Clint Blok, playing his guitar while camping
Name: Clint Blok (he/him/his)
Job Title: Community Integration Care Coordinator
Years of Service: 11
Worksite: Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre
Community: Penticton
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan
Advice to live by: Be the best version of yourself!
When Clint began nursing school, he planned on working in the operating room (OR), but it turns out he’s never worked or done a placement there. Eleven years in to his career with Interior Health, Clint is a Registered Nurse (RN) Team Lead (or Community Integration Care Coordinator) at the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).
Learn more about his journey with IH
Clint and two of his kids, cheering on their favourite team
Along with day-to-day nursing, Clint and his colleague Christine Walkinshaw are involved in building standard work procedures, communicating with the entire team, leading meetings and preparing for accreditation.
“I take great pride in helping those in need, whether it is a patient or a colleague!" he said. "There are so many opportunities in nursing to learn, to grow and to make a difference. I have made great connections in the communities I have served and cherish my journey in this diverse landscape.”
Making connections with both his patients and fellow health-care workers is something in which Clint takes pride. On one of his first times in charge in the emergency room, Clint’s team saw critically injured patients coming in from a motor vehicle accident, and there was only one physician available.
Clint and his family on a wagon tour at Covert Farms
Clint and his family showing off their green on St. Patrick’s Day
“I was able to stay calm, support our nurses, communicate with the supervisor, and back up staff in a very stressful situation," he said. "After our shift and debriefing, we all felt like we did our best and built strong relationships and confidence in one another.”
So, why hasn’t Clint moved into the OR at any point?
“During schooling I found my placement in the emergency room was the most interesting," he said. "Plus I couldn’t stand in one spot for hours at a time!”
Clint originally hails from Ontario, and passed through Calgary to finally settle in Penticton. In his spare time, Clint loves spending time outdoors and hanging with his pets. While he never played as a kid, Clint always finds time to play hockey: “I enjoy the camaraderie.”
A husband and father of three, his family is made up of avid campers and Clint is looking forward to another great camping season this summer.
Clint and his dog, Bruin
Clint nominates Christine Walkinshaw to keep We Are IH going:
“Christine is a dedicated nurse: knowledgeable, supportive and a great leader. She is always educating herself and passing it along to clinic staff. She’s great at finding opportunities to improve the workplace, and actively involved in accreditation and updating processes in the clinic. Christine provides a safe and comfortable environment and always puts the clients’ and patients’ needs first!” – Clint Blok
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