Nurse Practitioner who works with severely mentally ill patients wins UVic award

Victoria - Severely and persistently mentally ill patients are Sara Pape’s primary focus. Island Health’s nurse practitioner is a member of the Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT Teams) and she’s also a nurse preceptor. A preceptor is an expert or specialist who gives practical experience and training to students, especially in medicine or nursing.

For the past several years Sara has been working with nurse practitioner students, sharing her passion for treating and helping often underserved patients. Sara has a strong interest providing chronic disease management to people with mental illness, some of whom have co-existing substance use disorders. Plus she’s involved in finding ways to better treat patients with infectious diseases including HIV and Hepatitis C.

This year Sara Pape has been named the University of Victoria’s Nurse Practitioner Preceptor of the Year. The award recognizes a preceptor who demonstrates excellence in teaching and serves as an outstanding role model for nurse practitioner practice.

“When it comes to teaching, I strive to provide students a rich and supportive environment in which to further their skills in managing common acute and chronic health care conditions in the context of mental health,” explains Pape. 

“Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition Sara,” said Kelly Reid, Island Health Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Operations. “You are so clearly a star within your profession and within our program and organization.”

“Sara, you have chosen a nursing career that requires expertise. Thank you for sharing what you have learned with future generations of nurse practitioners. You are shifting perspectives and promoting the tremendous work being done in support of people who are living with mental health and substance use,” said Dawn Nedzelski, Island Health Chief Nursing Officer. 

Sara Pape was recognized at the 11th Annual UVic Nursing Awards on June 7, 2017.

Media contact:
Meribeth Burton
Island Health Media Relations
250.519.1815