Susan Olsen, licensed practical nurse

Proactive and vocal Susan Olsen advocates for her patients to ensure their physical and emotional needs are met. The site serves people who may have sustained trauma from their previous healthcare experiences by being restrained, neglected or generally unheard. Susan had a family member who had a similar experience as a vulnerable Indigenous person. She saw the harm to her family member and advocated for them. Now she watches for others who have had similar experiences and takes steps to provide a comforting, safe environment for them. She works with coworkers to understand that the person’s frustrating behaviour is a symptom of their trauma and she encourages patience and understanding.

Susan connects with patients who others might call tricky in a unique way. Patients who may have addictions, experienced homelessness or may use recreational drugs or other less common life experiences may arrive with various traumas, paranoias or hesitations. These patients do extremely well in her care because she passes no judgement, nothing shocks her and she talks, jokes and laughs with them. Susan advocates for these patients to get high quality care and for the team to seem them beyond their lifestyle choices.

In addition to advocating for her patients, Susan spearheaded the social committee for employees. She is the current president and helps plan games, contests and events to help increase workplace morale, team building and a sense of community.