BCNU Celebrates 40 Years
Nursing is one of the most professionally and personally rewarding careers out there, but BCNU members know that nursing is more than just a career, it’s a deeply ingrained set of values and standards grounded in a commitment to care alongside a sense of pride in the solidarity with one another.
On June 11, 1981, two hundred nurses gathered for the BC Nurses’ Union’s first ever convention and since that day, June 11 is known as BCNU Day. In 2021, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the BCNU. While celebrations look different this year, the union will be sharing different ways to feature our members who have taken the time to be part of the union. From this year’s prize giveaways of Apple Watches in each region, to upcoming in-depth interviews with key union leaders who have helped shape the vision and values of the organization, check back to this page regularly to learn more about the BC Nurses Union – it’s past, present and future.
These Are Our Nurses
Through a series of short video submissions collected in the spring of 2021, BC’s nurses answered questions related to their experiences working in a variety of health care settings.
Jennie
Jennie is an internationally educated nurse (IEN) originally from the Philippines. She is extremely proud of earning her nursing degree and becoming a Canadian RN. She hopes the government may soon review the education requirements for IENs in order to help nurses from other countries be able to practice in Canada.
Julia
Julia enjoys being a nurse as it affords her the ability to support people at their most vulnerable. Like other fellow nurses, Julia says nursing during the pandemic has come with mixed emotions. Although often overwhelmed, she feels ultimately proud and honoured of the profession, and continues to nurse and advocate for her patients.
Myrla
Myrla feels a high level of job satisfaction in her career as a nurse. Although nursing through a pandemic has brought about feelings of fear and anxiety, she's proud to bring emotional support, courage and compassion and hope to her patients every single day.
Priya
Priya became a nurse to be an advocate for her patients. She’s passionate about treatment options and believes it is a nurses’ duty to fully understand what each patient needs. To retain current nurses, and recruit future nurses, Priya believes interventions to support mental health for healthcare workers need to happen now.
Robin
Robin got into nursing ‘by accident’. When a friend came to visit with nursing textbooks, she was immediately drawn to the unique combination of science, sociology, psychology and people skills. A nurse for 32 years, Robyn still deeply loves her career and is proud of how nurses have collectively stepped up during the COVID-19 crisis.
Sherrylyn
Sherrylyn is a hemodialysis specialist who appreciates that her patients give her strength and keep her grounded. She firmly believes in the power of self-care as a stress buster and reminds us that we all have the power within us to choose to be better.
Teresa
Teresa had always wanted to be a nurse, and at 45 when her children were finishing high school, she decided to return to school. A palliative LPN, Teresa believes it’s her calling to walk beside her patients and their families at the end stages of their lives and is honoured to be part of their journey.
Honour this Milestone
Celebrate with us by making a meaningful and lasting impact for British Columbians through the BC Nurses’ Union Fund held at Vancouver Foundation. The Fund is set up to support student nurse opportunities, professional development for members, humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, and organizations that address societal inequities in our BC communities.
Donate to the BC Nurses' Fund in honour of a nurse colleague, BCNU activist or a nurse who provided exceptional care either to you or your loved one when it was needed most.