Thompson Cariboo Shuswap

Chase offers small-town living but is conveniently situated 40 minutes from two larger centres: Salmon Arm to the east and Kamloops to the west, each with its own unique amenities and events. The climate is desirable to those seeking shorter and milder winters and gorgeous summers. I relocated to Chase from the city several years ago and now live five minutes from work. Less stress and greater access to so many activities has contributed to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

- RN Mona Quinn, Patient Care Coordinator, Chase and District Primary Health Care Services

Walking through the front doors of the Clearwater hospital you know why you work here: from the beautiful ski lodge-looking building, to the friendly face at reception that greets every patient by name, to the kitchen staff who remind you that you ordered lunch and it’s ready. You will never walk down a hallway at DHMH without hearing a laugh or seeing a smile. This is a workplace of ‘WE’ − WE make this community the amazing place it is and WE make this hospital about every person in this community.

- Crystal Wadlegger, Public Health Nurse, Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital and Health Centre, Clearwater

Logan Lake has a great balance between country/rural life and business, and outdoor activities. It is not unusual to find oneself in the midst of a ranch’s cattle drive while on the way to work at one of the local professional offices. Popular attractions include many lakes in the surrounding area used for fishing and water activities, the wilderness for hiking, hunting and back country sports, and the pretty lake and park right in the centre of town!

- Jocelyn Rhode, Family Nurse Practitioner, Logan Lake Primary Health Centre

Lytton is known as the Rafting Capital of Canada and offers challenging river routes for rafting and kayaking in excellent white water. For more tame outdoor pursuits, hiking, camping and fishing are all nearby.

Prior to moving to the Nicola Valley in 1991, Merritt is where we came to holiday. We loved the feel of being in our homey little valley with camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and kayaking just a heartbeat away. I began working at Nicola Valley Health Centre in 2001 and quickly learned the intricate specialty of rural nursing. We work together, we have coffee together, we celebrate each other’s triumphs or losses. We know each other both at and away from work, acknowledge each other in the grocery store, on the hiking trail, or at one of our many nearby lakes. We know each other’s families. Merritt is where we call home. In town, everything is accessible on foot, or a quick 10-minute drive. Getting to hiking trails and lakes is only a short distance beyond the city limits. Every time I get to the great outdoors, it still takes my breath away....23 years later. Merritt really is a great place to live and work!

- Carol Fulcher, RN, BSN

When I first moved to Revelstoke, I did not expect this city to capture my heart the way it has. Every day I am surrounded by glacier-capped mountains and views that never get tiring. My work started in Revelstoke at QVH as a care aide, then acute care RN, and now public health nurse for 16 years. My co-workers in all departments know each other, have fun together, and work as a team for client care. I never hesitate to give someone a call for help or information. Fortunately, this is how our whole city works. My community partners work together on common goals, looking to see what they can bring to our next project. I truly love the people and living in this little town. I have even learned to swim in the glacier-fed lakes!

- Jo-Ann Scarcella, Public Health Nurse, Revelstoke Health Centre

Twenty-four years ago, my family relocated to the interior of B.C. from the Lower Mainland in pursuit of a different-paced lifestyle. We were attracted to this area because of the warmth and friendliness of the people and of their strong sense of community. We were also attracted to the four seasons of recreational activities that nature has provided in our beautiful area. I have never looked back or regretted the decision to relocate and feel blessed to live and work in this community.

- Dorothy Crandell, Patient Care Coordinator

Williams Lake is a perfect community for family living. The outdoor activities are excellent (skiing, camping, fishing, mountain biking….I could go on!) and so close. We love the sense of community and work wise, the inter-portfolio collaboration here is second to none.

- Delee Whitwell, Community Integration Care Coordinator