A nurse practitioner’s continued career growth

“My role is very multi-faceted, and there is never a boring day at work," says Kevin. As General Surgery ACS NP, Kevin helps run the ACS service, which includes medical management for the pre- and post-operative patients on ACS, supporting surgical residents and medical students with their learning, and maintaining effective communication with the nursing and Allied Health team. Some days he’s on the frontline with patient consultations in the emergency department, while others he’s behind-the-scenes supporting residents and students. Kevin shares, “Most importantly, I get to work with many brilliant individuals on all levels on a daily basis. VCH is a great organization for those who thrive in a team-oriented care."

Kevin enjoys collaborating with his fellow ACS NPs, staff surgeons, surgical residents, and medical students. “I get to learn from very brilliant people every day at work. I also have colleagues who are very understanding," he shares. “We spend so much time together at work that they become like your family away from family." He emphasizes that the open communication and shared desire to help others are what makes a great team. “VCH is a great organization for those who thrive in a team-oriented care environment.”

Kevin’s grateful for Dr. John Yee, head of Thoracic Surgery, and Bonnie Giovannetti, Thoracic Surgery NP, for their mentorship in the beginning of his career as a NP. “They both helped me realize how much potential I have and motivated me to push myself.” 

Kevin resonates with VCH’s values. At VGH, a teaching hospital, he continually learns alongside residents and medical students. Supported by a $3,000 annual continuing education budget, Kevin attends conferences to stay updated on the latest research and developments. “I want to make sure that I do what I can to inspire quality, meaningful patient care on a daily basis.” 

He also values the balance, between work and home. “Over the years, I have learned to give my 120% at work every day, but at the end of the day, I leave work at work,” he shares. 

Kevin has been with VCH five years. He started his career in health career at St. Paul’s Hospital, where he worked as a registered nurse (RN) in a surgical unit before he specialized in critical care in the intensive care unit (ICU). To broaden his experience, Kevin moved to the Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) trauma ICU, while also working as a contract nursing faculty member at Langara College to learn more as an educator. “I recognized fairly early that my parents are going to get old and likely have health issues one day, so there is no better profession to prepare and teach me to care for them like nursing,” Kevin explains. “As this profession continues to evolve, it feels natural to advance from a RN to a NP.”

In 2015, Kevin enrolled in his NP program at the University of British Columbia. Shortly after graduation, Kevin joined VCH as a NP in the Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplant program. After a four-year stint, he rejoined RCH to work as a Vascular Surgery NP for 18 months before returning to VCH in 2023 for his current role.

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