Staff Spotlight
Eilleen Rivera, Nursing Unit Assistant
Nursing Unit Assistants (NUAs) work in a team-based environment and perform clerical functions in the support of the delivery of patient care and put client and family needs above all the rest.
Meet Eilleen Rivera, an NUA who works at Willow Pavilion located on the grounds of Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). A typical workday for Eilleen includes transcribing doctor’s orders, booking client appointments, maintaining patient charts, arranging admissions, transfers, discharges, and ensuring effective communication with other departments and teams. “Maintaining an organized unit and managing workflow is key!” she says.
An opportunity to work in mental health
Eilleen has been a dedicated VCH (Vancouver Coastal Health) employee for 13 years. She applied for the NUA position at Willow Pavilion when it first opened its doors 10 years ago. “It was a brand new Tertiary Mental Health building built for the Riverview Hospital Redevelopment plan,” she explains. “It was my first opportunity to work in mental health. I wanted a new, challenging, and rewarding work experience. We are approaching our 10 years of Willow Pavilion this June 2022!”
Previous to this, Eilleen worked at the Leukemia/BMT (bone marrow transplant) unit at VGH as a casual, Lion’s Gate Hospital Emergency Department, George Pearson Centre, and VGH Colon Screening Program.
When asked what inspires her, Eilleen told us it is seeing her client’s transition back into the community with their family and loved ones. “The average length of stay on our unit is 6-12 months and after successful treatment clients are discharged,” she says.
VCH provides a supportive work environment
Eilleen attests to the supportive work environment that VCH strives to provide. “I am supported by my team, especially during busy times and providing coverage for other units in the building,” she says. “My team allows me to voice my concerns comfortably. I am fortunate to work with an amazing group!”, she says. Eilleen also participates with continuous ongoing learning opportunities, in services, team meetings to discuss safety concerns and care planning for our client’s.
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly put a strain on healthcare workers. Eilleen says that working and adapting through the pandemic has been challenging, but the team all continues to do their very best during these times.
Prior to her career in health care, Eilleen was a retail shoe manager with ALDO Shoes for 10 years and a server/hostess at Osaka Teppenyaki Restaurant for 3 years. She has also an energetic 6 year old named Olivia, who definitely keeps her on her toes!
Join our team
Explore the current career opportunities for Nursing Unit Assistants at Vancouver Coastal Health.