Nicole Abbott

Job Title
RPN; Community case manager

Department/Location
Older Adult Mental Health

How long have you worked at VCH?
Two years this time; seven years in total

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I am a community case manager working with the Older Adult population on the North Shore. I am also helping out with the staff flu campaign.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
I have received incredible support in my quest to achieve more and more in my career. When I first came to work at VCH, I was a single parent working as a care aide with the goal of becoming a nurse. I completed my Psychiatric Nursing Degree with the encouragement of my colleagues. I wonder whether I would have had the determination to finish without all of my supporters at work cheering me on.

Since graduation, and returning to VCH, I have had tremendous support from my team lead and manager in achieving my learning goals. I have completed PNI training, attended addictions seminars, become a Designated Responder of Adult A&N, and many more.

Which True North goal does your work contribute to the most?
Promote better health for our communities

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
My mum was a Registered Nurse and always encouraged me to follow in her footsteps, but I resisted this fully until I was in my 30s. My original field of study was Horticulture, then later worked in livestock production which is where I learned that I really do enjoy medicine…who knew?!?

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Golden paste, milk, and cheese.

Who or what inspires you?
The people I work with – staff and clients alike.

It is truly an honour to have persons of the elder generation open up and share their life stories with me. I feel so fortunate to hear what they have lived through, what they have witnessed and endured in their lives. Younger generations, including my own, take so much for granted. Our elders hold the secrets to happiness and survival.

Most healthy habit:
I go to the gym 6-7 times a week.

Favourite vacation spot:
I have yet to scratch the surface of my travel goals but, so far, Mexico with my partner is tops!