NURSE 2 NURSE PEER SUPPORT
Nurses Empowering Nurses
MEET THE FOUNDERS
N2NPS began with three nurses who envisioned a better future for the nursing profession. A future where nurses provide support for one another. A future where nurses' are no longer at risk for Occupational Stress Injuries or Psychological distress because of their profession. Come meet the founders.
Click the image to watch the video and meet N2NPS Founders
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Meet Our Team
KATRINA STEPHENSON
Founder and CEO
Over the last 15 years, I have focused my nursing career in the harm reduction field and caring for individuals challenged by Concurrent Disorders. I also have lived experiences, which support my ways of knowing. I have compassionately cared for both my patients' traumas and my own work related PTSD.
In order for nurses to provide safe and holistic care, we need adequate supports from the government, insurance agencies, employers, regulatory bodies, unions and peers in order to create psychologically safe workplaces.
As a Harm Reduction Nurse, I believe it is essential for us all to understand and care for people with mental health and substance use challenges in such a way to reduces stigma and discrimination. Storytelling is powerful in changing the negative climate surrounding many health conditions and disabilities.
SARAH BOHACHYK
Co-Founder, Advocacy Director
I was part of the first graduating class from MacEwan University to receive a Bachelor of Nursing Degree and have practiced as a Registered Nurse since 2011. I devoted my time as an RN specialized in Emergency Department nursing. I maintained an active role in the department, from Peer Mentorship Program to Quality Council Committees. In 2018, I became the first person to lead and integrate CoACT-based collaborative patient care initiatives into an Emergency Department setting within Alberta.
In 2020, the impact of working a decade in the Emergency Department took its toll. After a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse in an Emergency Department, I developed an Occupational Stress Injury [OSI] resulting in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Due to the lack of resources available to nurses at the time, I relied on my first responder spouse to access psychological resources, treatment, and support. The inequity of psychological education and support amongst emergency responder groups became the focus of my Master of Nursing degree through Athabasca University and inspired me to join forces to create a peer support network with other nurses facing OSIs.
I strive to advocate for the well-being of my fellow healthcare professionals and ensure they are not alone. I believe it is time for compassionate, competent care to be provided to fellow healthcare professionals.
FOLA VICKERS
Co-Founder, Peer Facilitator
Having worked as a Psychiatric Nurse for over 11 years and experiencing her own mental health challenges and a psycho-spiritual crisis, Fola has learned that the healing journey often thrives through a holistic lens. Her practice is focused on incorporating shamanic practices, plant medicine integration, and alternative healing modalities, while holding space for others. As a proponent of self-care, Fola believes that a life of chaos can shift into one of more compassion and acceptance, thus opening doors to the possibilities of life. Her hope for nurses is that they may wake up to their potential to dream the reality that truly sparks them.
SARAH KRELL
Chief Operations Officer
My nursing career has traversed of majority of areas in public and private arenas. I have worked in surgery, critical care, ICU, CCU, sessional teaching at the University of Alberta, management, occupational health, safety and consulting. I decided to focus my practice on Occupational Health when I really saw a need to "do better" within public and private sectors supporting staff and families. People spend about 1/3 of their life at work. It is important for me to create supports to help individuals and family in all life stages. I have supported patients and staff through trauma while healing from PTSD. I am fortunate enough to have a certified medical service dog "K9 Sirius" as a partner in my post-traumatic growth.
As a life-long learner, I found a passion for creating strong teams that maximize organizational capabilities, operations and staff performance. I am a nationally certified Occupational Health Nurse with a BScN in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Masters of Science in Nursing, Masters in Business Administration - Healthcare Administrations from University of Mary and post-graduate certificates in Project Management, Conflict Resolution & Negotiation from NAIT. Also certified in Advanced Psychological Safety from University of Fredericton.
K9 SIRIUS
Certified Medical Service Dog
Sirius is Sarah Krell's partner in her post-traumatic growth journey.
DR. CHARLOTTE ROSS
Nurse Researcher, Advocate
Dr. Charlotte Ross (she/her) has been a dually credentialled registered nurse and registered psychiatric nurse for 40 years. She is a Faculty Emerita in the Faculty of Health Sciences, at Douglas College in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. Her clinical background, teaching, and consulting activities have been focused on the treatment of mental health and substance use problems.
She is currently a consultant and independent researcher, with primary research areas and publications on nurses’ health, mental wellness, and substance use. Dr. Ross is an active member of several provincial and national committees and advocacy initiatives that are devoted to policy development and change, and which aim to support and promote nurses’ health and wellness.
Education Director
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Peer Services
Director
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