We Are IH: Patient ambassador Kaity brings smiles to Clearwater

Kaity originally grew up in Clearwater before moving to Kamloops to attend culinary school, where she went on to live and work throughout her early twenties. After a number of years she decided to move back to her hometown of Clearwater to raise a family with her husband.

Coming from the restaurant industry, it was definitely strange at first to join a health-care setting, but Kaity soon found many reasons to love the work. Top of that list has been getting to know and looking after the residents, and Kaity has since taken on a few roles in extended care at Forest View Place long-term care.

To name a few of these many hats, over the years Kaity has been a Hospital Employees Union (HEU) shop steward and on the local executive, in addition to being on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHS) committee.

Describing herself as a ‘Jill-of-all-trades,’ there is no shortage of things to help with in a small hospital and extended care. On any day you may find Kaity greeting patients, checking inventory for hospital beds or wheelchairs, cleaning stretchers, serving meals, or taking on any other projects that are needed by staff that day.

One thing that Kaity is fiercely proud of through her work is the way her team comes together, even in tough times.

"Any time our site has had a major issue (wildfires, flooding, COVID, etc.) we have pulled together as a team and we can depend on each other. It has been a trying few years and, like everyone, we have faced some staffing issues lately, but I love coming to work and seeing the people I work with. I like to think if I can make someone smile or laugh I am doing something right in the world.”

Outside of work, Kaity loves reading, archery, fishing, cooking and being with her kids, husband and larger family. Kaity and her husband are also avid Star Wars fans and were even married on May fourth! She also likes pushing her own limits and trying new things, including experimenting with more colours for her hair, saying, “I was terrified to dye my hair 'crazy' colours and now that I took the plunge to do it I can't imagine my hair any other way!”

Kaity is known for always having a smile and trying to bring others together, and is looking forward to more work socials this summer. Currently she hosts a lunchtime yoga session, which will be moving outside as warmer weather sets in. And her social plans don’t end there…

“I love to be able to come together and sit and have some relaxation time with my coworkers outside, instead of just having a lunch break with them. Next I want to start lunch time walking group as an option along the cute little trail that goes around the perimeter of the site and has a great view of the North Thompson River.”

In true team spirit, Kaity wanted to highlight her team and thank them for all they do.

“She is a work horse, who always will take a minute to say "Hi, how are you today?" I just want her to know that she is doing a great job and there are only so many hours in a day to get her work done in. She always will be there for her patients and clients in home health and is a huge advocate for them. She is a catch for Interior Health and deserves all the good things that come to her.” – Kaity Elliot

Have you thought about a career as a patient ambassador at IH?

Explore career opportunities