Be part of a team that’s bringing hospital care home

When we think about hospital care, most of us likely envision a hospital. A new program, launched at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) called Hospital at Home, takes a unique approach to healthcare. It gives eligible patients the choice to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. At home, patients have access to registered nurses, physicians and multi-disciplinary health-care teams who monitor them in their homes daily. This is done through a mix of in-person care and the use of virtual and wearable technologies. These patients are considered inpatients.

Meet Alexia Simeoni, Clinical Operations Manager for the Acute Medicine Unit and Hospital at Home Program. In 2002, Alexia joined Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in as a bedside nurse in the Spinal Cord Injury unit.  In 2004, she moved to the Emergency Department (ED) at VGH, where she spent 18 years and progressed to be the Head Nurse of Operations in the ED. Here Alexia witnessed the transformative impact of a patient-centered approach. She shares, “I’ve remained steadfast at VCH because I wholeheartedly believe in the excellence of patient-centered, innovative care. VCH’s commitment to providing exceptional healthcare sets us apart, earning trust not only from Lower Mainland residents but the entire province.”

Currently, Alexia leads the Hospital at Home Program team. This team is an integral part and extension of Acute Medicine, and the initiative seamlessly blends advanced technology with compassionate care. Alexia tells us that by leveraging data and analytics, the initiative makes informed decisions, monitors patient outcomes, and consistently strives to enhance the quality of care.

Alexia shares, “I am passionate about our team's commitment and the meaningful work we engage in. The dynamic, collaborative atmosphere, the nature of our work, and the enjoyment I find in it make this experience truly exciting and fulfilling. She goes on to illustrate how health care workers in the program thrive through:

• A collaborative team environment: “we prioritize shared decision-making, valuing the input of every team member to ensure that diverse perspectives contribute to comprehensive and effective patient care,” says Alexia. “By offering cross-training opportunities, our program not only enhances individual capabilities but also nurtures a collaborative spirit by deepening understanding and appreciation for the roles of colleagues.”
• Innovation and future impact: the team plays a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in-patient care.
• Continuous learning: the program promotes a continuous learning environment. It encourages healthcare professionals to share knowledge and experiences and is committed to ongoing professional development.
• Autonomy and empowerment:  team members unleash their potential with unparalleled autonomy. They make critical decisions and shape patient outcomes.

For Alexia, creating a supportive team environment involves fostering open and honest communication, ensuring team members feel heard and understood, acknowledging, and appreciating their efforts. She believes it also involves providing flexibility, setting clear expectations, involving them in decision-making, offering opportunities for continuous learning, addressing conflicts promptly and constructively, and scheduling regular one-on-one and team check-ins. “I believe these practices create an engaged and invested team, promoting a harmonious and productive work environment,” she says.

“My motivation to continually providing exceptional care at VCH is rooted in the strength of the team and the genuine care we as an organization collectively offer,” explains Alexia. “It's the pride in knowing that I am part of that care, the meaningful work we collectively do, and the commitment to equitable care with empathy and compassion that drive my dedication to excellence.”

We’re hiring. Explore the current career opportunities within the Hospital at Home team at VCH, including nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and more. 

Search Jobs