Staff Spotlight
Confidence and growth through the Employed Student Nurse Program
The Employed Student Nurse (ESN) program at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) offers nursing and psychiatric nursing students paid experience to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-life, supervised health-care environment. ESN Mina Al-Byanee shares her experience in the program and how it helped shape her nursing practice.
“The ESN program prepares us to enter the nursing profession with competence and confidence, setting us on a path to becoming skilled, thoughtful, and resilient nurses,” she explains. “The learning, mentorship, and financial support the ESN program provides are unparalleled, and I am grateful for the knowledge and growth this experience has brought into my practice.”
Learning in a real clinical environment
At Richmond Hospital, Mina works under the supervision of a team of registered nurses and other health-care professionals, providing direct patient care to a diverse population. She monitors vital signs, administers medications, assists with wound care, and observes for complications.
“Observing and collaborating with experienced professionals has greatly enriched my clinical judgement, communication skills and professionalism,” Mina reflects. Her colleagues foster an ideal learning environment, encouraging questions and sharing their knowledge.
Each shift offers new insights that shape her nursing practice, from providing individualized care to refining her technical skills. “This environment encourages continuous learning and reflection, pushing me to think critically and grow into a thoughtful nurse capable of delivering high-quality patient care.”
Collaborative, respectful team
“I’m fortunate to work with colleagues and leaders who exemplify empathy, professionalism, and dedication to patient-centred care,” Mina says. “Leaders at VCH are approachable and committed to nurturing a positive work environment, answering questions, offering guidance and ensuring the team has the resources we need to deliver high-quality care.”
She recalls a time when a patient’s condition rapidly changed. “The charge nurse, respiratory therapist, and physician collaborated to assess to adjust the patient’s care plan,” she says. “Despite the high-stress situation, each team member communicated clearly and respectfully, ensuring that every action aligned with the patient’s best interest.” Witnessing this in real-time reinforced her appreciation for communication and teamwork.
Balancing wellbeing, work and personal life
As a student nurse, Mina values flexibility. “The flexible scheduling options and supportive management make it easier to accommodate commitments around school and personal life,” she says. She also appreciates emphasis on mental health, including access to counselling services, team-building activities, and opportunities for staff to connect and decompress beyond the clinical setting.
Passion for nursing
Mina pursued a career in nursing because of her desire to help people and make a positive impact on their lives. Additionally, she is inspired by the variety of career paths nursing offers, including specialized areas of practice, leadership opportunities, and more. Her passion for patient care, commitment to learning, and dedication for teamwork has driven Mina to grow in this challenging and rewarding career.
Join our team
Mina encourages those interested in health care to join our team. “You can look forward to a workplace that values diversity, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and invests in your professional growth.”
Applications for the ESN/ESPN Program is open for the 2025/2026 intake.