In celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, we interviewed three regional IH leaders in their fields to learn how they found passion in their roles, and how they are creating positive change for others.
Jackie Mattice: Advocating for Indigenous patients during challenging times
As an Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN), Jackie Mattice helps to create safe spaces for Indigenous patients and their families visiting Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) and Deni House. On a day-to-day basis, she actively listens to their needs, connects them with the right support or, at times, advocates for them when they are unable to voice their needs and concerns. Her very first project at CMH was leading the creation of the Indigenous artwork on the sacred space windows.
“I really enjoy helping people out,” Jackie said. “I love my job after three years still because of that gratitude of helping people the best I can, and hearing from community members that I did make a difference.”
Jackie fell in love with being an IPN during her three-month practicum at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) at the start of the pandemic. There, she shadowed RIH IPN Deb Donald, who advocated for her to have more hands-on experience.
“I've learned a lot from her,” Jackie said. “That helped me see how to interact with the different wards, consider different cultural aspects and advocate for patients.”
Jackie has now mentored three female Indigenous IPNs. She passes on the tools and supports they need, but also encourages them to help patients in their own unique way.
“We have goals and we have processes and different ways to do it, and I let them be who they want to be. Be their own person.”
Bridgette James: Creating a healthy and safe work environment for staff
In the fast-paced environment of the emergency department, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of the job. Recognizing this, manager Bridgette James believes that prioritizing the well-being of her team is essential for delivering high-quality patient care.
“You spend more time here at work than you do in any other area of your life,” Bridgette said. “I really believe in my heart that when you're at work, you should be able to be yourself and feel safe to bring forth ideas and to not worry about bullying and harassment.”
Bridgette was inspired by many women in her life, most importantly her late grandmother Lily, whom she named her first daughter after. Lily came to Canada from England as an occupational therapist.
“My other grandmother, on my father’s side, was a nurse and I followed in her footsteps and started candy striping in 100 Mile Hospital in eighth grade,” Bridgette recalled. “When I told my dad I had decided on nursing, he was so excited.”
When she went into her first nursing job out of university in the operating room, Bridgette continued to take inspiration from her mentors.
Bridgette remembers one mentor whose approach to teaching really influenced her own work.
"She was so patient, kind and always gentle in the way she delivered any feedback she needed to give,” Bridgette said of preceptor Heidi Fickell. “It made me want to treat students the same way.”
In addition to supporting staff in her department, Bridgette also brings fun to Cariboo Memorial Hospital as a proud member of the Working on Wellness (WOW) committee. The group plans staff appreciation events, such as the site-wide door decorating contests or the much-anticipated monthly Cookie Days. Last year, they brought back the staff Christmas party after a long pandemic pause.
“People needed it, something to be excited about when they come to work,” Bridgette said. “I think there are opportunities in your work environment to be laughing and still do a really serious job.”
Although she wears many hats at the hospital, Bridgette believes that her most important job is being a mom to three children. She finds great joy in spending time with her family.
Karen Cooper: Building a better future for underserved women and girls
Many in Interior Health know Karen Cooper in her capacity as executive director of clinical operations. She oversees hospitals and health centres across the vast Thompson Cariboo rural region, as well as the trauma network. But some may not know that earlier this year she was building a school in Peru, and last year she built houses in Nepal.
Nepal was Karen’s first trip overseas through the Developing World Connections program. She spends at least a week each year living and volunteering in countries where women face high rates of gender-based violence and wide disparities in education and employment.
“To be able to bring opportunities for education and to ease the bleakness of their future, for women to see themselves as more, is what attracts me,” Karen shared.
Karen’s favourite memory was handing out 100 bikes to young girls in a remote Nepalese village and seeing their faces light up as they received the gifts, which would save them time on chores and travel to school.
“I feel very fortunate to live and work in Canada, where we have come a long way towards gender equality. Women are so capable of leading and nurturing the growth of future leaders. We need to not take that opportunity for granted, as it is denied to many women across the globe.”
Back at home, Karen uses her position by uplifting leaders and aspiring leaders to their full potential. This means helping them see their unique strengths through career conversations, as well as prioritizing a growth and learning plan.
“And celebrate, celebrate, celebrate success,” Karen emphasized. “I think we do what's expected not realizing that we've gone above and beyond.”
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