“In the end… We only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.”
― Lewis Carroll
Rural nursing is an adventure. Sure, at first, it’s an adventure into the unknown. That can be a bit scary, but the rewards for those who take the chance can be enormous.
Headed to the mountains
Arielle Stuart took the plunge. She moved to Hinton, where she didn’t know a soul, to practise as a licensed practical nurse.
Arielle loved the learning opportunities that rural nursing quickly presented. She was given the chance to train as a dialysis nurse even though she had no prior experience in dialysis.
“The skills you gain working rural will genuinely enhance your career in the long run.”
Arielle is an avid camper. It didn’t take her long to fall in love with Hinton’s proximity to the majestic Rocky Mountains, a paradise for camping enthusiasts.
A thirst to expand her nursing skills
Jackie McDonald offers the same praise for the lifestyle in the Hinton area. She came here as a registered nurse straight out of nursing school in northern BC.
During summer, Jackie indulges in invigorating hikes and stand-up paddleboarding. In winter, she snowboards.
With a year of practice under her belt, Jackie finds immense gratification in her rural nursing role.
“I love working in a rural setting,” beams Jackie. “My scope is always broadened. Lots of learning, always,”
Jackie’s quest for knowledge knows no bounds. Recently, she observed her first Caesarian-section, a captivating experience that marks her foray into maternity and emergency nursing.
Happy to be on the operating room team
Nikki Kachmarchyk never imagined working in rural Alberta. But after 10 years in the city as a licensed practical nurse, she felt ready for an exciting new challenge.
So, she took the leap and accepted a position at the Edson Healthcare Centre.
“Rural is great because you can dabble in everything and find something that you really like to do,” says Nikki.
For her, the holy grail was working in the operating room. So, she enrolled in a 3-month Perioperative Nursing Course. Today, she works alongside surgeons in the OR in Edson. Her days are filled with a variety of surgeries; cataract, carpel tunnel, gynecological and urogynecological.
“I really like being a rural nurse,” beams Nikki. “I like all the challenges of it. I’m very lucky, actually.”
Love led Kristen to practise rural
While doing her rural nursing practicum, Kristen Belke fell in love with a man from Whitecourt.
She ended up marrying him. Fast forward 15 years, they have two children, a large dog and live on an acreage just outside Whitecourt.
“We have an orchard,” bubbled Kristen. “We get bears in the yard. We have lakes nearby. I could walk to a creek and go fishing. I love it.”
Kristen also fell in love with rural nursing. As a registered nurse at the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre, her unit includes emergency, acute care, endoscopy, operating room and labour and delivery.
“I love the variety,” proclaims Kristen. “We never have a boring day.”
Are you looking for adventure in your nursing career?
Arielle, Jackie, Nikki and Kristen encourage you to take the chance. Rural healthcare teams are welcoming. And fear not, you’ll be given the training you need to succeed.
“We don’t expect you to come here knowing how to do all things.” says Kristen. “We expect you to come being eager to learn.”
She adds that you’ll be buddied until you are comfortable to go it on your own.
To explore nursing opportunities in Hinton, Edson, Whitecourt and other rural Alberta locations, go to: careers.albertahealthservices.ca.