I started my career as a new graduate registered nurse (RN) in medicine where I worked for two years and gained a lot of good basic skills and knowledge.

I wanted to challenge myself to build on my acquired basic skills and I applied to try working in a critical care transition line. I shadowed critical care nurses and assisted with care within my scope. After three months, I made the bold decision to be sponsored by Fraser Health for Specialty Nursing Education and I’m currently working as a specialized RN in critical care.

Critical care nursing has pushed me to master complex physiology, advanced technology and critical thinking. I love how mentally challenging my work is. I’m constantly learning and sharpening my skills. This has built my confidence, resilience and emotional strength. I realized that if I can do this, I can do anything!

Some of my job responsibilities include:

• Continuous assessments through watching patient trends, interpreting labs, hemodynamics, ventilator settings and subtle changes. I anticipate problems before they escalate and act fast when they do.
• Manage life support by monitoring ventilators, titrating vasoactive medications, sedation, insulin and pain control, balancing lifesaving technology with the patient’s comfort and dignity, minute by minute.
• Many of my patients are unable to communicate verbally. I ensure patient advocacy by protecting their wishes, question orders when something doesn’t feel right and ensure their care aligns with their values.
• I sit with families in fear, grief and hope. Giving them updates and helping them understand what’s happening and what comes next.
• Offer emotional support by listening, holding hands and sometimes grieve alongside families and coworkers.
• Liaise with other health care team members such as physicians, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacy, social workers and consultants as needed.
• Prevent harm by monitoring for early sepsis, avoiding pressure injuries, preventing infections, managing lines, tubes and responding to emergencies.

What I love most about my career is making a real difference when it matters the most, by being there at the most critical moment of someone’s life. My skills, vigilance and decisions I make mean the best patient outcomes. This sense of impact is powerful and rare. In that moment, I am the patient’s voice and anchor. It’s my duty to advocate for them, notice subtle changes and act on them. I take pride in being the steady presence families trust during difficult hard times.

Few environments bond people like it does in critical care. We rely on each other under pressure, debrief after challenging cases, share tears and victories. These relationships often feel more like family than coworkers. I look forward to going to work on all my shifts because I never feel alone. There is always a colleague who has my back.

There is a culture of psychological safety where I feel comfortable speaking up about concerns, workload or patient safety. The manager, patient care coordinators, clinical nurse educators and clinical resource nurse show an understanding of the emotional demands of critical care nursing. Recognizing the effort and clinical competencies that is necessary, especially during high stress situations while acknowledging the impact of critical incidents.

What makes me fulfilled at work is being in an environment that values teamwork, professionalism and well-being. Constructive feedback and opportunities for growth and development help me feel supported and keep me motivated. Our manager frequently checks in personally and is approachable when support is needed by facilitating leave days, debriefs after difficult cases and access to resources for our well-being. My colleagues provide strong team support, especially during busy or emotionally challenging shifts. Peer support, optimism and teamwork help reduce stress and build resilience.

Critical care nursing is challenging, but its meaningful—intellectually demanding and deeply rooted in human connection. This combination is what most nurses love most, even on the toughest days. Seeing a patient wake up, extubated or walk out of the unit after weeks of critical illness will never get old. These moments stay with us for life.

Fraser Health has provided me with valuable opportunities for career development, flexibility and the chance to network and build meaningful connections. It has greatly impacted the person I am today. For someone considering employment at Fraser Health, if you thrive in a fast-paced and challenging environment, it is truly rewarding. Fraser Health values teamwork, patient-centred care and continuous learning. There are good opportunities for development and strong peer support. Be ready to speak up and ask for help. There will always be someone ready to offer support.

Working in New Westminster, I love the diverse cases that I get to work with. People from all walks of life, with diverse cultures, values and beliefs come. This experience has taught me to appreciate other people’s cultures and situations, beyond what I’m familiar with.

I live in Langley, about 30 minutes from where I work and it gives me room to breathe. There are parks, trails and green spaces everywhere (Campbell Valley Park or Fort Langley trails to name a few). I am also close to farms, wineries and open land which creates a calmer, less bustling feel, as well as quiet drives shopping for fresh produce from local farms. The neighbourhoods are family-oriented and welcoming with community events, farmers markets festivals and local sports that bring people together. It’s a place where people still greet each other and build long-term connections.

Working and living in the Fraser Health region, I appreciate the diverse and vibrant communities. There is a mix of urban centers and peaceful small towns with great quality of life. You’re near Metro Vancouver while still offering suburban and rural living, beautiful coastal communities like White Rock with beaches, walks and local culture and scenic towns like Hope that are great for outdoor adventures.
I love being outdoors and connecting with nature. Going for hikes, bike riding, walks or eating out. I also have a fur-buddy that steals all of my attention. I focus on balance outside of work by staying active, time outdoors, connecting with people I care about, making space to rest and always find time to self-reflect. These habits help me manage stress and stay mentally well.