When Letecia Hayes first started working at BC Cancer, she imagined mastering clinical skills and supporting patients through challenging cancer diagnosis and treatment. What she didn't expect was that her journey would also lead her to the frontlines of planetary health—where patient care extends beyond hospital walls to the very air we breathe and water we drink.
As one of the first participants in BC Cancer's Planetary Health Nursing Internship Program, Letecia is learning how climate change and environmental factors directly impact human health—and how nurses can be powerful advocates for change.
This innovative internship is equipping nurses with the knowledge and hands-on experience to tackle some of today's biggest health challenges. From working on sustainable healthcare initiatives to addressing climate-related health risks, the interns are redefining what it means to be a nurse in today's socially conscious world.
BC Cancer's Planetary Health Nursing Internship Program (PHNIP) began in 2024 and aims to empower oncology nurses to navigate challenges surrounding environmental sustainability. Over a 12-week period, nurses develop a transformative quality improvement project that embodies foundational planetary health principles and a transdisciplinary solutions-driven movement grounded in Indigenous Knowledges.
Letecia, a radiation oncology nurse in Kelowna, focused on reducing microplastic pollution by replacing the disposable blue pads used in gynecologic examination with reusable soaker pads. Her project resulted in a 100 per cent reduction in disposable pads, conserving approximately 500 pads annually and contributing to a more sustainable health care environment.
"It was so rewarding to be able to implement a planetary health project in my workplace. I am happy to know that I am making a difference, even if it's small to the health of the environment. I am grateful to have had the time to focus on my project and be pulled out of normal clinic workflow so that I could focus my attention to my project."
To date, 17 nurses have completed the PHNIP, launching 17 different projects across BC Cancer. Planetary health research nurse and program coordinator Lindi Close says the program supports nurses not only in taking action to support sustainability initiatives in their work areas, but also supports their professional development—building project management, communication, and leadership skills.
"As the program continues to develop, we see projects addressing not only single-use items and healthcare waste, but also improving accessibility of resources to support virtual care. It's really an honor to be able to support their work and facilitate this program and to see first-hand how our nurses are inspiring others to take action."
For more information on the PHNIP and to apply for the next cohort, visit the Planetary Health Nursing Internship Program website.
