Staff Spotlight
Shams Kadhim, Clinical Nurse Educator
Meet Shams Kadhim, Clinical Nurse Educator at the Burns, Trauma and High Acuity (BTHA) Unit in Vancouver General Hospital. She pursued a profession in nursing to challenge herself and to make a positive impact on the lives of many patients.
Reflecting on her nursing journey so far, Shams emphasizes her commitment to compassionate and competent care. She is a strong patient advocate. “I am privileged to have found a career that allows me to fulfill my desire to promote health and pushes me to grow and adapt constantly,” she says. “As a nurse, I find motivation in the profound impact we have on people’s lives, especially during their most vulnerable times. The privilege of caring for patients as they face health challenges is not something I take lightly. It’s a unique opportunity to make a difference, to offer comfort and support, and to contribute to their journey towards recovery. Witnessing their resilience and being par of their healing process is a constant reminder of how significant how work is.”
Journey to and career growth in BTHA
Shams' journey began in Winnipeg, where she completed nursing school and kickstarted her career in a trauma unit with a step-down ward. After a brief period in travel nursing, she moved to Vancouver in 2021 and has been a part of the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) team ever since.
“Initially, I joined the Ortho/Trauma team on T7. However, seeking a further challenge, I transitioned to working as a Med-Surg nurse on BTHA. This ignited my desire to be a BTHA nurse,” Shams shares. To expand her knowledge, Shams enrolled in a high acuity program and worked as a bedside nurse in BTHA. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, Shams also pursued a critical care certificate and then stepped into her educator role.
As a Clinical Nurse Educator, Shams supports nurses in their daily practice. Reflecting on her transition from a bedside nurse, she expresses enthusiasm about her current role as a mentor and the opportunity to guide newly hired nurses starting their journey in BTHA. “I get to be a mentor every day! I enjoy the creative aspect of teaching as well as staying up to date on the best practice guidelines.”
The supportive team environment at BTHA
“I’ve always felt very supported working at VCH, specifically in BTHA. We’re a small, close-knit unit and have cultivated a wonderful culture of mutual support,” Shams expresses. “Our patient care coordinators and nurse clinician are very hands-on with patient care, and I’ve never felt like I need to navigate challenges on my own.”
The inclusive team environment at BTHA is attributed to the leadership team’s commitment to open and honest communication as well as adaptability to new ideas among team members. Shams shares several examples. “We conduct regular morning team huddles and host staff meetings, providing opportunities for everyone to express their concerns and ideas. Alongside our nurse clinician, we conduct weekly educational huddles during slower shifts and facilitate monthly Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement meeting to encourage staff to participate in quality improvement projects. Additionally, we organize monthly team-building activities and actively engage in volunteering for charities like the Burn Fund. These have empowered our team to contribute to positive changes in patient care, creating a dynamic and collaborative work environment.”
Embodying the VCH values
Shams explains how, in her role as a Clinical Nurse Educator, she embodies VCH’s values in her daily responsibilities. “My role extends beyond patient care; it encompasses the wellbeing of my colleagues and myself. I prioritize a holistic approach to health care, recognizing that a supportive and collaborative environment is essential for optimal patient outcomes.”
BTHA embraces a culture of continuous learning. “The nature of our unit demands constant adaption to best practices and a receptiveness to innovative ideas. BTHA also prioritizes skill development and career growth, with my journey up the clinical ladder as a prime example,” she says.
As an educator, Shams is dedicated to striving for better results each day. “I actively participate in and lead quality improvement initiatives within the unit. One noteworthy example is our success in implementing harm reduction initiatives for our patient population, showing our commitment to treating acute conditions as well as addressing long-term outcomes and patient wellbeing beyond their hospital stay.”
Through her passionate efforts, Shams plays a crucial role in shaping the health care environment at BTHA, ensuring the delivery of exceptional care to the diverse patient population.
Join our team
Explore our current opportunities for registered nurses or learn more about our paid training opportunities for specialty nursing.