The dedication of hard-working nurses continues to be seen as they support residents throughout the entire Elk Valley.

Nurses employed in this region work in a variety of settings and specialize in multiple areas of nursing, including acute care, administration and community care.  They combine technical expertise, compassionate care and leadership as they improve the health and well-being of individuals in our communities.

In recognition of National Nurses Week, we would like to recognize nurses doing exceptional work in the Elk Valley who share a commitment to their profession:

Christina Pukalla, Acute Care – Operating Room Patient Coordinator, Elk Valley Hospital – Born and raised in Fernie, Christina left the community to pursue her education before returning home in 2009 to begin her career at the Elk Valley Hospital. Since then, she has gained a broad range of clinical experience, working in medical, surgical, emergency, and maternity care.

In 2018, Christina transitioned to the Operating Room, where she has continued to grow her expertise and leadership skills.  Christina is presently completing her Post Anesthesia Care training which will compliment her broad portfolio.

Vanessa Stamler, Sparwood Emergency Department – For thirty remarkable years, nursing has been far more than a profession to Vanessa – it has been a calling, a purpose, and a deeply meaningful journey.  Over the decades, Vanessa has experienced the privilege of caring for people within the most vulnerable moments of their lives – an experience that has shaped her in ways she could never have imagined.

Vanessa has enjoyed the opportunity to make a real difference, no matter how big or small in people’s lives.  Currently, Vanessa is continuing her emergency nursing practice at the Sparwood Emergency Department.

Marni Barlow, Primary Care – Marni has been working as a nurse for the past twenty years, most recently in the Elk Valley. She is fortunate to be working in a Primary Care Nurse position at Rocky Mountain Health Centre where she can combine her nursing knowledge with that of her previous experience working as a dietitian.

The Primary Care Nurse role focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management.

Lead image: Pictured (l to r): Vanessa Stamler, Marni Barlow, and Christina Pukalla. Interior Health image

Interior Health

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