Staff Spotlight
Continuous learning and teamwork in the operating room
The Regional Perioperative Education Program (RPEP) provides employed-paid education and training for registered nurses starting their careers in the operating room.
Meet Jocelyn Ip, a Perioperative Nurse at UBC Hospital, who completed the RPEP. Depending on the assigned cases, Jocelyn rotates between two primary roles: scrub nurse and circulatory nurse. As a scrub nurse, she’s responsible for maintaining the sterile field, and managing instruments and the back table setup. As the circulatory nurse, she focuses on patient care, assisting anesthesia and gathering necessary supplies.
Commitment to continuous learning
Through the RPEP, Jocelyn gained valuable experience in the operating room, boosting her confidence in her nursing practice.
For Jocelyn, the strong commitment to continuous learning is what stands out in her role at Vancouver Coastal Health. She’s constantly seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge whether through in-service training, hands-on practice, or guidance from her experienced colleagues. This ongoing learning process strengths her understanding of complex procedures. She also dedicates time learning about the service-specific instrumentation and medical equipment used in her role, while improving her communication skills within the interdisciplinary team.
Collaborative, supportive environment
Since starting as a new graduate, Jocelyn has felt well-supported by her colleagues and leaders. “When I was new, the experienced nurses in my unit consistently presented me new learning opportunities, along with constructive feedback to improve my practice,” she shares. “The clinical resource nurses provided timely guidance on service-specific instrumentation and set-up, while nursing leaders regularly checked in on my progress to ensure I was learning effectively.” Their guidance and patience played a key role in shaping her professional practice.
“It’s the people I work with who motivate me to come in every day. Since the operating room nursing is a team-based environment, I know I am never alone. I am truly grateful to have my colleagues as pillars of support.”
Join our team
For anyone considering a career at VCH, “you can expect a supportive community that values excellence and continuous improvement, providing numerous opportunities for growth and development that can significantly enhance your professional practice,” Jocelyn says.