We Are IH: Patient care coordinator not waiting for retirement

Born in Kirkland Lake, Ont., and raised in the Tri-Towns, Sherry-Lynn describes herself as dedicated, hard working, kind, organized and committed to quality patient care.

The mother of two started her career in health care as a licensed practical nurse 31 years ago, while completing a registered nursing diploma in 1996 from Georgian College in Barrie, Ont. She later upgraded to a nursing degree from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, graduating in 2009.

“Upon graduating as an RN, I worked in pediatric hospice care in Toronto followed by a year in England in a pediatric high dependency unit, like a step down ICU (intensive care unit),” she says.

She then joined PRH as a part-time pediatric nurse, also covering casual shifts in ambulatory care. When the offer came to train for hemodialysis, she jumped at the opportunity as it meant full-time employment and professional growth. And that’s where she stayed for the next 25 years, occasionally also covering for other nurses in the transplant clinic, Kidney Care Clinic, the home hemodialysis program, and the Vascular Access Clinic. She accepted the patient care coordinator position two years ago.

From rolling out new policies and educating staff, to managing patient assignments and on-call scheduling, and even filling in on the floor when needed, Sherry-Lynn’s typical day is anything but average.

“I meet with the staff and clients to find out what I can help them with for the day,” she says. “I try to keep on top of the pulse of the unit, offering support when required. I’m a contact for family members and a source of information for new staff to our department.”

She’s extremely proud to have been the driving force behind the Involved Care Dialysis Unit in Penticton. She also helped develop and launch the My Voice Advance Care Planning initiative in IH.

She works closely with the regional vascular access nurse and liaises daily with the transplant and peritoneal dialysis nurses in the department. She also attends the client/patient rounds alongside the nephrologist. The front-line nature of her role means she’s in constant contact with patients and clients, helping them to organize their appointments and care to other departments, among other duties.

Outside of work, Sherry-Lynn can be found hiking and camping with her husband, friends and dog.

Ever curious, she’s always looking to the future to identify opportunities for personal and professional growth.

“I am curious to know where my sons will end up one day. I am looking forward to what new adventures those choices will lead to,” she shares. “I don’t have a countdown to retirement. I look forward to continuing to find ways to work alongside my team, to support them in their goals, and to improve in my own journey of growth and well-being.”

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