Putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). We’re proud to be a people-first organization, where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive, both personally and professionally.
Through the Our People series on BCIT News, we celebrate the passion, expertise, and impact of individuals who help shape a better future at BCIT and beyond.
Meet Lisa Waite, Registered Nurse (Lead) and Pia Fasan, Registered Nurse, Student Health Services. Lisa has been working at BCIT for over six years and Pia for two years. Together, they provide vaccinations and conduct health assessments for students and collaborate with Student Success and the School of Health Sciences to deliver comprehensive, student-centered health care services.
Looking back on your time at BCIT, what has been your most memorable moment?
Pia: I have been a BCIT Nursing student, student health clinic patient, Nursing program instructor and now a Clinic Nurse at BCIT. My son even went to the BCIT daycare. I have so many memorable moments attached to BCIT, it’s difficult to choose just one. I suppose the best thing is feeling lucky to have experienced a wide range of possible BCIT experiences.
Lisa: We have many. A memorable moment was participating in the Sonography program’s scanning assessments, where we transitioned from providing care to being examined ourselves.
LEARN MORE: Student Health Services at BCIT.
What are projects or initiatives that you have completed at the Institute that you are proud of?
We are always looking for ways in which we can improve care for BCIT students. Here are some of our most recent initiatives:
- Advanced wound care competency across our multidisciplinary team;
- Expanded access to harm reduction supplies for BCIT students by advocating for BCIT to become an official site through BCCDC (e.g. safer sex supplies, naloxone kits, etc.);
- Streamlined health assessments for Health Sciences students to improve efficiency.
You both play an important role in supporting students learning on campus and living in BCIT Student Housing. Can you share how you collaborate with Housing staff to promote health, wellness, and safety within the community?
We have recently collaborated with Amanda Unruh, Health Promotions Strategist, BCIT Student Success and Student Housing to obtain harm reduction supplies for students to be able to access across campus and housing.
Share an Institute event or initiative with us that you look forward to every year?
Pia: My favorite event is the United Way Halloween Pancake Breakfast organized by the School of Construction and the Environment in support of the United Way Employee Giving Campaign. Lisa Sulatycki, Operations Coordinator, BCIT Recreation Services and Liza Elliott from our clinic crew support the efforts, and it pays off because it’s such a fun event. I saw a lot of members of the BCIT Leadership team pitching in, some great costumes, and a lot of us were able to enjoy the morning with our families and children. It’s a great start to the day and I encourage everyone who can to attend next year.
Lisa: I look forward to the annual Flu Campaign in collaboration with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, supporting instructors and Term 4 students by coordinating documentation, supplies, and vaccines ordering behind the scenes.
Do you have a favourite spot or activity at the BCIT campuses that you enjoy spending your time at and why?
Pia: I live in the community close to BCIT; I appreciate the feel of the campus from one side to the other – from the south parking lots to the nature trails on Guichon Creek, all the way to the northern buildings and all the spots in between. I walk the campus with my two dogs (and sometimes my son) almost every day after hours, including the weekends and later evenings. The pups most enjoy seeing their old friends at the Rec Centre desk (if it’s open), meeting new friends along the way and watching the crows, geese and coyotes from a safe distance.
Lisa: During the warmer months I love sitting next to Guichon Creek by SE16 watching the ducks and general peace that it provides. I also enjoy walking around campus when I get a chance for a nature break.
Share with us how what you are passionate about outside of work. Do you have any hobbies?
Pia: Being nurses means me and Lisa are never actually “off”. However, outside of nursing, I also enjoy a variety of hobbies and passions. I am a writer, artist, textile enthusiast, foodie and avid thrift snob; I watch NHL and Major League Baseball every day; I talk too much about skin care, wound healing, cashmere sweaters, supportive footwear and the fascinating history of tuberculosis.
Lisa: I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children (ages 7 and 9), as well as connecting with friends and family (often enjoying a delicious meal). I especially enjoy being outdoors during the warmer months. I am an avid reader and enjoy a wide range of books.
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