Congratulations To The 2007 Recipients Of The Awards Of Excellence In Psychiatric Nursing

Paulette Chamberlain, RPN

Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of Patient/Client Advocacy and Clinical Practice.

Marie Legault, RPN

Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of Education.

Rosanne Rothenberg, RPN

Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of Leadership.

Adrian Perera, RPN

No photo at Adrian's request.

Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of Clinical Practice.

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Congratulations Award Winners

Congratulations To The 2006 Recipients Of The Awards Of Excellence In Psychiatric Nursing Presented By The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses Of British Columbia

EDITH HAMILTON, RPN
Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of “Lifetime Achievement In Psychiatric Nursing.”

EIRA ORME, RPN
Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of “Leadership In Psychiatric Nursing Including Administration.”

JAN STRETCH, RPN
Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of “Clinical Practice.”

LYNN GREENAWAY-KING, RPN
Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of “Clinical Practice.”

PATTI CUMBERFORD, RPN
Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of “Leadership In Psychiatric Nursing Including Administration.”

RENE DOWS, RPN
Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing in the category of “Clinical Practice.”

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Morrie Steele, RPN, RN, MSN

Morrie trained at the School of Psychiatric Nursing at Essondale, BC. After graduation he worked in West lawn Unit for three years. After trying unsuccessfully to get transferred to an acute psychiatric area, he took a leave and went to BCIT to achieve a diploma in general nursing. When he returned to Riverview from his leave, he was assigned to work on North 3, in North lawn on the surgical unit. Over the next eight years, Morrie worked in various capacities, and spent his final three years at Riverview as a nurse clinician. He took another leave in 1978 to go to UBC for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During that time, he began working as a sessional nursing instructor at Douglas College and Langara. Part way through the degree program, Morrie resigned his position at Riverview, not without some misgivings, after 15 years working at the facility. Timing is everything. The summer he completed his BSN, a temporary instructor position opened up at BCIT in the Psychiatric Nursing Program. Finally, his dream of teaching psychiatric nursing became a reality.

The next four years were spent at BCIT, until the program was transferred to Douglas College. Morrie and four others were part of the first contingent of faculty to transfer. The remainder followed as the BCIT program was phased out. During the summers from 1984 - 1986, Morrie completed a Master of Science (Nursing) degree at the University of Portland, in Oregon. When departmental re-structuring occurred in 1987 with the psychiatric nursing program, Morrie made his most difficult career decision. He left Douglas College. Again, timing is everything. He worked at what was then the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia as a nursing practice consultant until 1990. That was a good time, as he was able to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health consultants on many mental health initiatives as a representative of RNABC.

In 1990, Morrie joined the mental health team at Lions Gate Hospital as the psychiatric/mental health clinical nurse specialist. He loved the job and was fortunate to begin initiatives on an alcohol withdrawal protocol, in collaboration with the Director of Pharmacy and one family physician with the same shared passion. He was also instrumental in getting a non-violent crisis intervention program off the ground. During that time he was a member of the Douglas College Psychiatric Nursing Program Advisory Committee.

In 1991 Morrie went to Saint Mary's Hospital in New Westminster as the Director of Nursing Resources. This was another exciting time, as the nursing department implemented and evaluated a shared governance structure. There were many opportunities to support nurses and other team members to provide safe, competent and ethical care to patients with mental health issues.

In 1995, Morrie returned to RNABC (now CRNBC) as a nursing practice consultant. He continued his collaboration with the Ministry, and developed a strong working relationship with the staff at the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC. While his career has taken him in many directions, Morrie has never forgotten his roots. He provided countless consultations for RPNs while at RNABC and has continued to be a life long learner with a passion for psychiatric nursing. He is currently a full time faculty member at the University College of the Fraser Valley, teaching health care ethics and psychiatric mental health classroom and clinical. In addition, he does causal shifts in psychiatry at MSA in Abbotsford and CGH in Chilliwack. Morrie is currently a member of the Kwantlen University College Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Program Advisory Committee.

As his career winds down, Morrie is very modest about the awards he has received over the years, including an Award of Merit from RPNABC in 1989, an Award of Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing Education and Leadership from CRPNBC in 2000, and an Award of Distinction from RNABC in May 2005.

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Debbie Reid, RPN - An “unsung Hero”

The following letter to the editor appeared in the Vancouver Sun after the articles about Debbie Reid were printed.

“I would like to add my heartfelt commendation to Debbie Reid for her caring and effective actions in preventing a near traffic disaster, with possibly several deaths and injuries, but it was her quick identification and response to the diabetic driver fading into a coma that brought tears to my eyes. As a child, I lost my diabetic father in a similar situation when strangers around him mistakenly assumed he was drunk and left him alone to fall into a coma and die. I hope Reid’s heroism will make more people aware of the life-threatening signs of a diabetic coma and the quick sugar fix needed for survival. One caring person with a big heart and a little knowledge can make a difference.”

Dr. Joan Davidson, Port Moody

The Vancouver Sun printed articles praising Debbie Reid, RPN as an “Unsung Hero” and a “Guardian Angel” for rescuing a woman and her two children from a car crash and the likelihood of death or serious injury.

The CRPNBC issued the following commendation to Debbie Reid:

“On behalf of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of B.C., I would like to commend you regarding your heroic efforts where you rescued a family from an impending disaster. Your example of courage is a credit to society.”

Donna Higenbottam
Executive Director/Registrar

We asked Debbie to provide some background information we could share with others in our newsletter. It is as follows:

I graduated from B.C.I.T. in 1982 and immediately started working as a nurse in Westlawn at Riverview Hospital, then was transferred to Fernwood Lodge, Community Preparation Program, also at Riverview Hospital. I left Riverview Hospital in 1986 and worked at Venture as a Community Nurse 2, also supervised for Comcare Nursing Agency. In 1988, I managed a psychiatric facility in North Vancouver called Sherwood Place, but also remained on call at Venture. In 1992, I was hired by Pioneer Community Living Association, working at Pioneer House as a nurse and group facilitator, and this by far has been my favorite experience in my nursing career. I also made a change in early December, leaving my position at Pioneer House to manage a home in Burnaby called Miller’s Way, which is also part of PCLA, and this has been a very exciting move.

With regard to the incident that occurred on October 20th, 2005, and although I was called a HERO, I just feel it was something that anybody would do, but judging by the feedback I have received over the past few months, it is not something people would want to be involved in. The incident in my words is as follows:

I was driving down Prairie Ave. in Port Coquitlam to drop my son off at the local mall, then I noticed a car which was four cars ahead of me, slowing down, then speeding up, also swerving into the opposite lane. I initially thought the car was possibly having problems until it continued to swerve into the opposite lane, then the erratic driving got worse. I then thought the driver was impaired and this triggered anger in me and I felt I had to get involved as I also saw a baby’s car seat in the back. The cars behind this erratic driver were going around the car, honking, and appearing annoyed. I then was left directly behind this car and this is when I noticed the second car seat, and both seats had babies in them. I continued to follow this car, but my son was also becoming annoyed as he was late to meet his friends, but I was on a mission. The car was now driving very slowly, when it came to a complete stop at a green light. I felt like I was the only person on the road with this confused vehicle. It was my son who loudly stated to me “mom, that driver is a woman.” I then moved my van in front of her vehicle to box her in so she couldn't get away, and I jumped out of my van and attempted to speak to her, but her head fell forward onto the steering wheel. I shouted at her to open the door as it was locked and she briefly lifted her head to tell me she was a diabetic. Her children’s big blue eyes looked frightened, but I ran to the passenger side of the car looking for juice, sugar, and I even searched the baby's bottles. She was able to mumble a few words to me. I grabbed my cell phone and called 911. The paramedics arrived quickly and her blood sugar was l.3. She was taken to hospital - the police were also involved and I thought about this incident nightly, often having difficulty falling asleep as I was worried about her, and her little children.

I shared this incident with two co-workers, who contacted the Vancouver Sun, and the stories were written. The woman who was rescued contacted the Vancouver Sun and asked them to get in touch with me. The Sun arranged a meeting for us and it was an emotional moment to meet again and see that she and her children were safe after this harrowing ordeal. I was so blessed to have met this lady and her children and she keeps in touch with me often. There was a follow-up story the next day in the Vancouver Sun.

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Graduating Class - Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing - Class of 2005

by Dr. Jacqollyne Keath and Caroline Hunt

                         Class of 2005

On January 17, 2005, twenty-four brave souls embarked on a Journey that would transform them in a way no one thought possible. The Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Program at Douglas College partnered with Riverview Hospital and the Forensic Psychiatric Commission to form the first offering of the Condensed Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing.

These students initially came to the classrooms at the Henry Esson Young building located at Riverview Hospital for Monday – Friday 0830-1630 classes. Not only did classroom hours shift as the program went along, but lunch hours, evenings and weekends were taken up with researching evidenced based practice. Books were read, articles located and great discussions took place. Riverview Hospital was a buzz with the new adventure in Advanced Nursing Education that was taking place. Many a tear was shed during this time as the overwhelming amount of studies and papers kept flooding in, but the students persevered.

Students became more comfortable as they went along in group work, academic paper writing and presentations – both individual and group. Many students had not been in school for several years and came into the Advanced Diploma Program with a wide range of abilities and experiences which they shared with others. This hard working, dedicated group was eager to begin and was responsible and accountable for their own learning. It was rewarding to see their confidence grow throughout the program.

The support staff at Riverview Hospital was great- from the printing department, the library and the two secretaries as well as Kathy Finch, Claire O’Quinn and the Unit Managers. Their patience, flexibility and accommodating attitudes towards the students and faculty certainly facilitated the students’ learning.

The Douglas College bookstore, Registrar’s office, library, Winnie Mckitrick, and the psychiatric nursing office staff worked hard to ensure the students were registered and received books and necessary materials in a short turn around time.

Advanced Diploma courses included Student Success and Study Skills, Professional Concepts, Health Assessment 1 and 2, Family Assessment, Community Assessment, Clinical Focus, and Application of Clinical Focus Concepts. Students chose one of three electives- Gerontology, Addictions, or Forensics. These thirty credits of upper level university courses can be applied towards a Psychiatric Nursing Degree. Some examples of clinical practicums included CRPNBC, Langley Memorial Hospital Emergency, Seniors Awareness, Coast Foundation Cottages, Midtown Mental Health, Simon Fraser Youth Day Treatment Program, and the Geriatric Outreach Team in White Rock.

A few of the graduates spoke regarding their experiences in the program. Here are their thoughts and suggestions for future students:

“Very rewarding but very exhausting at the same time. Get your running shoes on. Get your life organized ahead of time.”

“Make sure your computer skills are there. Don’t get behind. I learned a lot and broadened my knowledge about psychiatric nursing. I learned a lot about myself, especially the spirituality part.”

“Very intense but helpful. Good learning experience.”

“The Neuman Systems Model approach helps for individuals, communities, families providing holistic care. Patience is a virtue.”

Proudly, on June 2, 2005 seventeen of the twenty-four students from the Condensed Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing were in attendance at the Graduation Ceremony held at Douglas College in the performing arts theatre that night.

The evening ceremony comprised of General Nursing Diploma Graduates, Psychiatric Nursing Diploma graduates and Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Graduates. Of all these Graduates sitting on the stage, five people in the Faculty of Health Sciences received Gold Cords. Four of the Gold Cord Recipients were from the Condensed Advanced Diploma Program: Chad Miller, John Jacobson, Patrick Golding and Heather Sinclair. The fifth recipient, also the Lieutenant Governor’s Bronze Recipient Winner, Marianne O’Brien was from the regular Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing Program. A Gold Cord is given to honor the graduates holding marks in the top 10% in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Valedictorian that evening was also a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Nicole Bennett.

Faculty involved in the project included

Jacqollyne Keath RPN, RN,
CPMHN(C), MA, PhD, Coordinator
Caroline Hunt RPN,RN, BSN, MS
Anna Helewka RPN, RN, BSN, MSN
Anna Jajic RPN, RN, BScN, MSc
Mike Tarko RPN, BA, PhD
Mike Miller RPN, BA, MA, PhD
Rosalind Baltzer Turje RN, BSN, MA

Graduates

Kathleen Arpink, Leslie Bell, Katherine Campbel, Mary Chan Chiang, Rosalyn Choi, Riola Crawford, Kimberly Fraser, Patrick Golding, Ibolya Illes, John Jacobson, Gurvinder Jaswal, Yvonne Klos, Lorraine Lefebvre,, Mary Luciano, Sheinoor Manji, Michelle Mikota, Chad Miller, Phlevia Pong, Kamlawtee, Ramdharry, Nicola Scheu, Kimberly Slack, Heather Sinclair, Joan Smith and Robyn Vergara

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Monica McAlduff, Class Valedictorian Thompson Rivers University Graduation Ceremonies

Monica McAlduff completed the Bachelor of Health Sciences Psychiatric Nursing Degree Program at Thompson Rivers University in April, 2005, having previously received her diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from Douglas College in 1992 and Advanced Diploma in 2002.

For the last 12 years Monica has worked as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at a number of hospitals and health facilities in the lower mainland and is currently employed in the emergency department at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. She serves on the Occupational Health and Safety Committee at Lions Gate Hospital, as the Health Sciences Association representative, and is the Women’s Ministry Team Leader at North Shore Alliance Church. Monica lives with her husband and two children in North Vancouver.

Monica was the class valedictorian at the Celebration of Learning, June 16, 2005 at the Thompson Rivers University Graduation. Congratulations Monica!

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Karen Wysiecki and Glenda Steffler Honoured by Vancouver Island Health Authority

Karen Wysiecki (left) Glenda Steffler (right)

Karen Wysiecki, RPN Mental Health and Addictions Services Program Coordinator for Residential Care

On September 21, 2005 at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, Karen was the recipient of the Award of Excellence In Service Delivery, from the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

This was Vancouver Island Health Authority’s first annual Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony. “Karen has consistently demonstrated an extremely high degree of pride, commitment and dedication to advancing and maintaining the quality of care provided in the Residential and Housing Programs.

Karen, a front line leader, has one of the largest and most complex areas of responsibility in the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Mental Health and Addictions Services. Karen also led the development of a new and innovative program that had institutionalized mental health clients moving to have their health needs met in a normalized community setting.

Twenty individuals who had been long time residents of a large mental health facility were moved to a staffed apartment building and Karen was in charge of making sure this group of vulnerable clients was safe and well supported in this integrated environment. After three years this program has been so successful , a second similar program was developed last year under Karen’s supervision.

It is important to note that Karen’s strong nursing skills have helped ensure that a high quality of care has been delivered in these programs.

Karen is appreciated for all the skills, perspective and energy she brings to her work and the program. Ultimately, she is a wonderful representative of the organization and it is appropriate she also receives formal VIHA recognition for her efforts.”

Glenda Steffler, RPN Coordinator Island Mental Health Support Team Vancouver Island Health Authority

On September 21, 2005 at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, Glenda Steffler was the recipient of the Award of Excellence in the Collaborative Partnerships category of the Celebration of Excellence program sponsored by Vancouver Island Health Authority.

“Glenda is very innovative and creative on being able to engage with funding problems and crisis hospitalization. She tends to think out of the box when traditional methods do not work. She handles Island Mental Health Support Teams’ Crisis Stabilization funding in a creative way and is able to keep folks out of hospitals as much as possible and is able to provide support for clients in their own community.

Glenda has a natural ability to deal with crisis situations and is able to make quick decisions under great pressure and she is also open to collaborating with social workers, families, caregivers, doctors and other professionals.

Glenda has had an enormous amount of impact on my level of standard that I have now set for myself as an employee of VIHA. I look up to her and she gives me great inspiration in maintaining a high level when doing our job. Her energy and commitment in working collaboratively with others is contagious and therefore she is a great role model. Glenda is the “glue” that keeps our team together.”

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Gwen Campbell McArthur RPN, RN - President of the Native and Inuit Nurses Association of BC

Gwen Campbell McArthur RPN, RN, a long time member of CRNBC was elected to the office of President of the Native and Inuit Nurses Association (NINA) of British Columbia at the association’s AGM in North Vancouver on Sept. 15, 2005.

NINA became a registered society in April 1990 and it’s roots are tied to the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.). The objectives of the NINA are to develop awareness of Native and non-native communities of the unique health needs of Native and Inuit people, to actively recruit more people of Native ancestry into the nursing profession and other health professions, and to develop and maintain a registry for Registered Nurses of BC that are Native and Inuit.

The rewards of becoming a member come from the relationship with native nurse colleagues. Members can be an RN, RPN, LPN, CNA. Associate membership is available for non-native nurses, students of native ancestry and any native person interested in the nursing profession. (NINA BC Brochure 2005).

Of Métis and Ukrainian ancestry, Gwen’s career in health sciences has spanned three decades that began in social work. She graduated as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in 1978 from the Manitoba School in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba and then as a RN from Grant MacEwan Community College in 1985.

Gwen is dedicated to community mental health nursing and has a broad range of clinical skills. She manages a private counselling practice that is culturally appropriate serving several aboriginal communities in the Salmon Arm, Chase and Enderby areas. As a Community Wellness Counsellor and former Interim Director of Health with the Spallumcheen Indian Band, Gwen is a tireless advocate for her clients, families, community members, Elders and colleagues in the field of psychiatric mental health.

As an educator and guest lecturer in community based education, she has been involved with the University of Victoria Early Childhood Education and Child and Youth Care - Stress Management training for students, University College of the Cariboo – Sessional Instructor – Community Based Program – Home Support Registered Care Aide Program at Little Shuswap Band, liaison with Elders and community member who participated in cultural education, and Keyano College – Sessional Instructor – Community Based Education – Aboriginal Child and Family Services – Child Welfare, and Practicum Supervisor.

Gwen is the proud mother of two teenage boys and volunteers in the community in many capacities. Her love is with her sons and sports including the high school football team where she has been the team Mom and Medic for the past 4 years.

She is also an active member of the CRNBC as a Work Place Rep., is a member in good standing with the A.N.A.C., and is also pursuing her undergraduate degree in the BSN program with a Mental Health specialty at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. She is a mentor, field guide, student supporter, faculty at TRU, is active in committee work and is passionate about her life’s work.

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College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of B.C.

CRPNBC Office

Suite #307 - 2502 St. Johns Street
Port Moody,
British Columbia
Canada
V3H 2B4
Tel: 604-931-5200
Fax: 604-931-5277
BC Toll Free: 1-800-565-2505

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Board of Directors

Ross Stewart - Chair
Linda Moyneur - Vice-Chair
Michele Robson - Finance Officer
Paul Anderson - Director
Anna Helewka - Director
Judith Macrae - Director
Melodie Hull - Director
Lis Pedersen - Director
Carol Robinson, Director

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Staff

Vacant,
Executive Director / Registrar
Linda Syssoloff, Deputy Registrar/Practice Consultant
Charmaine Murray, Administrative Assistant/Accounting
April Lightbown, Administrative Assistant

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Email Addresses:

Executive Director
Charmaine Murray
April Lightbown
Linda Syssoloff

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