Staff Spotlight
Professional development and mentorship for Respiratory Therapists
Hear from Jesse and Joel about their RT role at VCH and what they love most about their profession.
Whether it’s the constant opportunity for learning, the supportive team environment, or the comprehensive New Grad Respiratory Therapy program, both Joel and Jesse, Respiratory Therapists (RT) at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), emphasize how Vancouver Coastal Health fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and respect. Read on to learn more about their roles and what it’s like to be part of this health care team.
Meet Joel
Joel is an RT at VCH with a diverse background in critical care. “What I love most is the constant opportunity to learn and grow,” he says. “Every day brings new challenges whether it’s managing complex ventilation setups, responding to rapidly changing patient conditions, or creating personalized care plans. These experiences push me to think critically, adapt quickly, and continuously improve my skills."
Meet Jesse
Jesse is an RT driven by delivering quality patient care. “I love the hands-on nature of the job and the ability to help people in critical situations,” she shares. Jesse also enjoys the variety in her role and is motivated by the challenges and rewards that come with it. RTs work across the hospital from ICU (intensive care units), wards, and the emergency room. “Depending on the day, I might be teaching patients proper puffer technique, assisting with intubations in critical moments, or ensuring patients are being ventilated optimally,” she says.
Teamwork and Continuous Learning
Joel highlights the strong sense of collaboration and support at VCH. "The people I work with are one of the best parts of my job," he says. "They are incredibly supportive, and everyone is willing to share their knowledge and experience." He shares that the leadership team is approachable and genuinely invested in helping the team succeed, whether that means offering professional development opportunities or just checking in to offer support. "We have a culture of respect and collaboration, which makes every day a little easier and a lot more enjoyable."
Jesse shares that she learns something new every day. "We treat such a wide variety of patients that each day brings a unique set of challenges," she explains. "At a large, research-driven hospital like VGH, I’m constantly exposed to new technology, innovations, and research in respiratory care." She also highlights the valuable learning opportunities from her colleagues and leadership, noting that those with years of experience are always eager to offer tips and guidance, helping her become a more efficient and effective RT.
Support through the Employed Student Respiratory Therapist (ESRT) Program
Joel earned his bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy in Taiwan and worked in critical care settings across Taiwan and Singapore for over ten years. Eager to expand his knowledge, he pursued a diploma in Respiratory Therapy at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, bridging his international experience with Canadian health care practices. In 2023, he joined VGH as an ESRT and has since transitioned into a Registered Respiratory Therapist role.
As a recent graduate of the ESRT program, Joel speaks highly of the experience, noting that it made his transition seamless. It allowed me to learn about the patient population and familiarize myself with VCH setups and policies," he says. Moving into a full-time role felt natural because I had already built relationships and developed confidence through the program." Joel emphasizes that the fantastic mentorship he received ensured he was well-prepared for the challenges of the job.
Mentorship through VCH’s RT New Grad Program
Jesse's journey into health care began with a BSc from the University of Guelph. After exploring her options, Jesse had the chance to shadow various health care roles. "My favourite shadow day was with the RT, observing her day in the ICU and witnessing how much impact she had on the care of these patients," Jesse recalls. "It was clear to me that RTs have an important job in patient care”. She later joined VCH in 2023.
Both Joel and Jesse are part of the New Grad RT program. This program includes supernumerary buddy shifts and tailored support to meet individual learning needs. RTs from across the region, from urban to rural sites, have 24/7 access to assistance and strong communication lines. The support team includes dedicated educators, RT managers, practice leaders, peer mentors, and experienced co-workers. It’s also part of VCH approach to offer a flexible orientation and mentorship program to help newly graduated RTs transition to independent practice with confidence.
Jesse shares that the transition from student RT to Registered RT can be intimidating for some but the orientation process at VCH is very thorough and reassuring, making the shift into practice much more comfortable. "This is thanks to the support of great new grad educators and my colleagues," says Jesse. She adds that working at a large hospital has its advantages, with always someone available to reach out to for guidance or assistance.
Join our team
"My advice to anyone thinking about joining VGH is to be ready to learn and grow," says Joel. "VCH offers many opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and hands-on experience. You’ll feel valued and find a workplace where your voice matters."
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