Victoria Hospitals Foundation: What is your role within our hospitals?

Corrine: I work as the only mental health nurse in the Seniors Outpatient Clinic at Royal Jubilee Hospital. I am trained as a registered psychiatric nurse and my role includes collaboration with patients, families, community health services, family doctors, and specialists (Geriatric psychiatrists and geriatricians). I also work with an interdisciplinary team to keep patients at home and in the community—to keep them as independent as possible. I also facilitate an Aging Well Cognitive Behaviour Therapy program specifically for Seniors in the community three times a year (virtually at this time due to the pandemic).

VHF: Why did you decide to become a mental health nurse?

C: I was a practical nurse for a few years before going into psychiatric nursing training. Working with the elderly in various settings increased my passion to care for older adults. With increased knowledge in mental health, I was able to apply my knowledge into clinical practice to try and enhance the lives of older adults living in the community.

VHF: What is your favourite part of your job?

C: Listening to the fascinating life stories of my patients.

VHF: Who or what inspires you to care for others?

C: Working with all the geriatric psychiatrists and the interdisciplinary care teams inspire me to care for others and motivate me to go to work every day. To be able to take a holistic approach rather than the traditional medical model, I’m able to look at the bio-psycho-social aspects rather than just one approach.

VHF: What does “Hospital Hero” mean to you?

C: “Hospital Hero” doesn’t mean much without the support of colleagues and the public. To be a hero doesn’t mean to always be exceptional, but to try our best using evidence-based practice to support our patients.

VHF: The past year and a half has been challenging for all of us. Have these challenges motivated you in any way?

C: Over the past year I have noticed an increase in mental health concerns not just in the patient population I serve, but also in my colleagues. The pandemic has certainly caused me to revisit my priorities in life and make new goals to better myself and try to balance my work, home, and education goals.

VHF: What would you say to current VHF donors and people who are thinking about giving in the future?

C: The older adult population is growing and we need more resources to help these vulnerable patients. Donations to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation can help this population have adequate support in the future to continue keeping these patients in the community with their loved ones and out of hospital.