CNF Indigenous Award – Baccalaureate

I have been working as a registered nurse for over 26 years and all in beautiful Labrador. My nursing career began with the Labrador Nursing Access Program which was designed to recruit and train Labrador residents to become nurses who would stay home and work. As a Labrador southern Inuit Registered Nurse, I have worked in a number of roles in remote and rural communities of Labrador. Including my home community of Cartwright, a remote indigenous community with a population of 420. My passion for nursing in Labrador has led me to different career roles. From working as a Regional Nurse with an expanded practice in isolated coastal Labrador communities, medical-surgical hospital nursing, and 12 years nursing management for 7 northern community clinics. My experiences and skills have prepared me for my current role as clinical nurse educator for 17 remote and rural sites within Labrador-Grenfell Health. In 2017, it was the passion for learning that has taken me on my journey to complete my Post RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) via distance learning from St. Francis Xavier University. In September 2021, I will be starting my final year of a 5-year plan to complete my BScN. This great distance learning program will allow me to continue to work fulltime, raise my two young adult children and pursue my studies, all from home. Continuing education is important and I have had great support in my success which will benefit my fellow health care providers and the clients I serve.

I am most proud of the opportunity to practice nursing in my home province. Labrador is a beautiful place to live and work. The traditional food, music and culture are unique and are such an important link to who you are. All of these special pieces have shaped the person I am and the nursing care I provide. Indigenous voices are being heard and I am proud to share my knowledge in part due to the support from organizations like CNF and Indspire.