Published May 12, 2020
Written by RNAO
To celebrate the contributions made by nurses to nursing practice and the health and well-being of Ontarians, the Nursing Now Ontario Awards honoured one NP, RN and RPN during Nursing Week 2020 (May 11 - 17).
Nurse Practitioner Award Recipient: Michael Borja
As a primary care NP for four years, Michael Borja has made a huge difference for his patients and nursing colleagues in just a short time. Currently in his role as a primary care NP for the East GTA Family Health Team in Scarborough, he helps care for seniors and mentors colleagues in clinical assessments, management of chronic illness and program planning.
In July 2017, he pioneered the Home To Stay (HTS) NP-led program for medically complex seniors where instead of seniors having to come to the clinic, NPs provided home visits, follow-up phone calls, care coordination and community referral. As a result, there were fewer ER visits, increased patient satisfaction and savings of $627,000 per year on top of improvement in patient/family quality of life. In 2017, Michael expanded the HTS program to include a palliative component where patients can receive palliative care at home.
When Michael is not busy caring for clients, he likes to spend time with his family and volunteer for his Christian Church. In three to five years, he looks forward to continuing his role as an NP in geriatrics and palliative care.