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What led you into the nursing profession?

As a teen, I volunteered at a residential care facility where my mother worked as a health care assistant. I cherished spending time with the residents, listening to their stories and working with residents living with dementia. I was introduced to some nurses who inspired me with their skill, diligence and passion. I just knew I wanted to work closely with seniors one day and through nursing I am able to advocate for frail and vulnerable elders.

How did you get to where you are today?

As a nursing student, my preceptor inspired me. She taught me to have high nursing standards. She intrigued me because of her vast expertise and was always happy to share her knowledge. She also believed in having a little fun at work. Laughing with peers and patients has helped me get through the hard times and has become a way to work through stressful days. I started by mentoring students, taking small leadership roles on the unit, being involved in unit professional practice counsels, taking the Educator Pathway through Fraser Health and becoming CNA certified in gerontology. Mentoring nurses fuels my passion in nursing.

What do you find most challenging in your current role?

I am often looked at to as a resource and role model for challenging questions, patients or skills. Sometimes it would be faster to jump in and take over but I have to restrain myself and mentor the nurse through the situation or skill. Even during challenging situations, this is a valuable learning opportunity.

What do you find most rewarding in your current role?

I have enjoyed keeping in touch with many nurses I have mentored throughout the years. Many keep in touch through email and letters. It is wonderful to hear where they take their careers and it reminds me of our common passion for nursing excellence. I am also grateful to be in a position where I can help influence the different paths these nurses have chosen.

What advice would you give to new nurses or individuals considering nursing as a career?

We need all types of people and personalities in nursing. No one graduated nursing school knowing everything. A lot of what I have learned has been on the job and through stories from my peers. I would encourage a nurse wanting to become a CNE to solidify their skills and build a good foundation in nursing. Learning to prioritize and organize your patient load on a medical unit will only help you later to juggle your CNE portfolio. A common thread is the passion we give to our patients. Hold your patients’ hands, listen to their stories and look them in the eye when they are vulnerable. These are the moments that will carry you during the hard times.

Nursing is...

About being passionately curious.