Elizabeth Dercaloustian

Job Title
Registered Nurse

Department/Location
CSICU – Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit

How long have you worked at VCH?
33 years

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I am a VGH grad. I have dedicated my career to VGH and have worked in CSICU for over 29 years. I deliver the best care possible to my patients in a critical setting, not forgetting that they are people first with basic needs to be met.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
Favourite memory is the family I have created with my co-workers. They are there for support through difficult times with critically ill patients dealing with crises at home. They are my second family. I have memories as a VGH grad, from giving my first bed bath to administering my first injection. Seeing our first heart transplant leave the hospital. Spending time with a patient, scared to go home after thinking he was dying. He had given to his children all his material things. Then he realized that he was giving them the best gift of all, their dad.

Which True North goal does your work contribute to the most?
Provide the best care.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I would like to get back into drawing and learn to paint.

Who or what inspires you?
The people I have worked with for many years. The continued excellent care my co-workers provide at the bedside whether they are a bedside nurse, a dedicated group of doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, or physiotherapists.

Most healthy habit:
Going biking and hiking with my family especially on camping trips.

Favourite vacation spot:
My dream is to go to Italy and Greece. My favourite driving spot is Oregon.