International Nurses Day took place on May 12 as part of National Nursing Week. In recognition of the tremendous impact nurses have on individuals, communities, and the future of health care, this year’s theme is “Changing lives. Shaping tomorrow.”
Today, we’re highlighting Annah Van Damm, an internationally educated Registered Nurse working in Burns Lake.
What do you love about nursing?
I love nursing because it is versatile, diverse, and you can do it in every part of the world.
This year’s theme is “Changing lives. Shaping tomorrow.” How has nursing impacted your life?
I was inspired as a young girl by a nurse in my rural hometown who gave her life to help in the community. This was the beginning of my journey to becoming a nurse. Nursing has impacted my life by challenging me each day I’m at work to learn something new and allowing me to positively impact someone else's life that day.
What’s the best thing about where you live and work?
I enjoy working with such a supportive team and love that Northern BC has endless opportunities for outdoor adventures to do with the family.
How long have you been with Northern Health? If you didn’t start nursing here, where did you originally start your nursing journey?
I graduated from nursing school in Germany and worked for a shorter period on an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a heart clinic before coming to Canada. I was recognized as a registered nurse January 2024 and have been working at the Lakes District Hospital in Burns Lake since then, and have been loving it.
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