As a psychiatric liaison nurse working in the Emergency Department (ED) at Burnaby Hospital, I am responsible for providing timely and specialized mental health assessments and interventions for patients presenting in crisis. Each day, I assess individuals who arrive at the ED with a range of mental health needs, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, psychosis, substance use or acute emotional distress. I carry out thorough risk assessments and mental state examinations, working quickly and efficiently to determine the appropriate level of care for each patient. I am skilled in managing high-pressure, unpredictable situations and often provide crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and staff.

My role involves close collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team, including emergency department doctors, psychiatric consultants, social workers and community mental health teams. I contribute to clinical decision-making, help formulate care and discharge plans, and make necessary referrals to appropriate mental health services, crisis teams or inpatient units.

My day to day at work is fast-paced and often unpredictable. I might be called to assess someone brought in by police under a mental health act, support a family in crisis or help a patient experiencing a mental health episode in the context of medical illness. My job requires empathy, clinical judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex systems under pressure.

I also liaise with families, offering support, education and guidance during what is often a very difficult time. Ensuring continuity of care is vital, so I take an active role in care coordination and discharge planning, always aiming to connect patients with the right services in the community.

In addition to my direct patient-care responsibilities, I support and advise emergency department colleagues on managing mental health presentations. I advocate for better understanding of psychiatric conditions within acute care and contribute to a more compassionate and informed approach to mental health emergencies. Each shift brings new challenges, but I take pride in being a calm and competent presence in often chaotic and emotionally charged situations. My role requires clinical expertise, empathy, and resilience, and I am committed to providing the highest standard of mental health care to individuals at their most vulnerable moments.

What I love most about being a psychiatric liaison nurse in the Emergency Department is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference at some of the most critical and vulnerable moments in a person’s life. Mental health crises often bring individuals into the ED feeling frightened, confused, and alone and being able to offer compassion, calm, and clarity in those moments is incredibly rewarding. I find deep purpose in being a voice of reassurance and advocacy for people who may be struggling to express themselves or feel misunderstood. Every patient’s story is different, and I am constantly learning about human resilience, about the complexity of mental health and about the impact that timely, empathetic intervention can have.

I also thrive in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of the emergency room. It challenges me to think critically, adapt quickly and maintain calm under pressure. But what truly motivates me is the collaborative nature of the role working with medical teams, mental health professionals, families and community services to ensure holistic, person-centred care.

Ultimately, it’s the human connection that makes me love this work. Even when we can’t fix everything, being able to listen, support, and guide someone through crisis, perhaps planting a small seed of hope or trust, feels incredibly valuable. It’s a privilege to be part of that process, and it’s what keeps me passionate and committed to this role every single day.

Bright futures with the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment project

What I’m most looking forward to with the future of Burnaby Hospital and the redevelopment is the opening of a new and modernized facility  that will improve access to care.. I’m excited this will support patient well-being by ensuring we have more safe and comfortable spaces to provide our patients with the care they need.

The new redevelopment will enhance both the quality of care we provide and our working environment. Dedicated, private mental health assessment rooms will improve the experience for both patients and staff. Improved access to technology, more collaborative spaces for interdisciplinary teams, and better integration of mental health and medical care would streamline our workflows. Overall, a thoughtfully designed ED will help to reduce wait times, enhance patient privacy and create a more therapeutic environment which will directly support our ability to deliver compassionate, effective psychiatric care.

I’m especially excited about the introduction of Zone 5, dedicated to mental health care. Having a space designed specifically for mental health patients, separate from the fast-paced environment of the emergency department means those in crisis can receive the support they need in a calm, supportive setting. It’s a meaningful step forward in ensuring the safety, privacy and appropriate care for all patients.

Working in this area, I see firsthand how overwhelming and distressing it can be for individuals seeking help for mental health concerns. The fast-paced, often chaotic environment of the ED isn’t always conducive to the calm and safety that someone in crisis needs. That’s why the addition of more inviting, private, and trauma-informed spaces for mental health assessments will make a significant difference not only in the quality of care we provide, but also in how patients feel when they arrive in such a vulnerable state.

A purposefully designed area that prioritizes safety, comfort, and dignity will help reduce the stress and anxiety for those experiencing a mental health crisis. It would also create a safer environment for staff, particularly when managing situations involving patients who may become agitated or aggressive. In high-stress scenarios, having a secure, well-equipped space designed to minimize risk can be vital in protecting both patients and health care workers.

In addition, having registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) hired to work directly in the emergency department will further enhance our ability to respond effectively and help with improving outcomes for patients and adding valuable support for the broader ED team.

The upcoming redevelopment presents a meaningful opportunity to integrate these kinds of improvements. With the right infrastructure and resources in place, we can deliver safer, more compassionate, and more effective mental health care in the emergency setting for both patients and staff.

The team environment 

What I love most about my team is the unwavering support, mutual respect and shared commitment we have to delivering compassionate, high-quality care no matter how busy or intense the Emergency Department becomes. We all bring different strengths and perspectives, but there is a real sense of unity and purpose in how we work together.

What makes my team special is how we communicate and trust one another, especially in high-pressure situations. Everyone steps in when needed, no one is left to manage alone, and we always look out for each other professionally and personally. There’s a deep understanding of the emotional demands of this role, and that fosters a culture where it’s safe to debrief, check in and offer encouragement. I’m consistently inspired by the clinical skill, empathy and resilience my colleagues show. Whether it’s managing a complex case, de-escalating a situation, or simply offering a kind word to a patient or to each other, my team consistently goes above and beyond. We’re not just colleagues we’re a team and like a family in the truest sense of the word. And knowing I’m part of such a dedicated and compassionate group makes a difficult job not only manageable but truly rewarding.

I feel that my leaders, managers and peers genuinely care about my well-being, both personally and professionally. One thing I truly appreciate is how understanding management has been about my childcare responsibilities. They’ve always shown flexibility and compassion when I’ve needed time off or had to adjust my schedule due to family needs, which has made a huge difference in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I also feel that my experience and knowledge in psychiatry are genuinely valued. I’ve felt recognized and trusted in my role, especially when contributing to team discussions or mentoring others.\

Career growth and development   

During my time as a psychiatric nurse at Fraser Health, I’ve experienced tremendous personal and professional growth.

Professionally, I’ve developed strong clinical skills in assessing and managing complex mental health conditions, and I’ve become more confident working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. I’ve taken on leadership roles, supported new staff and continuously built my knowledge through ongoing training and education.

One of the most meaningful experiences has been my involvement in the redevelopment of the Emergency Department’s new Zone 5 for patients experiencing mental health and substance use issues. Helping to open the unit and support the hiring process has given me the opportunity to see a different side of nursing—one that involves planning, development and building something that will directly impact patient care. This experience has not only deepened my pride in the work we do at Burnaby Hospital but has also highlighted the growth I’ve achieved throughout my career. Personally, this role has strengthened my empathy, emotional resilience and communication skills, and it has taught me the importance of setting boundaries and delivering culturally sensitive care to our diverse community.

Join our team at Burnaby Hospital

If you’re considering a position in psychiatric nursing role or looking to join Fraser Health or Burnaby Hospital, I would say go for it! If you’re passionate about mental health care and want to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking organization, this is the place for you. Working here has given me the opportunity to grow not just as a nurse, but as a person. You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team where your voice matters and your skills are valued. There are opportunities for ongoing education, strong peer support and leadership that genuinely cares about staff well-being.

My advice would be to come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Psychiatric nursing can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Be patient with yourself, ask questions, and lean on your team, they’re there to support you. And if you have family or personal commitments, you’ll find that Burnaby Hospital can be understanding and flexible, which helps create a healthy work-life balance.

Living and working in the Fraser Health region

One of the things I love most about living and working in this region is the perfect balance between nature and city life. We’re lucky to have access to beautiful parks, mountains, and the ocean all within a short drive. I really enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, whether it’s walking through local trails, visiting new neighborhoods or exploring city events and attractions. It’s a great way to unwind and connect with the community.

I also love food, trying out new restaurants and bakeries is one of my favorite hobbies. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a hidden café or a spot with amazing pastries. It’s a fun way to explore different cultures and support local businesses. Being in a region that offers so much variety, both in food and outdoor activities, adds to my overall happiness and work-life balance.

What I like most about where I live in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows is that it’s both affordable and close to my family. Being near my loved ones gives me a strong sense of support and connection, which is really important. The area is also convenient, with easy access to work, schools and everyday essentials, which helps make life more manageable and balanced. Choosing this community over others in the region was really about finding a place where I could build a stable, family-oriented life without being too far from the people who matter most to me. I also like that I work in a different community from where I live. It allows me to self reflect before and after my shift and offers distance and privacy for the patients I see and for my family.