Community & Culture

We Are IH: Nurse assistant studies to provide more hands-on care

September 19, 2024
Ashley with daughter Ze (left) and son Ethan (right).

Name: Ashley Ogilvie (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Nursing Unit Assistant
Years of Service: 7
Worksite: Queen Victoria Hospital
Community: Revelstoke 
Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc/Shuswap
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: Live life to the fullest!

Ashley Ogilvie is a nursing unit assistant (NUA) at Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke, B.C. For Ashley, the best aspect of being part of a health-care team is the collaboration with doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals, which fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. 

“Nursing unit assistants often play a crucial role in supporting staff and ensuring that patients receive the care they need,” explains Ashley. “This can be incredibly rewarding for those who are driven by a desire to help make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Learn more about Ashley Ogilvie’s journey with IH

This working environment suits Ashley’s personality, which she describes as cheerful, approachable, empathetic, and always eager to learn something new. “I am someone who is naturally open-hearted and always ready to lend a hand to others whenever possible,” says Ashley. “I believe in expressing my emotions openly, and I take pride in being there for people when they need support or assistance.”

Selfie of blonde woman wearing blue scrubs and blue face mask below chin
Ashley’s first day as a student LPN at Polson Residential Care, Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

As a nursing unit assistant, one of Ashley’s proudest moments at the hospital was when she played a crucial role in ensuring seamless communication between staff during a critical emergency.

“Knowing that my efficient coordination helped facilitate timely care and potentially saved a patient’s life was incredibly fulfilling, and highlighted the importance of my role on the health-care team.”

Ashley is currently studying at Okanagan College’s Salmon Arm campus full-time, Monday to Friday, to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She graduates Dec. 13, 2024 and is very excited about that! Meanwhile, she is working casual shifts as a NUA at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in the evenings, and also picks up casual shifts at Queen Victoria Hospital on the weekends, when possible. 

Transitioning from an NUA [nursing unit assistant] to an LPN [licensed practical nurse] will give me the opportunity to directly provide hands-on care and make a more immediate impact on patients' health and well-being.

-- Ashley Ogilvie

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys the freedom of riding her motorcycle and scooter, exploring the outdoors along the greenbelt. Most of all, she cherishes spending quality time with her children, creating lasting memories together.

Woman wearing a ballcap, yellow top and jean shorts, one hand in pocket, arm around teenage boy wearing white shirt, shorts and pink running shoes, pose standing next to scooter
Ashley and son Ethan scootering around Revelstoke

“I am deeply thankful to my beautiful children, Ze and Ethan, and to my mother, Brenda, for being my pillars of support through every challenge life has brought my way. Their love, encouragement, and strength have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering presence in my life.”

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