We Are IH: Compassionate LPN feels called to be end of life doula

After high school, Catherine moved to the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Wanting to be a nurse since childhood, Catherine chose to follow her grandmother Helene’s footsteps and attended nursing school while staying with her grandmother in Penticton.

Catherine pursued her dreams despite the health challenges that affected her mobility. She was diagnosed with a rare foot condition when she was younger. In 2020, Catherine received four corrective surgeries and had to learn how to walk again. She was grateful to be able to return to her nursing career, and continues to have a cheerful and positive outlook.

“Being able to be there for people at their most vulnerable time and care for them is an honour,” says Catherine. “In particular, I feel like I’ve been called to work with people in palliative care, as I believe your last breath is just as important as your first.”

Catherine has completed her end of life (EOL) doula course, and hopes to use this qualification more as her career progresses. She has worked in three long-term care homes in Penticton and Oliver, and in acute medical care at Penticton Regional Hospital’s David Kampe Tower. She’s filled shifts as a hospital float nurse, and is now based at the telemetry/cardiac unit at Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH).

“Throughout my nursing career, I am proud that I was able to be there for patients and their families during a loved one’s passing.”

When Catherine worked at Sunnybank Retirement Centre, she would sing to the passing residents while holding their hand.

“Once a lady told me that it was hard being an only child and having to watch her mother pass alone,” she recalls. “I told her I would be her sister, and held her hand while her mom passed. Being able to give time is super important. That’s the day I decided palliative care was what I wanted to focus my career on.”

Catherine enjoys enhancing her career with Interior Health’s educational opportunities, and is always open to experiencing a variety of work environments. She recently accepted the position on the telemetry/cardiac unit in the South Pavilion at PRH and finds learning all about the heart very intriguing.

“I am very fortunate to be able to work on most units within the hospital so I can widen my skills in caring for a variety of patient needs,” she says.

Catherine is grateful for her career so far at Interior Health and is looking forward to many more years at IH.

Outside of work, Catherine is a major fan of strolling along the beach to take in the gorgeous valley scenery. She loves going on adventures, big or small, meeting new people and socializing along the way. She’s been on many travels and likes to enrich her knowledge about various countries and cultures. Here at home, you might find Catherine taking a walk with friends. She also likes going out simply for a tea.

“I'm very fortunate to have my grandma’s china set,” says Catherine, adding, “I love to host tea parties!”

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