Unique nursing program runs in northern Manitoba

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Eight hundred and thirteen kilometres north of Winnipeg at Norway House Cree Nation is a university program that claims to be the first of its kind in Canada.

There are a number of reasons the University of Manitoba's Bachelor of Nursing Degree Program at Norway House is considered unique. First of all, it focuses on Aboriginal issues in nursing and prepares its students to work in remote northern communities. Secondly, it is built on a reserve, and utilizes its Aboriginal Elders and the community for the guidance students need. Finally, students get to maintain their Native language and are encouraged to use it as often as they can.

Fjola Hart-Wasekeesikaw is the co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing Degree Program. She is from the Fisher River reserve in Manitoba.

"Graduates of this program can work anywhere, where ever registered nurses are sought out, not just in northern communities," said Hart-Wasekeesikaw, who is also the president of the Aboriginal nurses association in Manitoba.

This is a Baccalaureate program and is four-and-a-half years in length. For the first three years students learn all about first aid and other general nursing duties. Students can upgrade to the education level they need to enter the course while taking their first year, and in the fourth year, the students go to Thompson, Man. where they train in emergency and acute care settings.

"Students get to do their practicum at the Indian hospital in Norway House," said Hart-Wasekeesikaw.

The program that started in 1996 is run in collaboration with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., Norway House Cree Nation, Health Canada, the Province of Manitoba and others. The program courses are created so that the students may be aware of Aboriginal issues regarding health. The issues may be related to alcoholism, diabetes, self esteem, and illnesses that affect northern Native communities.

The nursing program is open to all students from across Canada. A full-time instructor is employed year-round and there is a nursing residence for instructors who come in just for the duration of the courses they teach.

Norway House is located at the north end of Lake Winnipeg and has a population of 5,500 people. Its all-weather road links the community to Winnipeg and Thompson and there are several other communities that surround Norway House.

Joseph Harper from the Island Lake Reserve in Manitoba is a third year student in the program.

"I like this school because it is in a community. It feels like home. I can still go hunting and fishing every chance I get," said Harper.

"I encourage other men to take the program. I find that men like to talk to a male nurse, especially when it comes to a private issue."

The students get to work with the community, and provide information about child health and safety, and clinical assistance on topics such as alcohol, drug and other abuse issues. There are local houses for the students and a daycare centre provided for the families.

According to Hart-Wasekeesikaw there will be a shortage of nurses in the new millennium, especially in northern communities.

Applications are now being accepted for the program that begins in September. Students should include their transcripts in their application so that the school can determine what science courses may be needed to enter the program.

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