5 things I learned in Bella Bella

Almost a year ago my fiancé, dog, ferret and I made the move from Edmonton, AB to Bella Bella, BC for my first full time combined lab and x-ray technologist (CLXT) job.

Fresh out of school I was on the job hunt, and was drawn to Bella Bella initially by one of my instructors who had worked here in the past. Going to school to become a CLXT our training focuses us to work at smaller rural sites, and Bella Bella is about as remote as it gets. Once I saw the posting I knew I wanted to try it out, and was so excited when I was offered the position.

As a CLXT, I work in both the lab and X-ray departments here, and share after hours call with another technologist. Every day in this busy little hospital brings something new as we serve the people of Bella Bella, as well as many other small communities around here.

Going from the prairies to the coast has been a huge change, I have never worn my rain gear as much as I have here and waking up with the ocean outside my window has been pretty amazing. We even got engaged here this summer, and a friend/co-worker here threw us a surprise engagement party. As my year here comes to an end, we have decided to move back to Alberta to seek out other opportunities. I am so glad that I made the move here and tried it out and am excited to come back in my casual role. I have had so many new experiences while living and working on this island, while it has been challenging I am so proud of myself for trying it out.

Thinking back on my time here I have learned so much, here are the main 5 things I learned in Bella Bella:

How to fish

I did some fishing growing up in Alberta, but nothing compares to wrestling with a spring salmon in the pacific ocean. I learned how to filet a fish, use a down-rigger, follow the boats GPS and even dig for clams. Even going out on the boat and not fishing was an adventure, we saw whales, went to hot springs and stop on different islands to hang out.

Teamwork

In a rural site like this most days are pretty calm, but when emergencies come in teamwork is crucial. Hospitals rely on teamwork everywhere, but rural sites like Bella Bella it goes even further. After hours when I got called in there was usually only a handful of staff in the building, a nurse or two, a care aid, the doctor and myself. This meant when critical patients came in its all hands on deck to provide the best patient care. I got to jump in to help with CPR and charting, had doctors holding patients for x-ray, and nurses drawing blood for me. Everyone is willing to help each other and you are always supported.

Confidence

As a new grad CLXT I was very excited, while also very nervous to start my first full time position in Bella Bella. I was on call after hours a lot while living here, and because of that have been thrown into so many difference scenarios. There was many times where I felt I was in over my head, but somehow I made it through. Looking back to a year ago I have learned so much, things that were scary before have become routine, and things I haven’t seen before I go into with way more confidence.  Working in Bella Bella has been a challenge with many rewards and I really think it was a great place to start out my career and give me confidence going forward.

Heiltsuk history

One of my favourite things I have learned here is about the Heiltsuk people who have called this area home for over 14,000 years. I had the opportunity to go to their cultural camp called Koeye (pronounced like Qway) for a feast day. It was so wonderful to get to go into the big house and witness the children perform the songs and dances they had learned. During my time in Bella Bella, I got to attend a residential school survivor’s presentation, attended a wedding, saw a blanket exercise, attend a traditional feast and much more.

Appreciation

For many things, I appreciate the things I took for granted when I lived in a big urban area, like coffee shops, malls and movie theaters. I appreciate my family who I have never lived this far away from. I appreciate the friendships I have made with the wonderful people that I work with who know the challenge and rewards of living on this little island. I appreciate not having to worry about commuting to work, having the time to read more books and paint, going on a helicopter ride, and drinking coffee on my balcony overlooking the water. Overall, working and living in Bella Bella for the past year has been very challenging at times, but I have gained so much from this experience.

Interested in CLXT positions in Bella Bella?

Explore current CLXT opportunities in Bella Bella: https://goo.gl/ZhXknV