Meet Christina Campbell, an Employed Student Nurse (ESN) from Ontario who brought strength, enthusiasm, and curiosity, to her placement in Terrace, BC!
Christina has always had a strong sense of advocacy and hoped her time at Ksyen Regional Hospital, located on the traditional territories of the Ts’msyen, would give her the opportunity to foster a connection with the local lands and Indigenous communities in the region.
Read on to hear first-hand how her experience went!
What was your favourite part of being an ESN?
Honestly, my favourite part was every time someone asked, “What brought you all the way up here from Ontario?”
The moment I explained that I came to learn and experience rural nursing in the Northwest, their faces would light up. People are so proud of where they live and were genuinely excited to share it with me. I’d instantly get a list of local trails, sites, or shops to check out. I felt welcomed into the community right away!
How did you find the community and facility in Terrace?
The Ksyen Regional Hospital was a great environment to grow as a student nurse – plus, it’s a newly-built facility! The people of Terrace made the biggest impact on me, both at work and in the community. Everyone was friendly and open, and I appreciated how diverse the area was, with a strong Indigenous presence.
I got the opportunity to learn from people with different perspectives and experiences which really shaped how I understand culturally safe and respective care.
What is the most valuable thing you learned during your placement?
Emotional presence is just as much a clinical skill as any technical one.
In the emergency room, every minute counts – nurses are constantly juggling priorities, anticipating changes, and coordinating care for multiple patients at once. But even in that fast-paced environment, how we show up in the moments between interventions can change everything.
Many moments reminded me that empathy doesn’t take extra time – it just takes intention. In emergency nursing, compassion isn’t separate from critical care; it is critical care.
What kind of mentorship and support did you get during your placement?
The nurses I worked alongside were incredible teachers. They were patient, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping me grow. They gave me hands-on learning opportunities and always took the time to explain their clinical reasoning.
I’m also so grateful for the Student Practice Education team and the NH Outreach team – their support made my transition to Terrace feel smooth and welcoming from the very start.
What surprised you the most about the Northwest?
How genuinely kind people are. As a Canadian, we have a reputation for kindness – but in Northern BC, there’s a different warmth to it.
People take the time to smile, say hello, and ask how you’re doing with sincerity. That kind of presence – those small, genuine gestures – made each day feel a little brighter and more connected.
What was your go-to place to visit after a shift?
Anywhere with a mountain view!
I’d often go for a walk or just sit somewhere where I could relax and watch the sunset. Coming from Ontario, those views never stopped feeling transcendent.
What are three words to describe your time in the ESN program?
Absolutely life changing!
What advice would you give the next group of ESN’s?
Be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When staff see that you’re genuinely eager to learn, they’ll meet you with so much support and encouragement.
Would you consider coming back to Northern BC once you graduate?
Yes! Working in the Northwest reminded me that following curiosity often leads to the most meaningful learning. My time there not only deepened my understanding of rural and Indigenous health, but it also showed me what compassionate care looks like in practice. Even the smallest moments of kindness can shape the way people experience care.
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The Student Practice Education team would like to thank Christina for her courage, curiosity, and commitment to learning. She embraced the adventure of coming to the Northwest with an open heart and a learner’s spirit. We wish her all the best as she completes her nursing degree and we look forward to the day our paths cross again.
Visit Student Practice Education for more information on the ESN program and other training opportunities in health care.
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