Championing care and flu prevention at RCC
Irina Motskin is a dedicated Charge Nurse at Reactivation Care Centre (RCC).
She has been a valued member of Oak Valley Health for nearly 10 years, and through her work, Irina supports and cares for the unique and often complex needs of patients requiring restorative care. Her compassionate approach and clinical expertise helps patients regain their strength and confidence, enabling them to transition smoothly from hospital to home.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Irina takes on an important role as one of this year’s flu champions in the organization’s Flu Stops Here vaccination campaign. Flu champions are trusted team members who advocate for vaccination within their units, helping to educate colleagues, and promote a culture of prevention.
The campaign hosts scheduled vaccine clinic days and vaccines are available to staff, professional staff, volunteers, and students.
“I decided to be the flu champion at RCC because I believe getting the flu shot is a simple but powerful way to prevent spreading illness while also promoting the health and well-being of our patients and fellow colleagues,” says Irina.
In addition to promoting staff vaccinations, Irina actively shares valuable resources and keeps her team well-informed about flu prevention strategies. She recognizes that, as health care workers frequently in close contact with patients, it is crucial to stay healthy — especially since many patients rely on their care and cannot risk getting sick.
RCC provides specialized care tailored to each patient’s needs. With a range of programs and support services — including nursing, recreational activities, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy — the team builds trust through compassionate, expert care. Ensuring the safety of both staff and the community is an essential part of the team’s commitment.
“We work with individuals who may be immunocompromised or have multiple health conditions,” says Irina. “Flu can spread quickly in these settings, and even a mild case could be dangerous for someone who is already vulnerable. Getting vaccinated helps break the chain of transmission.”
Irina also emphasizes the broader community benefits of flu vaccination. “It’s a way to protect our loved ones — infants, elderly relatives, or anyone with a compromised immune system — especially since these individuals may not be able to get vaccinated themselves.”
“The flu shot not only lowers the risk of severe illness but also decreases the likelihood of missing work or unintentionally passing viruses on to others. Even if someone contracts the flu after vaccination, the symptoms tend to be less severe and shorter in duration.”
For Irina, the best part of her work is promoting best practises, and supporting her team is deeply rewarding.
Working at RCC, she shares: “I love seeing how the whole concept of ‘reactivation’ plays such a crucial role in a patient’s discharge plans. Helping patients regain their independence and return to their homes safely makes a huge difference in their recovery journey.”
Outside of her work, Irina remains passionate about nursing. She has also developed an interest in medical aesthetics, combining her health care knowledge with a focus on patient well-being and confidence in a different way.