Nursing Students Spotlight Critical Healthcare Gaps in the North

A group of twenty-eight nursing students from Aurora College recently showcased their research aimed at addressing pressing healthcare issues in Canada’s North. The presentations highlighted various topics, including the challenges faced by community health nurses, access to dermatology services, and the importance of holistic healing practices.

Among the presenters was Tori Blake, who focused on the role of community health nurses in rural areas. Hailing from Hay River, Blake’s research revealed significant gaps in the healthcare system, particularly the lack of ambulance access in many communities. Only six out of thirty-three communities in the North have an ambulance service, and current policies restrict community health nurses from providing care outside health centres or transporting patients.

Blake explained her findings, stating, “There’s no filler in this gap of service.” She proposed alternative transportation methods and emphasized the need for new service models that incorporate Indigenous knowledge in healthcare delivery.

Another student, Princess Ndlovu, examined the accessibility of dermatology care and its impact on mental health, particularly among women with alopecia. Ndlovu pointed out that alopecia disproportionately affects Black women, who often struggle to find dermatologists in rural areas. Her research indicated that the lack of accessible dermatology services can severely impact self-esteem and cultural identity. “How would you feel if you started to notice your hair falling out and then you can’t really do anything about it?” she asked, highlighting the emotional toll of hair loss.

Through her project, Ndlovu aimed to encourage Black women to seek the help they need, addressing feelings of embarrassment and shame that often accompany hair loss.

In a related presentation, Ainsley Mercado explored the effectiveness of comprehensive re-entry programs for inmates transitioning back into society. After conducting interviews with nurses at a correctional facility, Mercado discovered that inadequate support often leads to recidivism. “Part of nursing is beyond the clinical setting,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of advocating for underrepresented groups.

Another student, Bridget McLeod, researched the potential benefits of nature prescription programs for children. Her findings showed significant improvements in physical health, emotional well-being, and social engagement among participants. McLeod, who also teaches in Yellowknife, expressed the need to reconnect children with the outdoors, especially as they are spending more time indoors than previous generations.

Exploring the role of Indigenous nurses, Janine Martin focused her research on holistic healing camps. As she approached graduation, Martin sought to understand how she could provide community-based care. Although her initial idea was to establish a healing camp, she instead investigated what that role could entail, drawing on the concept of “two-eyed seeing,” which merges Western medical practices with traditional healing knowledge.

Dr. Kathie Pender, an instructor at Aurora College, praised the program as an exceptional opportunity for students to delve into topics of personal interest. “We really embrace the students and let them be individual,” she stated, underscoring the importance of allowing students to incorporate their backgrounds into their research.

The presentations from Aurora College’s nursing students not only shed light on critical healthcare issues but also demonstrated the potential for innovative solutions that respect and integrate Indigenous knowledge and practices. This research serves as a compelling call to action for healthcare providers and policymakers to address the unique challenges faced by communities in the North.