Medical Spotlight interview: Csandra cooper, registered psychiatric nurse and clinical practice educator at royal inland hospital
Meet Sandi Cooper, Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) and Clinical Practice Educator (CPE) at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH). Recently, she received an Excellence in Nursing Practice Award from The Association of Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC. Sandi was nominated by her peers and colleagues because she is recognized as a nurse with integrity who models professional practice with forward-thinking patient centered care. In this highlight, Sandi shares her personal story and gives us a peek into the highly rewarding profession of psychiatric nursing.
Tell us about the journey you took to get to where you are today?
Prior to having children, I had an eclectic history working in healthcare. I have a background in gerontology with experience working in senior homes and long-term care facilities in Toronto, where I am originally from. For a period, I also worked as an unlicensed vet technician. Ever since I was young, I had a passion for delivering care. When my children were born, I took some time to be with them but as they grew older, I decided to try a new field of healthcare. With a passion for mental health, I enrolled in the Psychiatric Nursing Program at Stenberg College to become a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN). I wanted to be a living example of success for my children and show them that anything is possible with hard work and determination. I have now been working at RIH as a RPN for about 4 years. In February of 2021, I filled in to be the Clinical Practice Educator (CPE) for my unit and when the permanent position came available, I applied and got the job, which brings me to where I am today. I have thoroughly enjoyed delivering patient care in an acute psychiatry setting and now being a part of the leadership team at RIH, I can also advocate for staff learning and safety as well.
Can you describe your role as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at Royal Inland Hospital?
From an acute care lens, psychiatric nurses work to stabilize, assess and treat individuals presenting with mental health disturbances or disorders. We work collaboratively with other nurses and allied health professionals to provide individualized patient centered care. We are trained to analyze an individual’s medical history, administer medication when needed, deliver physical and mental health assessments, teach healthy coping mechanisms and create in-depth care plans all while working to develop therapeutic relationships with all of our patients. As a psychiatric nurse, it is all about getting to know your patient and then creating a sustainable plan that will support them with their transition back into the community. Although diagnoses between different patients may be similar, not one patient presents the same. That is why getting to know each of your patients on a deep level is vital to their care. Compassion, empathy and respect are a part of the foundation of this profession. No matter what the circumstance, the well-being of our patients remains at the forefront of everything we do.
What is the role of a Clinical Practice Educator at Royal Inland Hospital?
The CPE provides leadership in the delivery of nursing education and instruction to staff and patients based on adult education principles and philosophy within a specific clinical specialty, mine being acute psychiatry. The CPE applies nursing theory, advanced knowledge, and leadership experience to administer clinical guidance and resource support to staff. We also work closely with our managers to ensure the safety and needs of patients and staff are consistently met. This means we are often involved with many decision-making processes on the unit. As a CPE, I considered a leader, a teacher, a liaison and an advocate to support patients and staff alike.
For me, everyday can look vastly different. Lately I have been spending a lot of time in the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower, helping to make decisions regarding safety measures and placement of beds. On the unit, I am available to problem solve, counsel and work with my staff through any challenges that may arise. Whenever new policies or guidelines role out, I always make a point of discussing and working through them with the team. I facilitate a daily huddle as a way for staff to connect and build trust in a cohesive team environment. Once a month, I help to facilitate the General Nursing Orientation for all new hires at RIH. Whether I am helping someone solve a problem, delivering a lecture or simply making recommendations, I thoroughly enjoy the diversity this role has to offer.
What impact do you hope to make with your work?
Within my profession, I hope to continuously work at helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. I would like to utilize my background and knowledge to be a part of the legislative process to promote increased funding and resources allocated towards mental health.
What is the most rewarding part of your profession?
As a psychiatric nurse, I am most fulfilled when I can successfully settle or calm an angry or agitated patient and create a connection with them. Building trust with a patient is a slow and lengthy process but it is deeply rewarding.
What set of values do you try to live by everyday?
While I was in school and doing a psycho-social rehabilitation rotation, a facilitator in one of my group learning sessions always highlighted the value of responding with kindness. Kindness is at the root of everything I do. Life is hard, especially lately, and so I believe it is so important to be kind to other people and ourselves.
What is your favorite part about Kamloops?
My favorite part about Kamloops is the mountains. I grew up in Ontario where it is primarily flat and so I am always enthralled by the landscapes in our area. I love looking down the valley and seeing the jagged snow-capped mountains in the distance any time of year. Even at home on my balcony, there isn’t a day that goes bythat I don’t look out and appreciate the wonderous mountains located in the heart of our community.
What do you enjoy doing with your free time?
When I am not working, you will find me enjoying the scenery of Kamloops from my back deck, playing a board game, or out exploring on a road trip with my family somewhere in British Columbia (BC). Whether we are going on an adventure or cozying up and playing board games at home, I deeply treasure spending time with my family.
What does the future hold for you?
With regards to the future, I am really looking forward to moving into the new Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower and want to be a part of the transition process for my unit. As the CPE, my leadership team has been nothing short of amazing to work with but there are parts of me that miss patient care as well. In the future, I would love to combine my leadership role with hands on patient care. The Mental Health Act is also a strong passion of mine and I look forward to exploring more of this avenue with respect to advocating for and teaching others about the human rights within this Act.
