Nurse Practitioner week is celebrated each year as a way to recognize the vital role NPs play in our health care system and the exceptional, safe and individualized care they provide across all practice settings in our diverse communities. This week brings renewed opportunities to increase awareness of the NP role, our versatility and to highlight the full potential NPs continue to have in improving timely access to health care for all British Columbians.
Happy NP week to BC's hard working NPs!
What a pleasure for NNPBC to share profiles of two of BC's hard-working NPs: Karen Sims and Michelle Bech. Both Karen and Michelle work at St. Paul's Hospital Adult Bleeding Disorders Program*.
Karen Sims, Nurse Practitioner, Adult Bleeding Disorders Program of BC at St. Paul's Hospital
Describe your job in one sentence:
Care for adults with inherited bleeding disorders across the providence, including inpatient and acute care, ambulatory care, and outreach clinics.
What makes your work meaningful for you?
Providing patient centered care.
And why did you choose to specialize in this field?
I have worked in both acute care and primary care as a nurse practitioner over the last 15 years. Joining the program at St. Paul's Hospital allows me to use my entire skill set and provides lots of variety in interacting with patients within the hospital.
What's your favourite thing about your work?
The inter-disciplinary team.
And why did you choose Providence?
The culture!
If you weren't in your current role, what would you be?
Professionally, I would probably be doing something related to surgery and acute care. Personally, I would be skiing.
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I can drive a tractor. My family had a 125 acre farm growing up in Ontario. We raised sheep, chickens, and horses.
What is a quote that you live your life by and/or think of often?
Each day is a chance to start anew.
What advice would you give to your 20-year old self?
Be patient with your self.
*Adapted from an article originally featured in PHC news, April 2019.
What a pleasure for NNPBC to share profiles of two of BC's hard-working NPs: Karen Sims and Michelle Bech. Both Karen and Michelle work at St. Paul's Hospital Adult Bleeding Disorders Program*.
Michelle Bech, Adult Nurse Practitioner, SPH Adult Bleeding Disorders Program
What makes your work meaningful for you?
Being able to assist patients to meet their health goals.
And why did you choose to specialize in this field?
I only recently joined the bleeding disorders program in December 2018. After 14 amazing years working with the SPH orthopedic team on 9C, I wanted to pursue and try a completely different field of work and expand my knowledge in an area I knew very little about, but still working with inpatients and outpatients.
What's your favourite thing about your work?
Being able to spend time with our clients.
And why did you choose Providence?
Because the care models are driven by compassion and social justice.
If you weren't in your current role, what would you be?
A travel photographer!
What is one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I am a beekeeper who lives in Squamish.
What is a quote that you live your life by and/or think of often?
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
What advice would you give to your 20-year old self?
Enjoy the moments.
*Adapted from an article originally featured in PHC news, April 2019.