Vancouver’s People First winner personifies what compassion looks like

No. The word is one of the smallest in the English language. It is also one that RPN Rose Mary Ewasiuk rarely, if ever, uses in relation to patient care in her position of Clinical Supervisor, Vancouver Community Older Adult Mental Health & Addictions Services.

“Rose Mary always seems to be able to take on one more client, one more team, one more project,” said People First nominator Chris Foley, Manager, Older Adult Mental Health and Addictions Services. “Regardless of the situation, Rose Mary’s focus always remains on the client; even when the client isn’t one of her own.”

It’s Rose Mary’s willingness to go the extra mile that earned her a People First Award last week. Here’s why, according to Chris:

“Rose Mary recently demonstrated her natural People First response instincts when a BC Cancer Centre client (who got lost) found his way into our stairwell after hours at Cambie and King Edward. He likely became confused and lost on the Canada Line on his way home to New Westminster.

Rose Mary found him in a state of delirium and immediately triaged a response, including a physical and neurological assessment. On his way with paramedics to VGH Emergency, the client told Rose Mary that his dog was locked in his house. Rose Mary took his keys and traveled on her own time to his home to let his dog out and get his keys to his family. This is a true example of putting people first.”

Thank you, Rose Mary, for the compassionate care you bring to all clients and patients those who cross your path.