Aboriginal Nursing Education

Meagen Gunn, a 31-year-old practical nurse will leave temporarily her licensed diploma because she needs to attend a new aboriginal training program in Winnipeg. That is a part of her career. It's for the people.

The province of Ottawa will provide $9.47 million for Gunn and to other149 other aboriginal and Metis people to become licensed practical nurses. By this means they will be able to work in communities like Cranberry Portage, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Oxford House, Nelson House, Dauphin and Selkirk. This will be a challenge to nurses and this will help to avoid nursing shortages especially in remote places. Last Monday at the Manitoba Metis Federation's Winnipeg office, the LPN 18-month training program for aboriginal people was announced by Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson and Selkirk-Interlake MP James Bezan. The MMF, First Peoples Development Inc., and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak are also involved in the program.

Nursing shortages have plagued remote Manitoba First Nations for the last few years, forcing nursing stations to temporarily close. "Having more LPNs providing supports to First Nation and Metis communities ensures there are caregivers for the residents of those communities," Bjornson said. [via winnipegfreepress.com]