Staff Spotlight
Ranbir Atwal, Nurse Practitioner
To highlight Nurse Practitioners Week, we are excited to feature Ranbir Atwal who works within the Neurosurgical Service at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), and as the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Leader with Professional Practice.
To highlight Nurse Practitioners Week, we are excited to feature Ranbir Atwal who works within the Neurosurgical Service at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), and as the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Leader with Professional Practice.
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an NP is the ability to be a lifelong learner. Over the past two and a half years with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), I have yet to meet anyone who is unwilling to share their knowledge and expertise with me. I can be curious and ask questions which is fundamental to my growth as a professional.”
Ranbir applied for the role of the acuity and patient population, as she has always been drawn to tertiary care centres and how they managed medical issues. She tells us that working at VGH is especially advantageous as professionals who are also keen to learn to surround her.
Creating a better and supportive workplace
“As much as I would love to tell you a story about a patient making a miraculous recovery while in my care, what inspires me the most is the collegiality, appreciation and teamwork I witness at work.”
Ranbir shares a fond memory from a VGH staff appreciation event. In over 30-degree weather, members of the neurosurgery team waited in a long lineup to bring back ice cream for the nurses within the unit. Due to an ongoing staffing shortage, the team wanted to acknowledge and express their appreciation for the great work by their nursing team.
The level of support Ranbir received in her NP roles have exceeded her expectations. One key example includes the expansion of her role in neurosurgery over the last year. Despite stepping into an established role, she has been able to explore and expand the depths of the role. Her proposal that the role should include completing neurosurgical consults and being on day call was embraced and actioned. “The staff neurosurgeons and residents have become my enthusiastic mentors and support system. As a result of their ongoing support, I am confident that my expertise in the field will grow tremendously over the upcoming years.”
Building on VCH values
Ranbir learned the concept of caring in her nursing education, and it carries through to every aspect of my role. “I talk to colleagues about their tough days, or support patients and family members through a devastating prognosis.”
In addition to the ongoing learning that comes with her role, Ranbir was recently involved in a research study conducted by one of the neurosurgeons, Dr. Zwimpfer. “Given my limited experience in research, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to help.”
The team constantly strives for better results. Ranbir joined a working group that works to decrease complications and the length of stay for a specific patient population. While the group is in its early stages of development, Ranbir looks forward to playing an essential role in implementing new care plans to improve patient care.
Fun fact: Ranbir drove a 1987 Honda Hatchback, which was over 15 years at the time, during her nursing school. She says driving it taught her humility, gratitude, and ultimately, not to take herself too seriously.
Join our team
Explore the current career opportunities for Nurse Practitioners at Vancouver Coastal Health.