TD Aboriginal Nursing Fund Award – Master’s

As I prepare for my second year of graduate studies at the University of Manitoba, I am first excited as I approach my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner and also appreciative of the help I have had along the way. My family are my biggest cheerleaders, my mentor, Judy Marvin NP, has assisted me in my learning and provided guidance and support when I have needed it most, and I have found strength in my colleagues who are encouraging and reassuring through challenging times. Without this personal and the financial support from CNF, I would not have been able to get this far in the program and I so appreciate this encouragement.

Having received an award from CNF provides validation of my academic abilities, that someone else can see my potential to make a valuable contribution to the nursing profession. The Canadian Nurses Foundation TD Aboriginal Nursing Fund Award has assisted in making my dream a reality and I thank you for your support and generosity.  A concern I had entering into my graduate studies was that I would miss so much of my son’s young precious life; however I am finding balance as I progress through the program. My specialty and passion is geriatrics as I see a great need for quality primary care in this population cohort and I enjoy caring for the elderly. I have worked in geriatrics in various roles for close to 30 years. As the Canadian population ages, geriatric specialists in primary care will be critically required. I want to continue to participate in this undertaking to provide holistic quality care for the elderly. As a French-speaking Metis nurse practitioner my goal is to work within a French-speaking community here in Manitoba, which includes a large Metis population.