Chatting with...Phillipa "Pip" Parr

To round out National Nurses' Week, we have one more interview to share with you - a chat with Canuck Place Nurse Phillipa (also known as Pip) Parr!

How long have you been in nursing? How long have you worked at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice?
20 years, and for the most part, I’ve always worked with kids. I’ve been at Canuck Place for 11 years.

What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
Giving to people outside of yourself. There is a lot of gratification in helping others. Doing one thing, no matter how big or small, that makes a difference to a child really makes your day worthwhile. Every little thing counts.

How and when did you decide to pursue a career in healthcare?
In truth, my babysitter was a nurse and when I was a kid I wanted to be just like her! I looked up to her quite a bit.

Share the most meaningful, memorable or defining moment you’ve had at Canuck Place.
I mulled over this question for a long while! I don’t think I can actually name one memorable moment – every individual child and family and their journey is so unique, special and precious – particularly around end-of-life. There are lots of kids that I remember, but I don’t know that one really stands out over the other. They were all so amazing. I will say that I truly believe that at Canuck Place, children are able to choose the right moment to pass on, whether it’s the right time for themselves or for their family. That always struck me as unique.

If there is one thing you think people should know about nurses, what would that be?
All nurses have their own individual approach when it comes to looking after their patients, but the one thing we have in common we all deeply care about those under our watch.