Name: Christine Olmstead (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Operations knowledge coordinator
Years of Service: 15
Worksite: CHSC
Community: Central Okanagan
Ancestral Territory: Central Okanagan
Advice to live by: You cannot control others’ actions; you can only control your own reaction.
Christine Olmstead was born in Vanderhoof, B.C. and raised in Penticton. She describes herself as motivated, passionate, supportive and caring. Christine has been with Interior Health since 2005, starting as a community health worker while completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UBC Okanagan in 2007. She was hired as a casual home health RN right after graduation.
In her role as an operations knowledge coordinator, Christine provides front-line home health clinical staff, team leads and managers with required education sessions and support in their learning through Ministry of Health directives, regional roll-outs and changes at an operational level. She also supports orientation requirements and education for new home health staff.
Another part of Christine’s role is “translating knowledge.” This involves interpreting information received from leadership (such as practice leads and directors) and presenting it to staff in ways that they are able to understand, prioritize and incorporate into their current practice. “We have to take into account that adults learn in different ways, and we have to be flexible and aware of what works and what doesn’t,” says Christine.
Learn more about her journey with IH
Christine’s first experience presenting education was for project work on the Strata Pathways regional roll-out. This solidified her passion for teaching and presenting education to support staff.
I have always been passionate about my work in Home Health. I feel blessed to be in a position to assist with translating knowledge to support front-line clinicians with their practice, and keeping up with the constant change our health-care system is going through. I am awed and inspired by the experience and knowledge of the clinicians coming to work in home health to whom I provide orientation and support.
Outside of work, Christine enjoys riding her e-bike to the many wineries and breweries in the Okanagan. In the summer, you’ll find her hanging out at the pool and barbequing hot dogs. In winter, you’ll find her snowshoeing on beautiful local trails.
In August 2022, Christine adopted Remi, a King Charles Cavalier Tri-Color Spaniel. “She is so smart, easily trained and an absolute wonderful addition to our empty-nest family. She is five months old and sleeping up to seven hours a night. Having a new baby is definitely a challenge at my age!
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