John Vanderlee Award

Hello everyone.  As I prepare to start the second half of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) I find myself eagerly anticipating what lies ahead, which is of course a good sign. So far I have greatly enjoyed the program at BCIT and have already been exposed to a variety of care settings such as surgical, pediatric, obstetrics, and mental health.  A year ago, after having just completed the first of six levels that makes up this program, I felt that I might start off practising in a variety of different settings right after graduating before pursuing specialization and possibly becoming a Nurse Practitioner.  In light of experiences I have had since, whereby I have relished each setting, I feel that this is an ever more likely course of action.  I strongly feel that that the education and training I am receiving at BCIT, in combination with an academic background in molecular biology and biochemistry from Simon Fraser University and a varied work and volunteering experience background will help me successfully adapt to an ever-evolving health care system and provide optimal care.  My work experience includes biochemical research in both academic and industry settings in addition to clinical studies research at the Vancouver Cancer Center.  Currently I am working with the Developmental Disabilities Association here in Vancouver and Richmond, BC.  The volunteering I have had the pleasure of doing include experiences in hospital settings both here in Metro Vancouver as well as overseas in Peru and Brazil, and events with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  I cannot thank the Canadian Nurses Foundation and its supporters enough for this very generous award.