Thinking about stepping into teaching? This Career Compass episode dives into what it means to become a nurse educator. We talk about the transition from bedside to classroom, the qualifications you’ll need, and the realities of shaping the next generation of nurses. Perfect for anyone wondering if education is the right career direction for them.

In this Gimme 5 episode, we shift from acute kidney injury (AKI) to its chronic counterpart — chronic kidney disease (CKD). You’ll learn how CKD is defined and staged, how it differs from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and what that means for nursing care in acute settings.

We’ll also cover how to identify complications, adjust medications safely, and prevent further kidney injury at the bedside. Plus, we’ll highlight when and how to suggest nephrology referral and introduce the supports available through CKD Clinics across Interior Health.

This episode is perfect for nurses who want to feel confident caring for patients with CKD who are not yet on dialysis.

Show Notes:

Referenced Guidelines and Resources:

• BC Renal Agency – Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Clinical Resources:
• CKD Common Prescribing Questions for Patients with CKD not on Dialysis
• Renal Analgesic Brochure
• Kidney Care (Non-Dialysis)

• IH Form - Regional Kidney Clinic Physician Referral (plus guidelines) (form #826448)

• Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) - BC Renal
• BC Guidelines - CKD Diagnosis and Management
• UptoDate - Patient Survival and Maintenance Dialysis
• Ontario Renal Network - Discussing Prognosis with Patients on Dialysis

Key Takeaways:

• CKD = kidney structure or function abnormal for ≥ 3 months.
• 1 in 10 British Columbians has kidney disease — many undiagnosed.
• Hypertension and diabetes are the top two causes.
• At GFR < 30, many meds require dose adjustment — review with pharmacy.
• Prevent further kidney hits: avoid nephrotoxins, manage fluids carefully.
• Confirm referral to a CKD or Nephrology Clinic before discharge.

In this episode of New to Nursing, we interview two of Interior Health's Clinical Mentors Lori Burchett and Danielle Rusheleau. Our guests shine a light on the vital role of Clinical Mentors in supporting new nurses and draw on their own beginnings as new grads. They share personal stories of their new grad journey — the challenges, the learning moments, and the relationships that shaped their practice. Together, they offer thoughtful advice and encouragement for nurses just beginning their journey in the profession.

Whether you’re a new grad finding your footing or a seasoned nurse supporting the next generation, this conversation is full of encouragement, practical advice, and heartfelt reminders about why we do what we do.

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Interior Health. The experiences discussed are personal and intended for reflection and learning purposes only.

Show Notes:

For more information on Interior Health's Clinical Mentor Program, check out the Mentorship Community of Practice on the InsideNet that is linked below.

Referenced Guidelines and Resources:

• Mentorship Community of Practice
• 10 Tips For Mentoring
• Feedback Conversations

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

Moments After Death - 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!)

BC Renal - AKI for Health Professionals

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!