Staff Spotlight
Vancouver General Hospital, Intensive Care Unit
To continue our highlight of Canadian Intensive Care Week this October 24 – 30, we are thrilled to highlight the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) team at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH).
VGH is the quaternary care centre of the province where very ill or injured patients receive specialized care 24 hours a day. The ICU at VGH is a multidisciplinary team made up of critical care physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff
A highly supportive team
The VGH ICU is an exciting and dynamic workplace. It also comes with its own set of challenges, especially during a pandemic. For Selene, a Registered Nurse in the VGH ICU, the support she receives at work is unparalleled. “Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is an amazing place to work. Working in the ICU has its challenging days, but the team here always makes me feel supported and safe,” she says. Selene also loves the never-ending learning opportunities that her unit and VCH have to offer. “VCH values patient care, cultural safety for all, and strives for excellence. If you are thinking about working here, that’s already your sign to apply. The opportunities are endless!”
For Kaela, a Registered Nurse in the VGH ICU, being part of a team that highly values and prioritizes teamwork and fosters professional growth has been the highlight of working there for the past two years. “The variety and acuity of the patient population and the numerous educational opportunities available have significantly enriched my nursing practice. There is never a lack of support whether from fellow colleagues, unit educators, charge nurses, or unit managers. This is just a great team to work with,” she says.
Jackson, the Patient Services Manager at the VGH ICU says the best part of his job is building a team and bringing in expert clinicians from different part of the world. “My goal is to support staff by giving them the tools and resources they need, and to provide them a positive work environment where they can excel and grow.”
Training opportunities
One of the educational opportunities that are available for nurses is the critical care specialty training program offered by Vancouver Coastal Health in partnership with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). This is a 100% employer-funded program that sets nurses up for success to work in the ICU with six months of online theory followed by three months of full-time training at BCIT and practicum locations.
Bonnie is a Registered Nurse who recently joined the VGH ICU after completing the critical care training program at BCIT. “It has been an amazing experience full of valuable learning opportunities, great challenges, and overwhelming support from the ICU team including our educators, manager, and colleagues,” she says. After completing a week-long detailed orientation, Bonnie was partnered with experienced nurses for buddy shifts to introduce her to working in the ICU. Resource nurses are also available to help Bonnie transition into working independently.
“What I appreciate the most about working in the ICU is the teamwork. When things get challenging my fellow colleagues show up immediately and never hesitate to step in to help me. While I understand that learning never stops in the ICU, especially for us new hires, I am confident that I am able to navigate through any challenges with the unwavering support from my wonderful work family in the ICU,” says Bonnie.
Join our team
Explore the current career opportunities for ICU Nurses at Vancouver Coastal Health.