A career for those who care
Name: Baldish Badial
Occupation: Community Health Nurse
Union: BCNU
Baldish Badial’s nursing career began in 1992 thanks to encouragement from family, friends and colleagues. She currently works in Prince George as a Community Mental Health nurse, providing crisis management in the community for those who suffer from mental health and addiction issues or life’s routine stressors.
Baldish is also a BC Nurses’ Union Communications Liaison. She got involved with BCNU after receiving her nursing degree because she feels that “there are so many programs provided to ensure equality such as the Workers of Colour Caucus, to give everyone a chance to excel to their potential. I love the opportunities that BCNU provides for its members especially for education.”
Despite growing up in a traditional East Asian household where women didn’t go out and work full-time, Baldish remembers “I always loved caring for people, even as a little girl I used to take care of people and animals. So taking care of people as a vocation came naturally for me.
“When I got married at 17, my husband and in-laws helped put me through nursing school.” Baldish first studied nursing at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, and completed her nursing degree at the University Hospital of Northern BC.
“UHNBC had great professors that I still look up to today.” Looking back, she can see that “it was about building great relationships and learning from some great minds. They were such giving, selfless professors who made me really enjoy my education.”
Baldish has touched many lives in her community during her 20-year nursing career. “I assisted delivering a baby several years ago for a woman having her fifth baby. I run into her now and again around town and she never fails to mention what a good experience it was for her.”
Similarly, she once cared for a friend’s father without knowing they were related. It turned out to be the father’s last day and the son says he will always remember the care she gave. “It is not about procedures, techniques and technology; what people remember is how you touch them at a personal level.
“I love working one on one with people from all walks of life to provide support while they are going through crisis. It can be anything from the death of loved one to divorce and relationship discord, and anything in between. What I love about my job is that we all have inner strength and empowerment. Sometimes we need support and a reminder to reactivate our goals of happiness in life.”