Nurse capitalizes on rural training opportunity and ends up loving life in Bella Bella
Before graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing this past April, Zamantha Nadela already knew she wanted to work with an Aboriginal population. When a good friend’s mother shared her positive experience of working and living in the Heiltsuk First Nation community of Bella Bella, Zamantha scoured the VCH website to see what opportunities were available.
As luck would have it, VCH was offering a training opportunity for a nurse to further their education in ER/Trauma in the Central Coast community.
Zamantha wasted no time applying. She arrived in Bella Bella on July 27, 2016.
Fellow nurse and friend Susan Chatelier with Zamantha Nadela outside the R.W. Large Memorial Hospital in Bella Bella.
VCH News caught up with Zamantha recently to find out what life for a city slicker is like in such a remote community.
“I came at the perfect time because I got to experience the Bella Bella summer as my first impression,” she says. “I was blown away by the beauty of the island and the warmth of the people. As soon as I got off the ferry, I noticed people would just wave while I was driving past them. You pick up the wave really fast.”
Q: What made you want a job in such a remote community?
A: I wanted an adventure, to work with a community I am passionate about and the fact that I could continue my education seemed like a perfect opportunity. Although Bella Bella is on an island it doesn’t feel that secluded because it’s very accessible by ferry and air back home to Vancouver.
Q: What’s a typical day like in the hospital?
A: While I am in school to be certified to work in ER/Trauma I am working a swing shift, 1000-2200. As soon as I come on I get a report from the day shift nurse and we collaborate on the patient load we have in acute, emergency and long-term care. It’s always diverse because of the three areas we cover and I’ve always left the day learning something new.
Q: What do you do on your free time?
A: I’ve learned to really enjoy the simple things in life and enjoy real “free” time. Everything is so close, and there is no traffic. With the friends (coworkers and locals) I’ve made we get together for dinners or explore the island. On clear nights, I’m usually looking for the best spots to stargaze because the Milky Way and stars are so visible here. It’s become a ritual to at least go for a drive around the island at night because it’s so beautiful to see the water. You can take a seabus over to the Shearwater Fishing Lodge on Denny Island which has a restaurant and also go exploring. Being on an island also makes getting off the island that much more special.
Q: What’s the hardest part about living in Bella Bella?
A: Living alone in Bella Bella and being far away from my family. By the same token, it is such a serene and beautiful place that you can’t help but learn to love your own company. I’ve probably had the biggest growth so far in my life being here – personally and career wise.
Q: What’s the best thing about Bella Bella?
A: The people I work with and the locals I’ve become friends with. You can’t help but meet more faces because the locals will introduce you to their family and friends when you see them in town. Also, the view from my accommodation, two words – ocean front.
Zamantha Nadela took this shot of breakfast on a friend’s balcony in the staff housing units in Bella Bella, all of which come with ocean views.