The Elk Valley is home to a team of hard-working nurses who are dedicated to supporting residents throughout the region.

Interior Health wants to extend our deepest gratitude to the nurses working in our rural communities and beyond. Their dedication, skill and compassion are felt every day – and especially in moments of critical need. They are often the first to respond, the steady hand in crisis and the trusted voice of care for patients and families.

Nurses combine technical expertise, compassionate care and leadership to improve the health and well-being of individuals in our communities and our health care system as a whole.

There are many nurses employed in the Elk Valley specializing in multiple areas of nursing and working in a variety of settings, including acute care, administration and community care.  In recognition of National Nurses Week, we would like to recognize a few nurses in the Elk Valley who share a commitment to their profession:

Leah Folkmann, Primary Care – Leah has been an RN for 20 years and has lived and worked in the Elk Valley since 2008. Now working in Primary Care at the Sparwood Health Centre, Leah values the continuous learning that nursing offers and appreciates the ongoing education support provided by Interior Health.

Leah provides the Primary Care Team in Sparwood calm and insightful leadership; as well, Leah provides care utilizing the full scope of her primary care practice. She is appreciated by all of her team members and community.

Alanna Corrigan, Home Health – Alanna is a care manager/palliative care nurse. She has been working in health care for over 25 years, involving professionals, many services and families throughout the region.

“Going forth and making genuine relationships with people; this work is a privilege!” said Alanna Corrigan, care manager/palliative care nurse.

Sherry Sopko, Sparwood Emergency Department – Sherry is the clinical operations manager for community programs and Sparwood Emergency Department. Her career as a nurse started in 1989 in Home Health, before she transitioned into leadership in 2014.

“Over my 35 plus year career the health care field has been dynamic and always changing.  It has been a privilege to foster teamwork, motivation and accountability, promote safe patient centered care as well as celebrate so many achievements along the way,” said Sherry Sopko, clinical operations manager.

Colleen Novecosky, Transition Liaison – Colleen (pictured right) is a home health nurse from Fernie and has spent the majority of her 22-year career in Home Health as a community nurse, most recently as the transition liaison for Elk Valley Hospital. Colleen also finds great joy in her passion of supporting nurses in her private business as a Nurse Coach and while working on her Masters of Leadership, ultimately with the goal of redefining ‘nursing’ from the sole purpose to take care of others, to taking care of yourself first. Colleen is so grateful for this career and for all her colleagues that have contributed to her success as a nurse.

“There are so many challenges in nursing and yet at the end of the day, it is the most rewarding career supporting clients and their families every step of the way in their health journey,” said Novecosky, community nurse, home health.

Melissa Rodger, Long Term Care – Melissa has been a nurse over the past 18 years, all of which has been spent in beautiful Fernie. For the last four years, she’s served as Director of Clinical Care at Rocky Mountain Care Village, operated by Golden Life Management, where she works alongside an exceptional team dedicated to the well-being of local seniors.

“Being a nurse is more than just a career – it’s a calling rooted in compassion, patience and deep respect for the people we care for. It has been my greatest honor to serve and support the seniors in our Fernie community, helping them live with dignity, comfort and joy,” said Rodger, director of clinical care, Rocky Mountain Care Village

National Nurses Week takes place from May 12 – 18. This week includes International Nurses Day on May 12, celebrated in recognition of Florence Nightingale’s birthday. This year’s theme for National Nurses Week is ‘The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.‘

Thank you for all that you do. Interior Health is proud to celebrate nurses this week – and every week.

Lead image: Sherry Sopko, clinical operations manager for community programs and Sparwood Emergency Department.  Photos submitted

Interior Health

ColleenNursePic1: Pictured: Colleen Novecosky, home health nurse from Fernie

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