Angela Dhillon

I’ve been working at Pinnacle since it opened in January 2023. The difference our nurses and pharmacists have made in our patients’ lives, working together along with other health care professionals, has been amazing to watch. Providing independence and decreased stress to our patients and their families is a joy to see.

Q&A with Angela

What motivated you to become a nurse?

My grandma was my motivation. She has always been an inspiration and role model in my life, always putting me and the rest of my family first. She loves being able to provide care for everyone in any possible way. My grandma always wanted to be a nurse, but when she moved to BC she was unable to do so.

I started off by wanting to do this for her, but I always kind of knew I wanted to help people – I just wasn’t sure how. I decided to try out nursing, and after the first semester and practicum I knew I was in the right field for me. I loved it.

What are some of your proudest moments in health care?

Witnessing improvements in our patients, whether this be from the care, education, or monitoring provided. It’s genuinely wonderful seeing the patients' health improve each and every day.

While nursing at Pinnacle I have seen first-hand the differences our nurses and pharmacists have made in relatively short time (Pinnacle opened in 2023). Allowing them to be independent again and decrease stress levels for not only them but their family as well.

What qualities do you bring to your role at Pinnacle?

I am skilled at adapting to different characteristics and patients' individual needs. I also take pride in my ability to take on a leadership role with the nursing staff and program, and bring strong communication skills with patients, their families, doctors, and co-workers.

What values in influence your work?

Communication, competence, and commitment.

• Communication, whether it’s with the patient or another health care professional.
• Competence, so I can provide care with different skills and areas of nursing. If I’m not competent in a specific skill I’ll request guidance/training in the skill prior to performing it alone.
• Commitment, as with our daily patient visits we make a commitment to our patients and their families to provide quality monitoring and care.

What challenges do you face as a nurse? How do you overcome them?

Burnout is a challenge I’ve faced before, usually due to committing to too much at once. I work as a casual at NRGH, and full-time at Pinnacle.

In the last year of working I’ve learned that in order to provide proper care for my patients I first have to make sure I’m taking care of myself. I’m slowly learning how to balance my work/personal life schedule and overcoming facing burnout. This leads to better care for my patients.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I very much enjoy spending quality time with my friends and loved ones. I plan many mini trips and at least two larger trips per year to help ensure a healthy balance of work and life.

I also love being active! Getting together with friends and taking part in different outdoor sporting activities, even just going to the gym early in the mornings is always something I look forward to.

What do you find most rewarding about nursing?

Being able to witness the difference we make in our patients' lives, promoting their independence, and decreasing stress levels for patients and their families.

Also developing inter-professional relationships with our patients, and being able to work together toward their health goals and seeing the progress throughout the weeks/months is very rewarding.

What is your educational and professional background?

I have a diploma in Licensed Practical Nursing, and graduated in June 2022. I plan on returning to school in the next couple of years expand my skills as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Since I’ve started working as an LPN, it’s really changed my perspective in a way that shows healthcare is a team job. It’s not an independent job. It’s amazing to see the difference health care professionals can make all working together to provide a positive change in our patients lives.

What message do you hope readers will take away from your bio?

I would like to present myself as someone who makes the patient feel included and informed in their care and promotes our patients independence.

Healthcare is a field that includes team work. We all want to help and provide the best care and outcome for our patients.