The Journey

My healthcare career began at University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During my studies, I was fortunate to secure an Employed Student Nurse placement in the Penticton Regional Hospital Intensive Care Unit, which fuelled my passion for acute care. After graduation, I started my nursing career on the cardiac medical ward in Penticton. 

Commuting daily from Kelowna to Penticton led me to seek a local position, and I transitioned to a role in the plastics and thoracic surgical unit. I thoroughly enjoyed this acute care setting and the valuable skills I developed during my time there.

Craving broader experience and perspective, I embarked on a journey as a travel nurse. My contracts took me from a large tertiary cardiac surgical unit in Winnipeg to rural settings in British Columbia (BC), each offering unique challenges and learning opportunities. 

After a period of traveling, I felt the desire to establish a sense of consistency. Kelowna, where I last felt at home, became my focus. I joined the cardiac surgical floor at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), where I enjoyed developing advanced clinical skills. I took an interest into trauma care, supported by emergecny care and intensive care theory courses through the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). However, the demands of night shifts prompted me to seek a better work-life balance. 

Curious about hemodialysis, I applied to KGH's Hemodialysis Unit, attracted by the opportunity to learn a new specialty and the absence of night shifts. I completed hemodialysis training, where my understanding of hemodynamics, enhanced by my previous courses, became invaluable.  

I later stepped into the educator role, where I expanded my responsibilities, working closely with the broader renal team. I thrived in creating and delivering education aligned with adult learning principles, developing standardized practices, and refining my ability to identify and address learning gaps. 

When the Renal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role was created, I saw the opportunity to build on these skills. In my current role, I contribute to the Interior Health Renal Program’s leadership team while staying deeply connected to frontline clinical staff and leads. This position allows me to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring high-quality renal care across all services in Interior Health. 

For a full detailed resume, contact me.