Name: Kaity Elliot (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Patient ambassador (Forest View Place - long-term care)
Years of Service: 10
Worksite: Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital
Community: Clearwater
Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc / Shuswap - Interior Salish
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “What you put out into the universe you get back. Be intentional and aware what you put out there because it will come back :)”
Kaity Elliot has always been a happy and talkative social butterfly, who enjoys getting to know people, which is what makes her role as patient ambassador in Clearwater such a phenomenal fit.
Learn more about her journey with IH
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.
All of these roles have allowed me to continuously learn and grow, and those experiences have really opened my eyes to a whole new world of the workplace and ways of doing things, which has carried over in the patient ambassador role that I have recently taken on.
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.
Despite any challenges we face, I want to shine a light on the people who are showing up every day and let them know that they are rock stars. I just hope that they know that they are appreciated, and how amazing they are and truly wonderful to work with!
Kaity nominates Kyla Ives, LPN Home Support, to keep We Are IH going
“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
Explore patient ambassador Careers@IH
SCHF supports 100 Mile House & District General Hospital and health facilities, health projects, and the well-being of health-care providers & patients.
/stories/foundation-spotlight-series-south-cariboo-health-foundation
Thanks to a collaboration between Lillooet Hospital and School District 74, several local Lillooet students got a closer look into health care as a profession.
/stories/lillooet-secondary-students-get-head-start-health-care-careers
Nida has long felt called to pursue a communications position in health care. Today, she’s honoured and feels extremely thankful to be living her dream.
/stories/we-are-ih-communications-consultant-learns-and-grows-every-day
A new program in IH emergencies invites patients to share information about their relationship to alcohol, normalizing conversations and creating a safe space.
/stories/new-alcohol-screening-questions-eds-connect-patients-care
Connect with Jade Chaboyer-Kondra to learn more about what inspires her, meaningful experiences she’s had throughout her career, and her life outside of work.
/stories/we-are-ih-indigenous-engagement-lead-values-holding-space
If you're uncomfortable with your relationship to alcohol, we offer a detox program that's done from home. Learn more about outpatient withdrawal management.
/stories/get-help-alcohol-use-privacy-your-home
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!
