Lori Baker

Job Title
Regional Trauma Clinician, Coastal Health

Department/Location
Lions Gate Hospital

How long have you worked at VCH?
Other than a 12 year hiatus in Seattle, since 1974. (LGH since 1990.)

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I follow the most seriously injured patients from admission in the Trauma Bay, to discharge and sometimes beyond. I assess them, provide a nursing plan and am the constant for the patient and family throughout their stay. It allows me the opportunity, when they have reached a stable point to provide education them, their friends, and families on prevention initiatives such as safe driving, and direct them to websites such as Parachute. Many have become role models and spokespeople for injury prevention, learning to “Think before they Do.”

We are focusing on a timely campaign right now about winter driving – check it out!  http://shiftintowinter.ca/

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
It goes back to why I went into nursing….caring for patients, helping to prevent complications and transitioning them back to their world, which is sometimes a different place for them. I also love mentoring and teaching the newer nurses by getting them excited about providing the best care through evidence based practice.

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?
Well, I guess that is reflective about what I said was my favorite thing about my work. I believe that Nursing is the science and philosophy of caring, both for our patients and colleagues.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I was the medical technical advisor to the MacGyver show.

Who is somebody that you consider a major role model in your life?
My father. He was a pharmacist, but acquired Parkinson’s at a young age and suffered immensely. He never complained once, nor did I ever hear him say a bad word about anyone. He exemplified kindness, intelligence and humility every day of his life.

Who or what inspires you?
My patients. You can come to work with various aches and pains, but within five minutes of being here you see a patient who has had a severe, life altering injury or illness still loving life and being grateful to be here. It is very humbling.

Most healthy habit:
Probably the way I cook. I love to create delicious healthy meals for my family and friends.

If an actor or actress played you in a movie, who would it be?
Betty White. I love humour in my life, a strong work ethic and have a love of animals. I ask you, what better person? Although, Lucille Ball would have been great too!