Inspired by this year’s theme of “our nurses, our future”, we asked these nurses why they chose the profession, what continues to inspire them and what advice they would have for someone considering a career in nursing.
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Teaghan has a life-long love of babies so for her, nursing school was the obvious choice when she graduated high school.
“I have loved babies since I was a kid and being able to support families in the NICU on their journey home has always brought me joy,” says Teaghan. “There is nothing better than being present for the first bath, first feed, first skin-to-skin. It’s a privilege to be able to support parents while they’re admitted to the hospital.”
Nursing has already proven to be a good choice for Teaghan. Seven years into her career, she is in a leadership role, advocating for and supporting staff to provide the best possible care. Recognizing the challenges of nursing, she wants to do what she can to remove structural and systemic barriers that can impact a nurse’s ability to provide the support families need.
“It’s so inspiring seeing the comradery and love the NICU staff have for each other and the families admitted to the NICU."
And in terms of advice, Teaghan offers this reminder, “Be kind to yourself. Nursing is hard and can leave your tank on empty. Don’t forget about self-care -- go for walks, eat good food, take your vacations and reach out to friends.”
Sherri decided she wanted to be a nurse after her younger sister died at 3 ½ years old. She knew she wanted to work in the medical field and help people. She went back to school at 25 to pursue her nursing degree and hasn’t looked back since.
“I’ve been a nurse for 25 years now. My passion is Indigenous health services. I want to make the health care system a safe place for Indigenous people, a place where they feel welcomed and get the health care they deserve,” says Sherri, a Metis from Northern Saskatchewan.
“I feel privileged to be a nurse and be able to serve others. I strive to provide an environment of compassion, care, kindness and education for patients, families, communities and staff so that they can be the best they can be.”
If someone is considering a career in nursing, Sherri’s advice is to follow your passion. “Nurses can bring about change in the health-care system. We have the courage to share our knowledge and our wisdom and to be the voice of patients, families and communities.”
Linda knew as a teenager that nursing was the career for her. She loved sports and science, so health sciences were a real draw for her. “I knew I wanted a career where I could help people. Working in a doctor’s office during university just solidified that nursing was the career for me,” remembers Linda.
Linda has had many different roles during her 32-year nursing career, from bedside care to leadership roles and education. But maternity care, and BC Women’s in particular, holds a special place in her heart. “My daughter was born at BC Women’s when it was still Grace Hospital, and it is where I began my career. I feel like I’ve come home to my roots and it is where I want to finish my career.”
She believes in celebrating life to the fullest and finds joy in her work.
“Being an advocate for my patients and guiding them through caring for their newborn baby is so rewarding and motivating.”
In Linda’s eyes, the key ingredients to a successful nursing career are commitment, sacrifice and compassion. “There are so many opportunities to explore. If you stay committed, you’ll find your niche.”
Her experience as a patient inspired Andrea to pursue a career in nursing. “Seeing how dedicated my nurses were, how they advocated for me really inspired me.”
“As a nurse, I am pulled into people’s lives at a traumatic time, and I feel lucky that I can help them move to through that challenge to a happier time,” notes Andrea. “In my work at the Oak Tree Clinic, I have the unique opportunity to build trust with patients and families and be with them over the years as they grow and thrive.”
A nurse since 2019, Andrea sees many opportunities for a rewarding career in nursing.
“There are so many options open to you, so many ways you can learn and grow. No two days are the same and you’ll always have a chance to experience something new.”
Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to view current opportunities.
