Staff Spotlight
Support, continued learning and teamwork in Med/Surg
Meet Veronica Ford, a Medical-Surgical Nurse (Med/Surg) working in the Acute Spinal Unit at Vancouver General Hospital. As a new graduate nurse, Veronica integrates her classroom knowledge within her practice, ensuring she provides quality patient-centered care.
Endless opportunities for continuous learning
As a new grad, Veronica is learning to navigate the responsibilities of a Registered Nurse, which differs from her responsibilities as a student. Confidence, communication, and teamwork are all skills that she regularly develops in her role.
Veronica’s favourite part about nursing is the endless opportunities for continuous learning. “Other than the new grad skills classes and unit specific skills days, I thoroughly enjoy researching policies on skills that I have less experience with, which helps me feel competent and equipped,” she says. Her colleagues in the Spine Unit also play a key role, offering mentorship and creating a supportive learning environment where questions are encouraged. With every shift, there are new opportunities to learn, grow, and educate patients. “If I take those opportunities to learn every day, then I can provide safe patient care for all my patients.”
An advocate for others
Veronica chose a profession in nursing because of her desire to help others. “My passion for interacting with diverse patients and family members encourages me to not only focus on the medical factors, but also on the human I am caring for,” she explains. She enjoys getting to know her patients’ routine, being part of their healing journey, and making sure they feel heard. “Bedside nursing gave me a chance to work with patients directly and to make a difference in their care.”
In addition to caring for her patients, Veronica enjoys supporting her colleagues. She believes that a well-supported team is essential to delivering safe and efficient patient care.
A supportive team environment
“The collaborative and supportive environment are reasons I chose this unit,” Veronica shares. She initially felt nervous as a new grad, but her team and the regular check-ins from senior nurses reassured her. Through her own learning and guidance from senior nursing staff, Veronica felt supported when developing new skills. “I was very surprised with the variety of support that has helped me, such as debriefs with my unit educator and visits from the New Grad team.”
The unit’s teamwork extends beyond nursing, working closely with residents and allied health professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.
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