We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.
Name: Amara Stangeland
Job Title: Registered Nurse, Adolescent Psychiatry
Years of Service: 2
Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish
Favourite Quote: "In a world when you can be anything, be kind."
Amara’s kind demeanour, welcoming smile and caring approach allow her to excel in her role as a Registered Nurse in the Adolescent Psychiatry Department at Kelowna General Hospital. In the vast world of nursing, there are many career opportunities to explore. For Amara, it was the first day of nursing school when a spark ignited her interest in working with the youth.
Intrigued by the opportunity as a nurse to support and guide youth at such an important point in their life, she knew she was on the right path. Seeing the resilience of adolescents first hand continues to motivate Amara in her work. Through providing care, she is able to guide them on the right path and teach them valuable life skills that can change their life trajectory.
Born and raised in The Pas, Northern Manitoba, Amara grew up very close with her family. Her passion for helping others was evident at a young age. Eager to help those around her, Amara was always a supportive person people would lean on. Shortly after high school, Amara moved to Sylvan Lake, Alta., where she graduated with her nursing degree and gained work experience in hospitals for over a decade. Inspired by the opportunity to live the Okanagan outdoor adventurous lifestyle, Amara and her fiancée moved to Kelowna over two years ago.
When Amara isn’t working you can find her exploring the mountains year-round, biking, snowboarding, or hiking. Passionate about living an active lifestyle, Amara loves to practice hot yoga, stand up paddleboard, dance, and try new outdoor activities with friends.
Her love of travel has taken her across the world to many countries where she was able to experience different cultures, including hiking the Tour de Mont Blanc in Europe. After postponing her wedding multiple times due to the pandemic, Amara looks forward to marrying the love of her life this August. Congratulations!
In celebration of Nurses Week, Interior Health sincerely thanks all of our nurses for their commitment and dedication to caring for our communities. Amara expresses her gratitude for her incredible team, for their continuous support, their strength and resilience, especially working through a pandemic. Additionally, she is proud of the way the community has shown up for their health-care workers, through words of encouragement, acts of kindness and spreading positivity. It all adds up and helps everyone feel supported. Thank you for sharing your story and for all that you do! Happy Nurses Week!
Amara's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going:
"Kalie has been working hard, long hours at Urgent Care COVID testing site. She is a kind and caring nurse, especially during these challenging times. She remains calm and positive throughout it all. She deserves to be recognized for the hard work she puts in along with the other essential workers. Happy Nurses Week!" - Amara Stangeland
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