced Healthcare Leaders Committed to Excellence
PICN's leadership team brings decades of nursing and healthcare management experience to guide our mission of providing exceptional community care throughout Durham Region. Our collaborative leadership structure ensures both clinical excellence and operational efficiency while maintaining the personal touch that has defined PICN since 1998.
Organizational Structure:
Partnership-based leadership model with shared accountability
Clinical oversight ensuring evidence-based care standards
Administrative leadership focused on operational excellence and staff support
Commitment to transparency and open communication across all levels
Meet the Team
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Theresa Henderson
President
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Nancy Flynt
Director of Operations
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Sarah Smith
Administrative Manager
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Deborah Lemon
Director of Nursing
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Dillon Godfrey
Nurse Manager
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Sarah Winter
Clinical Resource Lead
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Heidi Mitchell
HR Manager
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Samantha Jesson
Clinical Resource Lead
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Sylvie Yourt
Shift Program Team Lead
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Trish Gallagher
Client Service Coordinator Team Lead
Our Approach to Care
Evidence-Based Community Nursing with a Personal Touch
At PICN, exceptional care begins with understanding that every family's needs are unique. Our approach combines clinical expertise with the flexibility to adapt to each client's home environment, cultural background, and personal preferences.
Client-Centered Focus
Every care plan is developed collaboratively with clients and families, ensuring that medical needs are met while respecting personal values, routines, and goals. We recognize that the best outcomes happen when care plans reflect the whole person, not just their medical condition.
Family Education and Empowerment
We believe that informed families make the best healthcare decisions. Our nurses provide comprehensive education, teaching families to participate confidently in care when appropriate while ensuring professional oversight for complex medical needs.
Collaborative Healthcare Partnerships
We work seamlessly with physicians, specialists, therapists, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care. Our nurses communicate with healthcare teams at Lakeridge Health, Ontario Shores, and many other Durham Region healthcare facilities, as well as the majority of Toronto based hospitals inclusive of Sick Kids.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion
Durham Region's diverse communities require culturally responsive care. Our team reflects this diversity and receives ongoing training in cultural competency to ensure respectful, inclusive care for all families we serve.
Evidence-Based Practice
All nursing interventions are grounded in current best practices and evidence-based protocols. Our team participates in ongoing education and maintains certifications in specialized areas including 24/7 pediatric care, wound care, and palliative care.
Where Nursing Excellence Meets Personal Growth
PICN Culture & Community
Working at PICN means joining a community that values both professional excellence and personal wellbeing. Our culture is built on mutual respect, continuous learning, and shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Durham Region families.
Professional Autonomy with Support
PICN nurses enjoy clinical independence while having access to experienced mentors, specialized consultants, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you're managing a complex pediatric case in Whitby or providing palliative care in Pickering, you'll have the autonomy to practice nursing at its highest level with backup support when needed.
Community Connection
Serving families in your own community creates deeper relationships and greater job satisfaction. Many of our nurses live in the Durham Region communities they serve, creating meaningful connections that extend beyond professional relationships.
Flexible Scheduling That Works
We understand that exceptional nurses have lives outside of work. Our scheduling models accommodate different life stages and personal commitments, offering both shift-based and visiting nurse opportunities that can adapt to your changing needs over time.
Collaborative Team Support
Despite the independent nature of community nursing, PICN fosters strong team connections through regular team meetings, peer support networks, and shared problem-solving. Nurses regularly collaborate across specialties, sharing expertise and learning from each other's experiences.
Continuous Learning Environment
From orientation through career advancement, PICN invests in professional development. Our nurses receive specialty training, certification support, and ongoing education opportunities that keep them at the forefront of community nursing practice.
Recognition of Excellence
We celebrate the exceptional work our nurses do every day. PICN acknowledges the skill, dedication, and compassion our team brings to their work.
Staying Connected with PICN's Latest Developments
News & Updates
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PICN Current News
Staying Connected with PICN's Latest Developments
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Connect with Partners in Community Nursing
We're here to assist you with any inquiries.
Contact Information:
General Inquiries & Service Requests
PICN provides nursing services throughout Durham Region from west Pickering, north to Beaverton, east to Newtonville and south to Lake Ontario.
Service Area
Partners in Community Nursing
Office Location
For nursing positions and career inquiries, visit our careers page or call our main number to speak with our recruitment team.
Career Opportunities
PICN Information
Partners in Community Nursing - Serving Durham Region families with excellence, compassion, and expertise since 1998.
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Nursing Care:
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Administrative Support:
Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
After-hours support:
24/7 on-call nurse available for urgent concerns
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Most services are funded at no cost through Ontario Health at Home (OHaH) for eligible clients. Inquire with your doctor today.
Self Referral:
Anyone can make a referral to us on your behalf and with your consent – a family doctor, friend, family member, caregiver, neighbour and even you, yourself.
Simply give us a call at 310-2222 (no area code required).
or online at: https://ontariohealthathome.ca/document/central-east-request-for-assessment-form/Private Insurance
We also accept private insurance and private payment arrangements. Contact us to discuss funding options for your specific care needs.
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PICN is committed to accessibility and follows the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) guidelines. Our office and services are designed to accommodate individuals with diverse accessibility needs.
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We provide 24 hour/day service. In an emergency situation, please call 911, Otherwise please call 905.665.1711 and carefully listen to the voice message as it will provide you with the appropriate options.