Healthy Living
International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife: Robyn Klassen
The World Health Organization has designated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. (who.int/newsroom/campaigns/year- of-the-nurse-and-themidwife-2020)
As part of this year-long celebration, Northern Health has been highlighting a different nurse or midwife each month. For the past month, we interviewed Robyn Klassen, a Surgical RN, who is part of the Northern Health travel nurse program.
Where do you live/how do you like it?
I currently live in Dawson Creek, BC. As someone who grew up in the North, but also had the privilege of living and working in other areas of BC, I can say warm-heartedly that the Peace Region is and always will be my home. I love that my backyard is one large playground where I can hike, bike, and adventure with friends.
Tell us about your nursing experience and role(s).
I started my career alongside three of my best friends from nursing school. We all packed up and moved to Fort St. John (FSJ), BC, where I got my first full-time position as a nurse with Northern Health (NH). Soon after I was hired, I took the Perioperative Nursing Program.
Both personally and professionally, I was quick to learn what it takes to be a valuable nurse and team player. After three years in FSJ I decided to take myself on a career excursion. Over the next couple of years,
I worked in five different surgical centers across BC. I worked alongside surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses from all over. I gained a remarkable amount of knowledge and experience, and I found a passion working as a travelling surgical nurse.
What do you like about your role?
Professionally, I like to continuously improve my skills and advance my career. It can be as simple as learning a new surgery, or working with a new surgical team member. As a travelling nurse I get to learn skills that are beyond just that. I get the experience and the exciting variety that travel brings. I get to work with different people in different situations all the time and explore more places inside and outside of the hospital.
What impact does your role have on patients?
Surgical nurses play a very essential role for patients as we are there before, during, and after any surgical procedure. I like putting the shoe on the other foot and making the experience for the patient as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We have to be patient, we have to listen, and most importantly we have to have a good sense of humor.
What has your nursing background taught you?
Be present in the moment. Every day you’re learning. Learning how to take constructive criticism and feedback will make your job that much more enjoyable, and your relationships that much stronger.
What made you want to go into nursing?
I wanted to do something with a career that was mobile, interesting, but also challenging. With nursing there is a lot of variety in the routine. I’ve always been a person who likes to work with their hands, and having a mom who spoke so highly of the career, surgical nursing seemed to be a perfect fit. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on all the different instruments and tools, and witness the instant gratification from the patient. There is a very rewarding nature to the job.
What is one thing about nurses that you wish you could tell everyone?
Nurses have a strong work family. You will grow closer to the people you work with faster than anyone else. You’ll love them and disagree with them just like family. You’ll celebrate every holiday with them, you’ll share your lunch, “spill the tea,” and scratch each other’s backs. They understand your stress and love of work more than anyone else, and they are there for you. These relationships are strong, full of support, and trustworthy.
What drew you to Northern Health?
The North has always been my home. NH has allowed me to take full advantage of my nursing career. I am able to enjoy my lifestyle and have the freedom of flexibility. They have been more than generous in helping me achieve my career goals and work out a schedule that benefits us both.
New orders are in place to help everyone in BC significantly reduce their social interactions and to stop COVID-19 from spreading in our province.
The following orders and direction are in effect:
• Mandatory mask mandate for workers and customers in indoor public and retail spaces – and in workplace common areas
• No events or social gatherings with anyone outside your
household or core bubble (if you live alone)
• COVID-19 travel advisory in BC: essential travel only
• Spin classes, hot yoga, and high intensity interval training are
suspended
• No spectators – and no travel outside your community – for
sports games
Learn more: https://gov.bc.ca/covid19restrictions
WEEK OF DECEMBER 13 TO 19, 2020
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK:
ARIES
Your heart will be set on partying, and you’ll be surrounded by people all week. You’ll also spend a lot of time in crowded stores, but it’ll be an enjoyable experience. You’ll be invigorated by this holiday frenzy.
TAURUS
Abundance is on the horizon, and the idea to take a trip down south will cross your mind. You need an adventure and new experiences. You might also consider the possibility of working abroad.
GEMINI
Depending on your situation, you might decide to continue your education so you can improve your standard of living. You’ll also hear about an opportunity to make some extra cash, which would allow you to pay off some of your bills.
CANCER
You may need to cut a few people out of your life. Your focus will be on your partner and immediate family. You certainly don’t need toxic people in your life who drain your energy and sow discord in your other relationships.
LEO
Your loved ones will expect you to make all the arrangements for the holiday season, especially if you’ve done so in the past. Remember to delegate tasks so that everyone does their fair share this year.
VIRGO
You’ll get started on wrapping your Christmas presents. You’ll spend a lot of extra time making each package look unique so you can dazzle your loved ones. You’ll impress quite a few people.
LIBRA
You’ll be the focus of everyone’s attention because of your work on a particular project. You might assemble your family to go on a spontaneous trip or partake in a fun activity during the holidays.
SCORPIO
You’ll be quite popular this week. You’ll receive numerous invitations to participate in various activities, but you’ll want to decline most of them. However, you’ll change your mind at the last minute, especially if given the opportunity to party.
SAGITTARIUS
It won’t be easy to stick to your Christmas budget. You’ll end up buying expensive gifts for your loved ones and several other key people. Though the cost will be high, your generosity will be appreciated.
CAPRICORN
At this time of year, it’s normal for your credit card to get a lot more use. You’ll have to choose between Christmas gifts, social activities and a family vacation. Take some time to reflect before you make a decision.
AQUARIUS
Even though the holidays haven’t started yet, your home is already packed with guests. If you have young children, they’ll end up inviting a lot of friends over before the winter break begins.
PISCES
It might take you a while to get into the spirit of the season, but in the end, you’ll embrace the magic of Christmas. You’ll volunteer with a local charity and spread holiday cheer among the less fortunate members of your community.