We are Niagara Health is a series of stories that celebrates the incredible people working and volunteering in our organization and how they make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers every day.
Nurse Practitioner Lifin Parakkal Thomas inspires others to embrace their own journeys in the healthcare profession, proving that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become reality.
Lifin Parakkal Thomas still has his Niagara Health volunteer vest.
While it may be over a decade since he last wore the navy blue, sleeveless garment, it holds memories of his humble beginnings, symbolizing not only where he started but also the unwavering commitment he brings to every patient as a nurse practitioner today.
Arriving in Canada in 2013, Parakkal Thomas was determined to make a difference in the healthcare field. Before his move, he had already established himself as a nurse in India, gaining invaluable experience and honing his skills in a fast-paced environment. He knew that adapting to a new healthcare system would be a formidable challenge, but Parakkal Thomas had a plan and was determined to succeed.
The first step of his plan was to familiarize himself with the Canadian healthcare landscape and lay a foundation for his future career. He believed there was no better way to do that than by volunteering at his local community hospital in Niagara Falls.
During his time as a Niagara Health volunteer, Parakkal Thomas worked alongside the physiotherapy team, helping transport inpatients to their appointments. Each day presented new opportunities to learn about the rhythms of hospital life, from the hustle of nurses administering care to the meticulous organization of treatment schedules.
“Volunteering was my gateway,” he recalls. “It provided an opportunity to observe nursing practices, understand hospital operations and learn the nuances of medical terminology, including the proper pronunciations of medications.”
Niagara Health volunteer co-ordinators quickly noticed Parakkal Thomas’s eagerness to contribute meaningfully to healthcare, and he was promoted to volunteer trainer, helping onboard new volunteers. The experience enriched his professional skills and improved his English, a crucial asset to his future career plans.
A steady climb
While volunteering, Parakkal Thomas worked on obtaining the necessary credentials to practise as a nurse with the Ontario College of Nurses. He studied critical care nursing at Niagara College while balancing a part-time restaurant job.
After gaining the required credentials in 2017, Parakkal Thomas returned to India to complete his paperwork, paving the way for his career in Canada. In 2019, he returned to Niagara Falls Hospital, this time as a newly hired Emergency Department (ED) nurse.
“Returning as a registered nurse felt like coming home,” he says. “It was the place where I began my journey, and now I was ready to contribute in a whole new way. I was filled with excitement and gratitude, knowing that every moment spent volunteering had prepared me for this opportunity.”
Thanks to his familiarity with the hospital, Parakkal Thomas transitioned smoothly into his new role. He enjoyed the fast pace and collaboration that working in the ED required. However, his career plan was far from complete.
Inspired by nurse practitioners in the ED, he recognized an opportunity to deepen his impact on patient care. Encouraged by colleagues, he made the decision to further his education and enrolled in D’Youville College’s Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner program.
The journey was challenging, he recalls, as he balanced his studies with the demands of raising five young children. Yet he remained focused. “I had a plan in front of me,” he says. “I kept faith that it would work.”
On his last day in the ED before returning to school, Parakkal Thomas turned to his colleagues and promised: “This is not a goodbye; I will be back.” True to his word, he rejoined Niagara Health in June 2024 as a nurse practitioner (NP) in Unit C at Niagara Falls Hospital.
Embracing the role
In his new role, Parakkal Thomas cares for a diverse array of patients, often from various departments, including the Intensive Care Unit and ED. Each day presents new challenges that require critical thinking and collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary team.
“Every day is a new challenge as an NP,” he shares. “It requires a different way of thinking, a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in patient care.”
Parakkal Thomas finds joy in the connections he makes with patients and their families. He takes pride in witnessing their recovery and being part of their healing journey. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a patient regain their health and knowing that you played a role in their journey,” he adds.
Through his path, Parakkal Thomas has gained a profound understanding of the pressing needs within the healthcare system today. He encourages his colleagues to explore the myriad opportunities available to them.
“We need more people willing to step up and make a positive change,” he emphasizes. “Whether through volunteering, pursuing further education, or simply showing compassion to those in need, every step you take not only betters yourself but also creates a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of others.”
