Nursing Students Spotlight Critical Healthcare Gaps in N.W.T.

Twenty-eight nursing students from Aurora College recently showcased their research, shedding light on pressing healthcare issues in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.). Their presentations tackled various critical topics, with students highlighting significant gaps in healthcare access and proposing innovative solutions.

Tori Blake, originally from Hay River, focused on the role of community health nurses in rural areas. She identified alarming deficiencies in the healthcare system, particularly the lack of ambulance services. “Only six of 33 communities in the North have an ambulance,” Blake stated, emphasizing the policy that prevents community health nurses from offering care outside health centers or transporting patients. This gap in service delivery, according to Blake, leaves many communities vulnerable during emergencies. Her research also explored alternative transportation methods and proposed a pre-planning phase to address community-specific challenges. Blake advocated for new service models that incorporate Indigenous knowledge in healthcare design and delivery.

In a separate presentation, Princess Ndlovu addressed the accessibility of dermatology care in the North and its implications for the mental health of individuals with alopecia. Ndlovu noted that alopecia disproportionately affects Black women, who struggle to find dermatologists in remote areas. Her research revealed that the lack of accessible dermatology services can severely impact self-esteem and cultural identity. “Up to 75 percent of people with hair loss say that it affects their confidence and social lives,” she explained. Ndlovu aimed to empower Black women to seek the necessary help for their conditions.

Ainsley Mercado conducted research on the importance of comprehensive re-entry programs for inmates transitioning from correctional facilities. By engaging with nurses at a local correctional facility, she explored the reasons behind inadequate support for former inmates, which often leads to reoffending. Mercado described this experience as an eye-opener and emphasized the need for nurses to advocate for underrepresented populations.

Another student, Bridget McLeod, investigated whether participation in nature prescription programs could enhance children’s physical health and emotional wellbeing. Her findings indicated notable improvements in not just physical and mental health, but also in community engagement and environmental stewardship. McLeod, who teaches in Yellowknife, pointed out that children today are spending more time indoors than previous generations, which limits their connection to nature. She expressed a desire to combine her educational background with her nursing expertise to promote outdoor activities among students.

Research presented by Janine Martin explored the role of Indigenous nurses in holistic healing camps. Martin aimed to understand how she could provide community-based care as a registered nurse. Although her initial idea was to establish a healing camp, she focused on defining the role of an Indigenous nurse within such a setting. “There’s a need to help clients in the community, especially Indigenous populations,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of blending Western medical practices with traditional healing approaches.

The students’ presentations were guided by Dr. Kathie Pender, an instructor in Aurora College’s nursing program. With nearly two decades in Yellowknife, Pender praised the program as an exceptional opportunity for students to explore topics they are passionate about. She stated, “Whatever the student is interested in is what they can do,” highlighting the program’s commitment to individual exploration.

These presentations reflect not only the students’ dedication to addressing healthcare challenges in the N.W.T. but also the broader need for innovative solutions that consider the unique characteristics of Northern communities.