Community & Culture

We Are IH: Clinical practice educator passionate about mentoring

November 2, 2023
Alicia and her son enjoying beautiful scenery

Name: Alicia Vicic (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Clinical Practice Educator - Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) - IH North
Years of Service: 16
Worksite: Community MHSU
Community: Kamloops/IH North
Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc 
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: 
"When you look at a person, any person, remember that everyone has a story. Everyone has gone through something that has changed them." 

Born and raised in Kamloops, Alicia Vicic graduated from the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Bachelor of Science nursing program in 2007 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing from UBC in 2017. Early on in her nursing education, she realized her interest in the mental health field, so she focused most of her clinical placements in this area. This lead Alicia to her career as a clinical practice educator with a focus on Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI).

Learn more about Alicia’s journey with IH

A blonde woman stands with her brunette husband and young son by a hiking route map, outdoors.
Alicia with her husband and son on a hike

Alicia has lived in Kamloops her entire life. “This was a wonderful community to grow up in, and now that I have a child of my own, I have a whole new appreciation for our community and landscape,” she explains.  

Before entering the health-care field, Alicia experienced other employment options, working for retailers such as a local clothing store, where she could build relationships and explore her love of fashion. 

Since then, Alicia graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has taken her knowledge and focussed it on mentoring and teaching her co-workers and students. “I am very passionate about working with students and new staff,” she explains. “I believe it is so essential that our health-care professionals of the future are supported and mentored as they join our teams.”

A blonde woman and her young son looking at the scenery at the top of a mountain hike checkpoint, facing away
Alicia and her son looking over a beautiful scenery in their local territory. 

 

I feel very grateful for the opportunities I have had in my career thus far. I'm inspired daily by the health-care teams, patients, family members and students.

-- Alicia Vicic (she/her/hers)

After completing her Master of Science in Nursing from UBC, Alicia became an adjunct professor with the TRU Nursing Program in 2021. “I am so grateful for this formal connection with the university, and look forward to ongoing collaboration in the years to come,” she notes. She is proud of her work team and is excited to be part of their common goals. The future for Alicia includes continuing her educator role with the Early Psychosis Intervention and continually providing helpful and supportive resources for her community. The recent expansions in Kamloops and across Interior Health will increase education opportunities.

Outside of work, Alicia loves spending time with her family and friends, including her nine-year-old son, and husband. Also, Alicia is a dog lover and enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring with her Bernedoodle named Frankie.

A young boy sits next to his large black dog in the backseat of a car
Alicia’s son and their dog Frankie sitting together

 

I'd like to give a special thank you to Hillside Centre, South Hills and tertiary [mental health] in general. I started my career at Hillside and learned so much from the team there. Thank you to everyone in health care for all that you do. It is so appreciated!

-- Alicia Vicic (she/her/hers)

Alicia nominates the next We are IH

Alicia nominates Tabatha Freimuth, EPI Manager, to keep We Are IH going:

“I would like to nominate Tabatha Freimuth. Tabatha is a collaborative, supportive and kind leader. She is available and present, and keen to help out however she can. Her leadership has had a significant positive impact on the EPI expansion across the region. Tabatha, you are incredible!” – Alicia Vicic
 

Explore Clinical Practice Educator Careers@IH

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Learn more about Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) within B.C.

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