When people visit the Teslin health centre they’re likely to meet Camille at the front desk.
She greets community members and helps direct them to care. She also manages correspondence, tracks financial and insurance information, answers phones, directs calls and helps set up clinics for visiting doctors.
Her work is essential to local health care. We asked Camille about her role and what she likes about living in Teslin.
How long have you worked in Teslin?
I have worked in Teslin since August 2020. It will soon be 6 years full-time for me.
How did you take on this role?
I actually started working as an administrative assistant at the Carcross Health Centre. I was out skiing in Carcross and I ran into the nurse there. She mentioned there was work available at the local health centre and so I applied.
At first I worked auxiliary-on-call in Carcross. I was happy to get that position because I had been trying to get a role with the Government of Yukon. I got trained and worked a bit in Carcross and then this job became available in Teslin so I started travelling here and covering here from time to time.
Eventually the position in Teslin opened up permanently.
At first I wasn't sure. I didn't know the community or anyone here. But after working here for a while, I decided to take the job.
What do you like about living in Teslin?
It's a lovely spot. It's not too far from Whitehorse, but it's far enough away to enjoy a quieter pace of life.
Right now I am renting a place that is right on the lake. It’s like having a cottage of the kind that everyone would like to have.
Plus there’s a sense of community. Local people here and the Teslin Tlingit Council are really open and they invite everyone into community events. They feed you all the time! (laughter). So there’s a great feeling of community in Teslin. I really like it here.
What’s a typical day at the health centre?
The job can vary. Sometimes you need to be kind of quick on your toes.
In Teslin, we're fortunate to have a doctor visit once a week. That ties up my time as I prepare their clinic and call the patients ahead of time to book appointments.
The health centre is also the local 911 and we respond to emergencies. That means you can be interrupted either by the phone or people walking in.
During the day I manage patient charts, handle faxes for the nurses and support other administrative needs.
Another thing to mention is that people really know me. I'm here all the time while our nurses work on rotation. That means I am a familiar face for people.
Sometimes people come in and ask for me personally, because they know I'll help them get things done!. I've been told that before.
What do you like about this role?
This is a role where you work with people. You're talking with people throughout the day. I guess you have to enjoy the public eye. I find I enjoy it because I like to help people. I also like that it’s a bit of controlled chaos sometimes. If you're looking for an exciting, fun role that changes day-to-day it's great.
Especially because we have a doctor here every week, it keeps me on my toes.
What's unique about working in Teslin?
I've really grown an appreciation for this clinic. I really enjoy the layout. It's a beautiful clinic and is well designed.
I really appreciate this clinic overall and the organization and the facility.
Overall I love it and I would tell others to consider applying for this kind of job.