An Emergency Department is a bustling, fast-paced and dynamic place where no two days are alike. Licensed Practical Nurse Educator Kendra Harding-Belcourt recognizes that, in this environment, it's important to ensure new staff feel welcome and are provided with the tools they need to succeed. This is why she has worked diligently to create a collaborative, safe space for health care professionals to learn and grow.
Kendra Harding-Belcourt, affectionately known as the ‘Mother Hen’ of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Emergency Department, is a pillar of support for every new team member. Her unwavering dedication shines through in her commitment to fostering a respectful and nurturing work environment.
“They do call me ‘the Mother Hen.’ I was only 19 when I started at Fraser Health and was mothered by my peers and colleagues. This support early on in my career helped me thrive and informed my approach with our new, younger staff,” she reflects.
Years later, Kendra has applied this network of support to her role as a licensed practical nurse educator. Established two years ago, this position works alongside the Health Career Access Program and licensed practical nurses to successfully integrate them into an Emergency Department setting. This includes providing wrap-around, onsite support and ensuring a smooth orientation and transition.
Learn more about Kendra’s impact on fostering a collaborative, safe environment:
“Kendra has stepped up as a leader to support our licensed practical nurses, health care aides, Health Care Access Program staff and unit clerks,” says Marsha Mullen, manager of Clinical Operations at Eagle Ridge Hospital.
As an educator, Kendra has gone the extra mile and created an extensive onboarding program with a variety of resources for mentoring staff and new hires.
“I want to ensure that even on challenging days the team feels reassured and cared for. Our culture is an important aspect of creating a safe space,” she says.
Not only does she actively collaborate with her teams, but she leverages her influence to enhance the care experience for patients. Kendra plays an important role in quality improvement initiatives, actively participating in the Quality Collaborative and working closely with the site quality coordinator to plan and implement ideas.
“Her hands-on approach encourages our staff to actively integrate quality initiatives into their day-to-day work. She shows exemplary leadership qualities and demonstrates how health care professionals of any discipline can grow in a supportive environment,” says Marsha.
Kendra’s willingness to offer a helping hand or words of encouragement has left a lasting impact on her team.
“Kendra inspires me to be a better nurse and to offer as much help as possible at work, especially in supporting new staff,” shares Jessica Brocklehurst a licensed practical nurse at Eagle Ridge Hospital. “Since meeting Kendra, I’ve become more aware and motivated to welcome new team members and ease their transition into the Emergency Department.”
Congratulations to Kendra Harding-Belcourt – recipient of a Best Collaboration Award.
