West Kootenay Regional Executive – 2023 Election Results

My name is Laura Lockhurst, and I have been nursing in the West Kootenay Region since 2014. I have been married for 22 years and have 3 wonderful children. I have a keen interest in supporting my fellow nurses in having long lasting, successful and safe nursing careers. 
I began my journey to help nurses last year, when I became a BCNU steward. While my steward career is still new, it became evident quickly that I have a passion for knowledge and desire to be more involved with BCNU and the nursing community. This year, I joined the JOHS committee at KBRH, as another means of advocating for safe working conditions.
I have a strong background in executive committees, having being involved in numerous executive boards within my community over the past 15 years. I am a passionate, comitted person who is keen to learn and advocate for others. 
I am hoping that you will allow me the opportunity to support you, through the role of communication secretary. 
Thank you for your time. 

I am currently in the role of Lobby Ccordinator of the West Kootenay Region after being appointed in February, 2023 and what a journey it has been so far! When I took the Myers Briggs Personality assessment I was validated when I learned that I am an INFJ, otherwise known as "The Advocate" personality. I have been passionate about creating equity and inclusion for diverse individuals and groups for many years being active on my local community resource board, my children's school PAC executives, as well as being engaged with the BCNU. I have been collaborating with the local equity-seeking reps to support these fine groups in creating safer spaces and working conditions for all nurses. I am a keen learner and I take a compassionate inquiry approach to discover more about individual nurse's experiences within our healthcare system. I am a psychiatric nurse trained in several counseling techniques affording me the skills to utilize a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach in my practice and in my interpersonal interactions. I feel that in my short time in this role that I have found a calling that fills my cup on a daily basis. Thank you for considering me to continue in this role and support members of the West Kootenays.

Hello My name is Rise Ford:
I have been an LPN for 25years. 18 of those in Hardy View Lodge Residential Care. 
I got into nursing in the United States . because i wanted to make a difference. After all these years i still feel that way.
Nursing has changed in those 25 years. It is alot more challenging. We are constantly working short. Working without proper training or proper equipment as well as proper supplies.
Little to no respect from Patients or families. And very few avenues to make a change. Often our Licenses are on the line. 
For these reasons i am running for Professional Responsibility Advocate.
I ask that you vote for me so that I can help you be that voice of change. 

I have been a nurse for 20 years. My experiences have included medical, critical care, access and flow and secondments to manager roles. With my experience, I have had the opportunity to advocate for nursing in day to day practices. I understand the needs in nursing to continue to support front line nurses, advocate for best practices for our patients and through my years of experience I have the knowledge and background to support you. I understand the challenges in healthcare and I am motivated to make change and embrace this role to support our profession and our standards. I currently work at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital as a shift coordinator. I look forward to this opportunity and hope you vote for me. 

I have been a nurse in the West Kootenays for the last 10 years. I graduated from Selkirk College and have spent my career working in Oncology, Mental Health and Addictions as well as LTC. I have spent the last 4.5 years actively involved with the union and working hard to support members in the West Kootenays. I am proud to be your current Regional Council Member and of what we have accomplished as a regional team over the last 2.5 years. The last few years have been some of the most challenging times we have ever seen in healthcare and hopefully will ever see. I have worked alongside a great group of Regional Executives and together we have focused our efforts on connecting with the membership in new and creative ways. I have intimate knowledge of the challenges that exist in the West Kootenays and look forward to continuing to advocate on your behalf at a provincial and regional level. My goal is to continue to be out with you the members as often as possible and provide you with as much information and support as possible. Please consider voting for me and allowing me to continue to support and advocate for you, building on the progress we have made over the last 2.5 years. 

Hello, my name is Cory, and I am running for the position of Regional Treasurer. I have been a union activist and steward for the last 7 years and held positions on site JOSHC committees. I have worked in various areas of nursing and I currently hold a position in Home Health as the Team Lead of Home Support. I have experience as a board member/executive outside of nursing in the role of secretary treasurer for a non-profit community society for 6 years, which gives me a well-rounded knowledge of the workings of committee and council groups. I find fulfillment in the tasks of helping others and advocating for the nursing profession. For the last year I have held the position of Steward Liaison on the regional executive for the West Kootenay. I have found the position to be a great adventure and have learn many new skills and knowledge. I have enjoyed traveling our region and meeting other nurses. If voted in, my main objectives will be to foster connections with nurses, engage nurses, and advocate at all levels for the issues and concerns of the entire West Kootenay Region. 

Hello everyone,
I'm honored to announce my candidacy for the West Kootenay Treasurer for BCNU. I was previously in the role from 2017-2020 and feel this will help me excel in the role as the learning curve shouldn't be as steep. Since joining our Union, I have received a vast amount of knowledge from various courses and attended all the Regional and Provincial meetings I could. I have been a Steward since 2013 and was once the Steward Coordinator. I'm committed to open, transparent communication. I am asking for your support and vote so I can support the region.