College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Award

I began my nursing career in 2003 when I graduated from the diploma program at Red River College, in Winnipeg Manitoba.  I was in my early twenties- young and idealistic and deeply disturbed by social inequities that resulted from poverty, social exclusion and racism.  I made the decision to become a nurse because I wanted to help end suffering.  I believe that, that value, is at the core of our professions’ ideology.

Since that time, I have worked in a variety of settings both in hospital and in the community.  I have had the opportunity to travel extensively around the world, working in areas of active conflict in the developing world, as well as with populations at-risk closer to home.  Currently I work for the Manitoba HIV Program, as Program Development Officer.  My main responsibilities involve supporting and coordinating multi-sectoral collaborations related to HIV testing, care and treatment throughout the province, with the aim of improving population-level and individual health outcomes.

I would like my thesis to speak to my Metis heritage, as well as policy and programming that is designed to build bridges between marginalized or at-risk groups and the health care system.  I love and believe in the nursing profession.  I am proud of the accomplishments I have made thus far in my career and am looking forward to making further meaningful contributions.