Epilepsy patient becomes nurse at the same B.C. hospital unit that changed her life [Video]

Seven years ago, Keri-Rose Tiessen was studying to become a nurse but was afraid her health could prevent that dream from ever coming true.

Ironically, a frightening medical episode not only led to her getting her condition under control but also opened the door to a specialized career in nursing where she could harness her experience and help others in her position.

Tiessen was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2006, but had only ever experienced minor “aura” seizures, characterized by panic, deja vu and other symptoms.

That changed in 2017 when, while working at a First Aid school, she experienced an aura then lost consciousness, collapsed, and fell head-first to the floor.

“I just knew something really bad had happened,” she said, adding she woke up in pain and confused.

She later learned her heart had stopped for between 30 and 45 seconds.

“I was basically dead, I was flatlined,” she said.

That episode led her to Vancouver General Hospital’s …