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Passion, Teamwork, and Advocacy: Kira Brookings Champions Compassionate Mental Health Care at the Janeway
May 15, 2025
When Kira Brookings decided to step into a new chapter of her nursing career by joining the child psychiatry team at the Janeway, she brought with her more than a decade of clinical experience, a deep commitment to her patients, and a refreshing sense of humility about the work nurses do every day.
After years in adult medicine, Brookings took the leap into pediatric mental health nearly a year ago—a transition she now describes as eye-opening and profoundly meaningful. “This is my new passion,” she said. “The team here on child psychiatry—these nurses truly care. They give everything to these kids.”
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. In a nomination submitted by colleague Jenna Skinner, Brookings and fellow RN Julie Clements were described as “amazing advocates for patients and staff,” known for their positive spirit, willingness to lend a hand—even off the clock—and for consistently going above and beyond.
A Profession Rooted in Care and Collaboration
“To be a nurse, you have to really care. You have to be a people person,” Brookings said. “It’s not just about clinical skill—it’s about compassion, teamwork, and being part of a community that supports one another.”
For Brookings, expert care means staying current with best practices, recognizing the importance of self-awareness, and embracing the strength of a united team. “You’re not alone,” she said. “Nursing is a community. And no one should feel like they have to carry the weight of a hard situation on their own.”
She emphasized that supporting one another on shift is critical—especially when long hours and mandatory overtime push nurses to their limits. “I’ve worked 16-hour shifts. You’re human. You get tired. But your coworkers lift you up. You check on each other. That’s what gets you through.”
Advocating for Nurses and the Children They Care For
Brookings has also stepped into a leadership role as shop steward, working alongside Clements to support colleagues and advocate for better conditions on a unit that cares for some of the province’s most vulnerable children.
“Child psychiatry in this province needs more—more resources, more support. But what we do have is a team of compassionate nurses who show up every day, committed to doing their best,” she said.
Her work on the unit and within the union is driven by a desire to ensure the environment is supportive not just for staff, but for the young patients they care for. “We’re here for the kids. That’s why I took this role. That’s why we advocate.”
Human Connection at the Core
Brookings believes what truly sets nursing apart is its foundation in human connection. “Technology might change some parts of what we do, but it can’t replace that core of nursing—that moment when you connect with someone, when you hold space for them, when you let them know they’re not alone.”
She hopes the public will remember that nurses are people too—professionals who care deeply, who show up tired but still committed, who hold your hand during your worst day. “Even a simple thank you—it stays with us,” she said. “We feel that.”
After 15 years in the profession, Brookings is still learning, still growing, and still deeply proud to be part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s nursing community. “There’s a sense of belonging here,” she said. “And that makes all the difference.”