We are IH: Remote Practice RN loves different aspects of nursing

A highly skilled registered nurse with more than 20 years’ experience in acute and critical care, Bettina was the missing piece of the puzzle needed in a collaboration between IH and community leaders to increase services for residents in Blue River.

“I wanted to do something where we could make people feel empowered to take control of their health and be more aware of issues before they can escalate. I thought that this was a great way to do more and also become more autonomous in my nursing career,” says Bettina of her new role, noting she enjoys being proactively involved in her clients’ health needs over the long-term.

“I love the fact that this is a different aspect of nursing for me.”

Bettina lives just north of Kamloops and travels every week to Blue River to offer health-care services at the clinic on Tuesdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The weekly trips have also added some enjoyable work/life balance as well, as her husband, Jay, travels with her to ensure she gets there safely. He explores the endless outdoor pursuits in the region, such as cross-country skiing, while she works. Meanwhile, Bettina’s mom, Virginia, happily takes over childcare duties while the couple are away, caring for their two young daughters Rhaidynn, 8, and Kade, 6.

Because of her Remote Certified Practice, Bettina is able to support and treat minor care conditions related to eyes, ears, nose and throat, bronchitis, simple urinary tract infections, minor skin infections, minor bites and scratches, and mild to moderate pain in the Blue River clinic. 

Bettina also holds a Reproductive Health Certified Practice. She can offer nursing services that include contraceptive care and sexually transmitted infection care.

As an RN, Bettina can treat mild allergies, constipation, diarrhea, head lice and minor stomach issues. Other services offered in the clinic include first aid, nursing assessments, health histories, blood sugar testing, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate checks, staple/suture removal, adult immunizations, COVID/flu immunization clinics, wellness checks, and virtual physician supports.

Bettina said she's enjoying getting to know everyone at Blue River, which she describes as a “hidden gem.”

“Blue River is very deceiving. When you drive through it you might not think there’s much to it, but there really is. It’s a very tight-knit community. Everyone knows everyone and they take care of each other. They want to make sure they have enough services for their growing little community.”

Bettina also still picks up shifts at the neighbouring Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital ED (emergency department) in Clearwater when she can to help out.

Grateful for Bettina’s skills, IH collaboration

Heidi Schilling, manager of clinical operations, is grateful to Bettina for sharing her skills with Blue River. She is also thankful for the partnership IH has with Community Voices, which is comprised of members Allison Prest, Darcy Lester and Lee Onslow.

“Allison, Darcy and Lee really provide us with incredible feedback. We work very closely with them to deliver services,” says Heidi.

Lee Onslow is the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Electoral Area “B” director. She said the community of Blue River is appreciative of the expanded services now available at the Blue River Outpost.  

“As the TNRD Area B director, my focus in discussions with Interior Health has been on reducing the need for residents to travel for medical care. We are working towards fully integrating the virtual physician supports, educating residents about the basic care accessible within the community, and establishing blood collection services,” Lee notes. 

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