We are IH: Nikole Johnson

November 11, 2021

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.

Name: Nikole Johnson

Job Title: Care Aide

Years of Service: One year

Worksite: Talarico Place

Community: Castlegar

Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa (Tun-ah-hah)/Kootenay Ktunaxa

Favourite Quote: "Be kind, always!" _-Unknown

With a year under her belt, Nikole Johnson has discovered that being a care aide is more than as depicted. Her favourite thing about the job is seeing residents' faces light up when they see her after a few weeks off. She loves spending downtime interacting with those in her care: "It's always my honour to be involved in the stories they share about their lives."

"Working as a care aide while in nursing school has inspired me to continue practicing the fundamentals of health care, which always come back to compassion and kindness."

Nikole's proudest moments happen when she's able to make connections with residents and other staff members. She admits to being a bit shy: "It takes a bit of time to come out of my shell."

Nikole feels comfortable and supported at her workplace, which helps her form better relationships with those in her care.

Nikole's favourite hike around the Kootenays - Kokanee Creek

A fourth-year nursing student with the University of Victoria at Selkirk College, Nikole looks forward to continuing her position as a care aide while she finishes school and, hopefully, moves in to a new position with IH after graduation in 2022. Nikole would love to work in either community or maternity nursing. Who knows what the future will bring!

To enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Castlegar, Nikole enjoys going on walks with her two small dogs and getting in exercise. She also loves art, and creates her own realistic portrait drawings and acrylic paintings.

One of Nikole's favourite paintings, inspired by Bob Ross

Nikole's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going:

Abby Murphy: “Abby will be starting her second year of nursing school at Selkirk College! She was so helpful when I first got hired, and really made me feel comfortable. She took the time to get to know me and made sure that no questions went unanswered." _{- Nikole Johnson}