I first joined Fraser Health in 2022 after a great preceptorship experience as a nursing student 10 years ago. I initially envisioned specializing in Emergency, however after six months, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for my career needs or my personality. That experience taught me the importance of acceptance and that it’s okay to change direction.
I then started working in endoscopy for two years in temporary positions and that’s where I learned what I truly needed to thrive in my nursing career: a fast-paced environment with meaningful patient interactions and being actively involved in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
I had the opportunity to join Interventional Radiology (IR) and with my manager’s support and encouragement, I decided to challenge myself and completed the Fraser Health in-house Advance Cardiac Education (ACE) specialty program. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I’m proud of what I achieved and grateful for the knowledge and confidence it gave me. I now feel prepared to recognize and intervene when patients need, and that has been a huge step in my professional growth and has advanced my nursing career in ways I hadn’t imagined.
After working a year in IR, I’ve found my place. I can truly say that this amazing team feels like ‘home’ and ‘family’. I feel supported by a team that fosters a healthy and positive work environment. I go into work each day with a positive mindset and excitement for what’s ahead. On a personal level, after years of struggling with infertility, I am now proudly expecting my first child! I believe having a safe, supportive work environment that I can thrive in has played a big part in this journey.
My day begins before patients arrive in Interventional Radiology (IR) for their procedures. I collect and review clinical information, including indications for the procedure, past medical and surgical history and recent laboratory results. Patients can arrive in IR from various areas of the hospital whether it be from outpatient, surgical day care, medical-surgical units, emergency room, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or from other hospitals. I perform personalized nursing assessments and check them in to ensure it is safe to proceed.
As an IR nurse, I collaborate closely with medical radiation technologists (MRTs) and radiologists. This includes preparing and opening supplies, setting up the procedure room, positioning patients and supporting the team throughout the case. Once we’re in the procedure room, I may be responsible for administering conscious sedation and continuously monitoring patient’s vital signs, symptoms and comfort levels. I may also act as the scrub nurse, assisting the radiologist in the sterile field by handling supplies such as sheaths, guidewires, catheters and balloons. Following the procedure, I am involved in early recovery and provide thorough handover to the receiving team.
Every single day of work is different from the previous day. IR oversees hundreds of minimally invasive surgeries in nearly every body system. Both elective and emergency cases are scheduled every day and going through as many procedures as possible. IR nurses rotate through roles from admitting, circulating or scrubbing multiple times during the day depending on competencies, staffing and unit flow needs.
What I love most about nursing is the variety and versatility it offers. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many different areas. I started in the operating room and surgical inpatient unit, then moved through pediatrics, ER, endoscopy and now IR—each specialty has given me new perspectives and skills. In IR, the ability to rotate between roles keeps the work exciting and dynamic every single day.
I also love that nursing is a career of lifelong learning. Whether it’s staying up to date on the latest research, discovering new procedures or becoming familiar with innovative tools and techniques, there is always something new that helps us care for patients more effectively and efficiently. The opportunity for continual growth is what inspires me and keeps me passionate about the profession.
Because IR covers such a wide variety of procedures, it’s impossible for one person to know everything, but in our team, there are no ‘stupid questions’ – you can always turn to a colleague for help and there is always someone with the answer or the willingness to guide you. This culture of openness makes learning and growing so much easier.
Beyond professionalism, our team has its own unique sense of humor and an energy that creates a positive dynamic environment even on the challenging days. Difficult cases, unexpected and tough patient circumstances are always met with support as you know someone will cheer you up, recognize your efforts and you’ll do the same for them. The collaboration between our care aid, MRTs, RNs, triage nurses and radiologists are seamless, supportive and reliable. It’s the combination of expertise, kindness and humor that makes our team truly exceptional.
What also makes my team so special is the true sense of teamwork and cohesion we share. In IR, every role matters and I genuinely feel that we function like links in a chain -each person is essential, supporting and working together towards the same goal. There is an incredible team spirit where professionalism and compassion go hand in hand. Everyone is focused on making patients feel comfortable, safe and at ease throughout their procedures.
Recently, a previously healthy woman arrived at our unit with a devastating stroke while at the gym presenting with aphasic and hemiparesis. From the moment she arrived, our teams worked seamlessly—she was assessed, underwent CT imaging and was brought directly to IR for a clot removal. The total time from hospital arrival to successful recanalization was just 34 minutes. To put this into perspective, national benchmarks for door-to-reperfusion times typically exceed one hour — underscoring how exceptional this performance was. The very next morning, she had made a complete recovery — with no neurological deficit. This remarkable story showcased how strong our stoke care pathway is and the incredible teamwork across Neurology, ER, Computed Tomography (CT) and IR.
I’ve also felt very supported during more difficult times. For example, when I had a needle stick injury, my managers responded with professionalism, guided me through every step, and followed up regularly to make sure I wasn’t left feeling lost or alone in the process. I truly felt heard and cared for.
My peers and mentors have been just as important in supporting my well-being. During orientation, they were patient, attentive to my learning needs and never pushed me into unsafe situations. The time and support I was provided allowed me to feel confident and ready once I was on my own.
What makes me happy and fulfilled at work is the team spirit, excellent collaboration across disciplines and the interesting nature of the cases and procedures we encounter every day. I value the work-life balance, the innovation and especially the extraordinary team atmosphere where professionalism is paired with humor.
My advice to anyone considering a position like mine, or employment with Fraser Health, is to come for a shadow shift. It’s the best way to experience the great atmosphere in our team, see how our department flows, get a taste of the variety of procedures we do and discover the different nursing roles in action.
Interventional Radiology offers incredible variety and no two days are ever the same. Be curious, open-minded and willing to learn. At first, the number of procedures and the fast pace can feel overwhelming, but you will never be alone. The team is exceptionally supportive and there is always someone ready to answer questions, guide you and share their expertise. This combination of growth, support and positive energy is what makes me feel truly fulfilled in my role at Fraser Health.
What I love most about living and working in this health region is how easy it is to connect with nature. Outside of work, I enjoy going for walks and hikes whether it’s close to home in Port Moody at Buntzen Lake or Belcarra, or a little further away in places like Squamish or Harrison Lake. Summer is my favorite season because it means both backcountry camping and glamping. There’s nothing better than being surrounded by nature with no cell coverage, enjoying simple comforts like good food, beautiful views, long walks and sleeping outdoors. It’s the best way for me to recharge both my body and mind. I also love paddleboarding and discovering new lakes around the Lower Mainland.
In the fall and winter months, I shift to more cozy hobbies. I enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book, working on crochet projects and taking online yoga classes from the comfort of my home.
In Port Moody, there’s a balance of calm residential living and easy access to nature. It’s a quiet and peaceful area, but I can also walk to basic services and reach larger shopping areas within minutes. I also appreciate that Coquitlam and Port Moody often host events and activities that brings people together and creates a strong sense of community.
Although I don’t live in the same community where I work, I really value Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) as a level one trauma center. RCH offers exposure to a wide variety of complex and interesting cases which keeps the work both challenging and rewarding. The hospital itself provides many opportunities to grow across different departments, which I also truly appreciate. What I like most though, is the people. The staff at RCH are supportive, collaborative, dedicated and that makes all the difference in creating a positive work environment.
To support my mental health and stay well outside of work is making sure to plan intentional “me time” and staying connected and socializing with friends, family and coworkers. Being outdoors is also a big part of my self-care. I try to spend time in nature as much as possible—even when it rains! Staying active through hiking, running, swimming and doing yoga also helps me manage stress and keep a healthy balance. I regularly check in with myself and I am mindful of when I might need extra support. I know where to turn—whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a counsellor—so that I never feel alone in maintaining my wellbeing.
