Meet Heather, a registered nurse working in pediatrics at Langley Memorial Hospital (LMH). With over 19 years of experience at Fraser Health, Heather has dedicated her career to caring for babies, children and their families.

“In my role as a pediatric nurse, I meet children who have been hospitalized for various illnesses. I assess the status of their condition, monitor vital signs, administer medications, start intravenous drip (IV) lines, prepare them for surgery, assist the physicians with an outpatient clinic, assist the team with care planning and offer support to families. All of this is done through a lens of patient and family-centered care, incorporating play and distraction appropriate to age and development.

Developmentally supportive care has become a true passion of mine. I love to connect with children and their families. Pain and stress are at the forefront of the pediatric hospitalized population. In pediatrics we have toys and distraction tools for all ages. Utilizing play is a great way to ease some of the fear for both the child and their family. I also love engaging with parents and caregivers by offering a listening ear, wisdom and sensitive care to their vulnerable child. It’s rewarding to work alongside the team to solve problems and determine a plan for each patient. I love seeing the progression of an unwell child toddle happily out the door after a few days of treatment. Building relationships with families and being a part of their story is one of the most favorite things about being a nurse.

In the pediatrics unit, the nurses work side-by-side collaboratively caring for the patients and families as a team. New staff are always welcomed and mentorship is valued. All members of the team strive to create a positive and fun work environment with each shift together. The pediatricians are approachable and supportive, valuing input from the nurses and operating with a team approach. We work in a multi-disciplinary team from management to patient care coordinators (PCCs), unit coordinators, pharmacy staff, social workers and housekeeping. There is no hierarchy and all input is important.

An achievement the team celebrated recently was a large donation of toys we received. We developed a system in which toys are accessible in a safe way for all our young patients. This has enabled us to provide the developmentally supportive and comprehensive care to make the family’s hospital stay just a little bit better.

I had the opportunity to complete the pediatrics, perinatal and neonatal specialty nursing programs through British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). After completing these three specialty programs sponsored by Fraser Health, I was able to obtain my dream career. With full support from management throughout each process, I have also had leadership opportunities to provide relief coverage as a patient care coordinator.

The pediatrics team at LMH is like family. I’m able take time off to do volunteer work in other countries and have had managers and PCCs check in on me when I’ve had challenging shifts. LMH pediatrics is an incredible team to be a part of.

I was born at Langley Memorial Hospital and have lived in Langley my whole life. I feel very connected to my community and find it really special to work and care for people where I live.”

Outside of work, Heather enjoys yoga and going on walks. She likes to read, take warm vacations and go camping in the summer. She enjoys being a youth leader at her church and has had the opportunity to volunteer in Africa, Guatemala, Mexico and has spent some time on the Mercy Ship. “My Career at Fraser Health has given me the experience to take on these adventures.”

Join us on March 26, 2025 for an exciting opportunity to explore nursing career opportunities and pathways at Fraser Health. Register today.