Nursing in a natural paradise
Ellis Canning
When Ellis Canning, acting patient care coordinator at R.W. Large Memorial Hospital, first decided to come work in Bella Bella he didn’t quite know what to expect – but he quickly settled in and is now enjoying living in this beautiful island community.
“Initially, I came to Bella Bella as a travel nurse with an agency and I returned on several occasions because of the beauty of the town and the positive response of the staff and the community. I have worked in many different communities and on several reserves as an outpost nurse and leader but never one as spectacular as Bella Bella,” said Ellis.
Ellis was one of 80 employees that recently joined Vancouver Coastal Health with the Central Coast transfer to VCH in April 2014. “My experiences here continue to challenge me into new learning curves and I work with a close team that works extremely well together to come up with resolutions,” he said.
Working in natural paradise
When asked about the day to day life in Bella Bella, Ellis says the natural environment inspires creativity in the workplace and at home. “Each day I can look out the windows and watch the whales and eagles play. The BC Ferries and cruise ships pass in front of my patio. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. The hospital is right on the shore line too and all of these spectacular views are day and night.” Ellis agrees it’s not for everyone but he has found his home in the serene island community of Bella Bella – for now.
New casual nursing opportunities
If you are or know an RN looking for a new challenge and adventure in a beautiful community outside of the city, check out the new casual nursing opportunities (short and long term) in Bella Bella and Bella Coola on our new e-postings site, posting # 076004. Housing and travel (to/from Vancouver) are provided. RNs who have completed a recognized advanced nursing specialty program in emergency and/or critical care nursing plus certifications such as NTCC, ACLS, PALS and CTAS and/or with recent related experience are encouraged to apply.
All VCH qualified RNs are eligible to express an interest for this opportunity; preference will be given to casual employees at this time. Regular nurses expressing an interest will be noted for possible inclusion, pending future discussions between VCH and BCNU.
About the communities and hospitals
Bella Bella is a beautiful island community on the central coast of British Columbia, 690km north of Vancouver, with a population of about 1500 people. It is surrounded by a magical world of 
channels, inlets and old growth forest and is home to salmon, orcas and other denizens of the Pacific Northwest. The RW Large Memorial Hospital in Bella Bella has 9 acute beds, 6 residential beds and a 3-bed emergency department open 24/7, along with a laboratory, diagnostic imaging services and telehealth services. Also within the hospital is a medical clinic and pharmacy.
Bella Coola sits in a mountain valley at the head of the North Bentinck Channel, 500 km north of Vancouver, with a population of about 1800 people. The community is at the end of a long, truly magnificent fjord, on the mainland coast of British Columbia. Bella Coola General Hospital has 10 acute bed, 5 residential beds and a 3 bed emergency department open 24/7, along with a laboratory, diagnostic imaging services, Telehealth, Mental Health, Public Health, Home & Community Support Services. Also within the hospital is a medical clinic and pharmacy.
For more information on nursing opportunities in Bella Bella and Bella Coola, please contact Karen Muller, Recruitment Advisor at (604) 675 2500 local 21994 or email: Karen.Muller@vch.ca