Supporting Burnaby Hospital’s Healthcare Heroes

Burnaby Hospital Foundation believes that the road to excellence in patient care extends far beyond the walls of our hospital. By investing in the education and professional development of our medical staff, we are creating a brighter, stronger future for both our staff and the community we serve.

Meet Marcy Hunter, a Registered Nurse (RN) at Burnaby Hospital who has been awarded an education grant from Burnaby Hospital Foundation to further her education. “I was so excited when I learned that the Foundation supports staff education. It’s a huge boost to know that they recognize the importance of continued learning,” she says. “Their support goes a long way in building and creating an amazing healthcare facility for the community. It’s a place I am incredibly proud to work.”

Marcy has been an RN for over 30 years. “I always wanted to be a nurse,” she shares. “I lost some friends to sudden illness and cancer when I was younger and those experiences left a profound impact on me. The hospital environment fascinated me and I wanted to be part of something meaningful.”

For Marcy, the opportunity to care for others is not just a job, it’s a privilege. “It is a humbling, rewarding and amazing profession. I love that I learn something new every day.” This sense of fulfillment and lifelong learning continues to drive her forward. In fact, Marcy’s connection to Burnaby Hospital has been a lifelong one as it’s the place she was born. “I’ve always felt comfortable here,” she says, describing the hospital as a place that feels like home. “Burnaby Hospital has a smaller, community feel, yet it is modern, sophisticated, dynamic and innovative in every way. Many of my colleagues have worked here for years and it feels like a big family. You get to know everyone, from the housekeeping staff to the managers and directors.”

Thanks to the support of Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s education grant, Marcy is taking the next step in her career by pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Degree. As a diploma-trained Registered Nurse, she has always dreamed of obtaining her degree but found it difficult to balance her career, raise two children and help run a family business. Now, with the help of the education grant, Marcy can finally achieve this goal.

“This grant is helping me pursue something I’ve always wanted but couldn’t complete due to life’s demands,” Marcy explains. “I’m excited to be able to focus on my studies. I know it will make me a better nurse and open opportunities for leadership roles.”

Marcy sees this educational opportunity as a chance to enhance her skills and provide even better care for her patients. “Each course I take has a positive impact on the care I can provide,” she says. “I’ve gained confidence, knowledge and valuable change management skills, all of which directly affect how I care for patients and interact with my colleagues. The more I learn, the better I am able to support my team and contribute to the hospital’s overall mission.”

The support from Burnaby Hospital Foundation is about more than just helping individual staff members, it’s about creating a stronger healthcare system for the entire community. “Educational support for staff from Burnaby Hospital Foundation promotes higher education,” Marcy explains. “This has a direct benefit for patient care. Specialized nursing programs and leadership opportunities become more accessible, ultimately resulting in better care for everyone.”

With Marcy’s passion for nursing and her ongoing educational journey, it is clear that the future of healthcare at Burnaby Hospital is in capable hands. We are not only investing in our staff but in the future of patient care and community health.

Supporting our healthcare heroes today ensures a brighter tomorrow for all of us.