CARES Award recognizes the 'Power' of teamwork

Dedicated Camrose nurse keeps home care staff, leaders in the loop

Story by Jonathan Koch | Photo by Heather Kipling

CAMROSE — Demonstrating AHS values can take many forms. For Vanessa Power, a clinical nurse specialist in the Central Zone, it means ensuring staff and patients feel supported and connected through change.

Earlier this month, Power was recognized with the AHS CARES Award in the Quality Improvement category for going above and beyond to help home and community care staff and patients.

Through this award, Power is celebrated for her efforts to effectively implement new processes and guidelines for rural home care, ensuring that staff not only understand the changes, but also feel heard and supported when they occur.

“I'm very committed to our healthcare system because we all use it, so it has to be the best it can be, and I have to do the best I can,” says Power. "If you see something needs to be improved, it's not OK to just leave it, you have to see it through to the end.”

Her tireless dedication to her team was evident in her work this past year, including working with zone clinical informatics to ensure a smartphone app used by health care aides integrated seamlessly with Connect Care and resolving Wi-Fi connectivity issues. She also developed nearly 30 versions of Connect Care tip sheets tailored to reflect the needs of each zone’s home care offices.

Power’s caring, commitment and dedication exemplifies the spirit of the CARES Awards, says Elan Heinrichs, Central Zone director of Professional Practice, Education and eHealth.

“Vanessa wants to help people be successful and make sure that people understand how they can excel in their roles,” adds Heinrichs. “She values collaboration with her team, zone and provincial peers in finding solutions for common issues. To have someone like Vanessa who's personable, who takes the time to listen and figure out what the issue is and get back to you, it just builds so much trust with staff and her team members.”

Known as part educator, part advocate and part troubleshooter, Power has earned the trust of colleagues and leadership. She is commended for her high standards, strong work ethic, and for being a strong advocate for rural patients and clients.

“People know that she's a voice for them and that's really important,” says Carolyn Trumper, executive director of Integrated Quality Management, Professional Practice & Education, Planning & Performance and Clinical Information Systems for Central Zone.

Trumper says the CARES Award not only celebrates Power’s expertise and innovation but honours the kindness and humanity she brings to every interaction.

"In a world where healthcare is as much about the heart as it is about science, Vanessa has exemplified extraordinary compassion, respect and empathy,” says Trumper. “Her unwavering commitment to excellence sets the highest standard of care and is a reminder of the profound impact one individual can make in leading and collaborating with others.”

Power credits leaders such as Trumper and Heinrichs for creating a supportive and open environment to exchange ideas and address new challenges.

“It’s a good climate to grow, progress and bring issues forward, even if they aren't always popular,” says Power. “I feel very supported by leadership because they're available, they challenge me, and that motivates me.”

Her colleagues agree that Power’s commitment to healthcare embodies the values celebrated by the CARES Awards — and her ability to combine innovation with humanity continues to make a lasting impact on her team and patients.

Janice Stewart, chief zone officer for Central Zone, commends Power for her dedication to supporting rural teams and patients:

“There are some unique challenges in our rural zones that require creative thinking and perseverance to overcome, which Vanessa has done.”