In this episode of Gimme 5, Regional Educator Rachel breaks down the four stages of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) — from the moment of injury to full recovery.
Rachel explains the Initiation, Oliguric, Diuretic, and Recovery phases in plain language, linking clinical findings to practical bedside care. You’ll learn how to interpret key lab trends, and what nursing interventions make the biggest difference for patient outcomes.
You’ll take away:
✅ Early warning signs to help prevent permanent kidney damage
✅ What defines each stage of AKI and how long they typically last
✅ Which labs and assessments matter most — and what those numbers mean
✅ How to tailor nursing interventions for each stage to support recovery
Resources:
BC Renal - Acute Kidney Injury for patients
BC Renal - Acute Kidney Injury for Health Professionals
Caring for a patient after death is one of the most meaningful and sacred responsibilities in nursing. In this episode, we walk through the nurse’s role in post-mortem care — from pronouncing death and making required notifications to preparing the body, supporting families, and ensuring documentation is complete.
You’ll learn who can pronounce death, how to navigate communication with the Coroner and Most Responsible Practitioner, and practical, compassionate steps for preparing the body for viewing or transfer to the morgue. We’ll also explore cultural and spiritual considerations that help honour each patient’s dignity and family traditions.
Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned nurse, this episode will help you feel more confident and grounded in one of nursing’s most profound moments of care.
Resources:
First Loss: Navigating Death as a New Grad Nurse
Care of Deceased: Acute Care Toolkit IH
In this episode Regional Educator Rachel breaks down what every new grad nurse should know about acute kidney injury (AKI) — who’s most at risk, what to look for, and which lab trends signal early kidney trouble.
Rachel walks you through the pre-renal, intra-renal, and post-renal causes of AKI, connects common comorbidities like diabetes, heart failure, and sepsis, and shares what bedside assessments can help you spot early warning signs before the lab results confirm your suspicions.
You’ll learn:
✅ The top risk factors for developing AKI
✅ Key assessment findings that point to kidney injury
✅ What to anticipate in lab work
Whether you’re caring for post-op patients, managing fluids, or reviewing morning labs, this short episode will boost your confidence in recognizing AKI risk and responding early.
Resources:
Nephrotoxic Medications (see the tables for a list!)
In this short, practical episode, Regional Educator Rachel walks through how to assess and protect a patient’s hemodialysis access — whether it’s a fistula, graft, or central line. You’ll learn what to look, feel, and listen for, and how to spot early signs of complications. Perfect for new grads who want to feel confident caring for patients with dialysis access on non-dialysis units.
Check out the Hemodialysis Patient Care for Non-Hemodialysis Care Areas Toolkit on the insideNet and the BC Renal Website for Health Professionals for more resources!
In this episode of Career Compass, we dive deep into the world of NICU Nursing to help you determine if it's the right path for your career. We'll talk to seasoned NICU nurse, Ashley, who shares her professional journey into this specialty. From the birth of at-risk premature babies to discharge from the NICU, we will walk through the experience of being a NICU Nurse. With the varying acuities of NICU babies, this style of nursing offers exciting opportunities—but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. Whether you're curious about what NICU nursing looks like or how to get started, this episode will guide you through everything you need to know to decide if NICU nursing is the right fit for you. Tune in to Career Compass and find your direction in the ever-evolving world of healthcare careers!
In this Gimme 5 episode Regional Educator Robyn discusses stroke care and assessments. Check out all the resources available about stroke care on the InsideNet and get familiar with the protocols at your site.
Show Notes:
In this 5 minute episode Regional Educator Robyn provides some fast facts about palliative care assessments and interventions. If you are looking for more information or support with palliative care, check out the toolkits and resources available on the InsideNet. Interior Health employees looking for after hours support with palliative care can contact the on-call palliative care nurse at 1-844-851-4192.
We're back with Leah Chesney from BC Transplant—an Organ Donation Specialist (curious about what that role involves? Check out Episode 33: Career Compass – Transplant Nursing for the full scoop!).
In this episode, Leah dives into everything you need to know about organ donation. She walks us through the donation process in BC, answers some of the most frequently asked questions, and shares insights from unique cases she’s encountered.
If you’re a new nurse, this episode is a must-listen. Understanding organ donation isn't just important—it can help you support patients and families during critical moments, and ensure you're using the right resources when it counts most.
This is your go-to guide for organ donation—don’t miss it!
In this episode of Gimme 5 Regional Educator Andrea (a previous acute care manager) gives you tips and tricks to rocking your next job interview. New Grad Nurses in Interior Health do NOT need to participate in an interview to get their first job in Interior Health, but if you are looking to move up, move out or move on- having strong interview skills will be crucial!
In this episode of Gimme 5 we discuss 4 tips to getting you off to a great start with your new manager. This episode includes tips and quotes from real manager in Interior Health-so listen in to get some great advice.
This episode covers a topic identified by our New Grad Nurse community! You all wanted to know more about transporting patients! Regional Educator Kelsey breaks it down into easy to remember tips and tricks. Next time you need to leave the unit with your patient, take some time to listen to this quick episode for some important reminders.
In this episode of Gimme 5 Kelsey will guide you through the End of Shift Wellness Check. This is available as a lanyard reference card (ask your educator if you want one!). Listen in at the end of any shift to help you switch your mind over from the stress of the day to going home to relax.
Gimme 5 is your new go-to series for quick, no-fluff deep dives into the essentials. Each episode delivers the back-to-basics info you need—in just 5 minutes. No fillers, no distractions, just fast facts and key insights to get you up to speed, fast. Perfect for busy minds who want to learn efficiently. Ready? Let’s Gimme 5!
This episode covers the basics of what to do when a learner is paired with you for your shift. We'll review how to set you up for success and reduce anxiety for both the learner and YOU!
Show notes:
Register for the Preceptorship Workshop via Ilearn #1778
In this episode of Career Compass we chat with Leah Chesney who works with BC Transplant. She'll give you the ins and outs of working with patients and families involved with organ donation and transplants. Her passion for this work is clear and she'll give you the inside scoop on this unique area of nursing.
She also finishes the episode with really wonderful words of wisdom for ANY new grad nurse.
Questions? Reach out to newgradprogramppo@interiorhealth.ca
Learn the essentials of Adult CVAD removal in just 5 minutes. We’ll cover safety checks, walk through the removal process, and highlight key differences between CVCs and PICCs so you can approach this skill with confidence.
IH Resources & Policy:
CVAD: Site Selection, Insertion, Repair & Removal
Disclaimer: This episode is a review tool only, not a first-time learning resource. Always follow your organization’s policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines.
In this 5-minute episode we review how to safely and effectively draw blood specimens from a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD). From preparation to flush sequences, you’ll get a quick refresher on best practices to keep your samples accurate and your patients safe.
Show Notes:
Venous Blood Collection Tube and Test Job Aid
IH Clinical Skills - IH Practice - CVC: Blood Sampling - CE
Blood Specimen Collection: CVADs - Quick Reference for New Grads
Collecting a Blood Sample for Blood Culture Procedure
Disclaimer: This episode is a review tool only, not a first-time learning resource. Always follow your organization’s policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines.
Join Regional Educator Rachel and in just five minutes, learn how to quickly and safely assess a central venous access device (CVAD) site. We’ll cover what to look for, how assess each type of CVAD correctly with your eyes and hands, and red flags you can’t ignore. Perfect for new nurses or anyone who wants a fast, systematic refresher on basic CVAD care.
Links:
CVAD Site Assessment - Quick Reference
CVAD External Measurement - Appendix
VAD Care and Maintenance Protocol - Adult
VAD Care and Maintenance Protocol - Adult, Practice Change
IH CVAD Troubleshooting Algorithm
CVAD Associated Skin Impairment Algorithm - Adult
CVAA Canada - How to Assess a CVAD Video - April 2015
Disclaimer: This episode is a review tool only, not a first-time learning resource. Always follow your organization’s policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines.
In this Gimme 5 episode, Rachel walks you through the essentials of checking central venous access device (CVAD) patency—step by step. Learn the right flush technique, how to spot early signs of trouble, when to escalate, and special considerations for clamps, heparin locks, and IVADs. This quick and practical guide will help you keep your patients safe and your lines flowing 💦
Links:
VAD Care and Maintenance Protocol - Adult
VAD Care and Maintenance Protocol - Adult, Practice Change
IH CVAD Troubleshooting Algorithm
CVAD Associated Skin Impairment Algorithm - Adult
CVAA Canada - How to Assess a CVAD Video - April 2015
Have you struggled with caring for older adults living with dementia? Do you find it challenging or confusing to work around some behaviors they display? We are back with expert Dalyce Gouin (RPN with Interior Health) who will start the episode with a powerful exercise to get you into the mindset of a person living with a neurocognitive disease-who maybe is resistant or having a hard time with a plan of care. Then building off of last week when we covered the 8A’s of dementia Dalyce will share a story about how she was creative in a stressful
moment and helped support a resident with major neurocognitive disorder.
Need to know more? In our final Part 3, Dalyce will review the top 10 unmet needs of someone who may have difficulty communicating them. She will also discuss the 'hygiene crisis' we often see today in healthcare (can personal care wait?)
Join us for this informative and empowering series of episodes as we continue to learn how to provide compassionate, patient-centered care for those living with dementia.
Show notes:
For more information we recommend taking PIECES and/or GPA courses available through Ilearn.
PIECES- register via Ilearn 3077 and 3078
GPA (Gentle Persuasive Approach)- Register via Ilearn 1317.
Have you struggled with caring for older adults living with dementia? Do you find it challenging or confusing to work around some behaviors they display? In this episode, we dive deep into understanding dementia through the lens of the 8A’s. Dalyce Gouin, RPN, expertly breaks down the key behaviors and challenges often seen in patients with dementia. We explore the WHY behind these behaviors to help healthcare professionals approach their patients with greater empathy and insight.
Need to know more? In Part 2, Dalyce takes the conversation a step further with an exercise designed to help listeners truly connect with the perspective of an older adult living with dementia. The exercise encourages caregivers to think creatively and adapt their care approaches, with Dalyce providing a real-world example that showcases how small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference in patient care.
Join us for this informative and empowering series of episodes as we continue to learn how to provide compassionate, patient-centered care for those living with dementia.
Show notes:
For more information we recommend taking PIECES and/or GPA courses available through Ilearn.
PIECES- register via Ilearn 3077 and 3078
GPA (Gentle Persuasive Approach)- Register via Ilearn 1317.