BCHS Celebrates Nursing Week 2024

As we celebrate National Nursing Week, we would like to take the opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude to all of our RNs, RPNs, NPs, students, and externs, who work in a multitude of roles across our organization. You are each a valued and critical part of our team at BCHS and we are so grateful for, and inspired by your dedication and resilience.

This year’s theme for National Nursing Week is “Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow”. This theme recognizes the contributions and the tremendous impact that nurses have on individuals, communities, and the future of health care. To honor this theme and recognize the outstanding work of our BCHS nursing staff, we would like to showcase a few of the exceptional nurses here at BCHS that truly impact lives in the most meaningful ways.

This week, let us celebrate the incredible contributions you make in providing safe, high-quality care to our patients and families in the communities we serve.

Nursing Development at BCHS Nursing Careers at BCHS

BCHS Nursing Spotlights

Simerjeet Sidhu, RN - Cardiology/Telemetry

Simer joined the BCHS Cardiology/Telemetry Unit 3 years ago and has since demonstrated leadership capacities in precepting new hires.

"Simer is a leader on our unit, both with staff and in championing excellent care to our patients," says Jen Bent, Clinical Manager of Cardiology/Telemetry.

"Nursing for me is patient-centered and making sure that my patient needs are being met. I want to help those who are in need and provide compassionate, high-quality care for my patients," says Simer.

Amy Gritter, RN Charge Nurse - Surgical Inpatient

Amy is the RN Charge Nurse on the Surgical Inpatient Unit at BCHS. "She is a knowledgeable, compassionate teacher and leader on the inpatient surgical unit." says Mandy Lindsay, Interim Clinical Manager of Surgical.

"Amy maintains a working knowledge of the 31 patients on the unit, their progress and barriers to discharge. Amy acts as a teacher and mentor to new and novice staff on the unit as they solidify their surgical practice and adapt to the breakneck pace of the unit. She willingly shares her vast knowledge and clinical experience to support her team and navigates difficult conversations with patients, families and others with ease. She is the big sister of the unit and is respected by all who have had the pleasure of working with her."

The role of the charge nurse is unique to each unit, and as Amy explains "it's challenging and fun because you get to problem solve, think critically, resolve conflicts, and advocate for patients, staff, and the healthcare system."

"Nursing to me is an opportunity to help and serve the community," says Amy. "It's an opportunity to develop some great relationships with staff, families, and patients."

Victoria Watts, RPN - Labour & Delivery

Victoria is a RPN in the Labour & Delivery Unit at BCHS and has been described as a kind nurse who puts patients first. She also offers to mentor students and new staff as they situate themselves on the unit.

"I enjoy helping people and working together as a team to provide the best possible care," says Victoria.

Caddie Gafford, RN Charge Nurse - Medical Inpatient

Caddie has been the RN Charge Nurse on the B8 Medical Inpatient Unit at BCHS since October 2023. As a charge nurse, she has demonstrated great leadership, professionalism, as well as dedication to patient safety and quality of patient care.

"She is respected by her colleagues as well as patients and families," says Ludmila Rozhko, Clinical Manager of B8 Medical Inpatient. "Caddie finds fresh ways to build up and encourage the team. One example of this is the unit 'kudos board'."

"As a charge nurse, I advocate for patients and families to help improve everyone's quality of life," says Caddie.

"I emphasize strong teamwork where we all help each other."

Amber Heard, RN and Jessica Lavis, RPN - Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC)

IPAC professionals come from different healthcare backgrounds. Some are nurses, some are medical laboratory technologists, but IPAC teams can be comprised of other healthcare professionals too (RTs, Physiotherapists, etc.).

Currently, the BCHS IPAC team has a few nurses working as infection control professionals. Two of our full-time nurses are Amber Haw and Jessica Lavis.

Amber is currently the lead for IPAC education, and she also sits on various committees at the hospital as an IPAC representative.

Jessica is an RPN, and she transitioned to IPAC back in 2022. Jessica continued to work as a frontline RPN while working part time in IPAC. She now has a full-time position in IPAC.

"As IPAC nurses, we do lots of investigating (surveillance), teaching, and education," says Amber. "Being an IPAC nurse is a marriage of science with the beside skills. Having our knowledge of chronic disease management is key in understanding the rationale of why we isolate and prevent the spread of infection."

"IPAC nurses work in the background to keep our patients safe, and that's a part of nursing that a lot of people don't see" says Jessica. "Nursing to me is making sure that our patients, visitors, and staff are safe - that's the most important thing."

Isabella Galvin, RN - Cardiology/Telemetry

Isabella is an RN on the Cardiology/Telemetry Unit at BCHS and has been commended for her leadership skills and the exceptional care that she provides to our patients.

"Nursing is a combination of heart and mind. Becoming a Registered Nurse has allowed me to provide safe, evidence-based practice with compassion and advocacy," says Isabella.

"I enjoy being able to contribute to the well-being of others. Kindness and teamwork go a long way in healthcare and make nursing achievable."