In a year like no other, we have been reminded of the extraordinary commitment PHSA’s nursing community brings to patients, families, clients, colleagues and the public every single day.
We have witnessed PHSA nurses answering the call to care for B.C.’s most vulnerable populations in the face of a global pandemic. Their leadership, courage and compassion are recognized and appreciated all year around, but especially right now during Nursing Week – I think many of us can say we are proud to know a nurse.
Thank you for everything you do, at the bedside, in the background or at the forefront of the health care system. No matter your role, you make all the difference.
“This past year is unlike anything I have ever seen in my lifetime,” says David Byres, interim president and CEO.
“COVID-19 has changed our lives and the lives of the patients and families we are privileged to serve. Our work lives are fast paced and challenging. Our home lives have slowed. And yet all of you have been there in every moment practicing safely donning and doffing PPE, comforting a frightened patient or colleague or speaking for someone who needed your voice.”
Susan Wannamaker, executive vice president of clinical service delivery, says that nursing has had her heart for almost 40 years.
“I think it is now part of my DNA,” she says. “Every day, every shift, nurses across PHSA bring their best and answer the call – and the events of last year have been no exception. They have and continue to answer this call with courage and determination.”
As part of Nursing Week, on May 14, we also celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day – a day that highlights the achievements of Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses and recognizes their invaluable work improving the health and well-being of Canadians.
Read stories from across PHSA that offer a glimpse into the contribution of nursing professionals:
BC Women’s nurses and health care providers have gone beyond the call of duty, providing the best possible care through a global pandemic and the toxic drug crisis.
Read how they answer the call this Nursing Week.
BC Children’s nurses and health care providers have also answered the call, providing the best possible care through a global pandemic while volunteering to support adult ICUs across the province.
Learn more about the courageous and resilient nurses at BC Children's.
A humanitarian at heart: Nurse turned clinical research coordinator Linda Warner was named a Gold Apple Health Care Hero by the BC Health Care Awards. Read more about her accomplishments at BC Children’s Hospital and around the world.
Vaccination in a circle of healing: Patients and their partners at Families in Recovery (FIR) at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre were vaccinated for COVID-19 in a calm and welcoming atmosphere thanks to nurse Cathy Zarchynski.
Nurse immunizers help protect colleagues, clients and communities from COVID-19: Across BCMHSUS, nurse immunizers have been administering the COVID-19 vaccine to each other and their clients and patients to help bring us closer to the end of this pandemic.
Opioid agonist treatment nurse: ‘It’s all about removing barriers’: Wendy Gibson has worked as a nurse at the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge for 11 years and is playing a big role in introducing Sublocade, a new opioid agonist therapy medication, to B.C. women in custody.
Meet BC Transplant nurse, Lauren Cuff:
"I work as on Organ Donation Specialist. I made the move to BC Transplant a little over a year ago. I previously worked in the cardiac cath lab and PICU at BC Children’s Hospital.
I love that no day is ever the same. This job constantly challenges you in new ways and gives opportunities for continuous growth. I’m inspired by how supportive and hardworking our team is, you never feel like you’re alone when working through the tough days."
Check out BC Transplant's social media on Facebook,
Twitter and
Instagram for more nurse profiles.
We'll also be sharing messages of thanks to nurses, received from patients and families across B.C. – follow us on
Instagram,
Twitter,
Facebook and
LinkedIn to join in the recognition!
Submit your own message of thanks to recognize a nurse you know.
