Growing as a Nurse Practitioner in urgent and primary care

Hayley began her career as a Registered Nurse predominantly in Primary Care Networks across Alberta, then pursed a Master of Nursing to specialize as a Family NP.  “I chose to become a NP out of an innate passion for aiding others and fostering positive change in my community,” she shares. “My aim was to elevate my nursing career, enhance my autonomy, and engage further with patients as a provider.

In fall 2023, Hayley enrolled in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) post-graduate UPCC NP Residency Program and began practicing in the Richmond City UPCC. The residency program delivers advanced education to enhance skills, matched mentorship, and protected time for self-directed learning to help NPs transition into independent practice and apply their skills in several clinical areas crucial to the UPCC environment.

“The comprehensive education and support provided through the residency program has been invaluable in shaping my practice and enhancing my skills,” Hayley expresses. The experiences she gains from collaborating with various health care providers play a pivotal role in shaping her early career as a NP.

As a NP in a UPCC, Hayley addresses a wide range of medical needs and delivers effective services to a diverse patient population. “Each day starts with reviewing laboratory and diagnostic results, ensuring timely follow-up when needed. Patients are then triaged by our nursing team before being assessed and treated by the provider team for acute and chronic illnesses, minor injuries, and common medical concerns,” she explains. “What I find most rewarding is the dynamic nature of the job; while common ailments are prevalent, each patient presents unique challenges requiring personalized treatment plans, education, and counseling. This constant variation ensures continuous learning and growth in my practice.”

Driven by a commitment to trauma-informed and culturally competent care, Hayley prioritizes support for all patients, ensuring their well-being and needs are met during their visit.

“What has set this role apart for me is the collaborative environment and support I receive from fellow providers, nursing staff and the administrative team. Whether it’s seeking guidance on complex cases or celebrating successes together, the teamwork fosters a fulfilling work environment where I can thrive both personally and professionally,” says Hayley.

Between sharing patient updates, helping each other, and simply checking in with one another, the communication, honesty, and little things brings the team together. “It makes everyone feel valued and supported in what they do, leading to better outcomes for patients and a happier workplace for all of us.”

With their encouragement and guidance, Hayley continues to grow and embrace new learning opportunities, reflecting her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and personal development. She stays up to date on the latest developments, actively participates in ongoing education programs, attends professional conferences, and fosters collaborative discussions with peers to maintain and build on her knowledge base and clinical practices.

Finally, we asked Hayley how she stays motivated. “Every day brings its own set of challenges and chances to impact people's lives when they need it most. Whether I'm dealing with urgent medical issues, providing timely interventions, or just offering some compassion, knowing I'm making a difference at such crucial times keeps me motivated.”

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