New Nurse Practitioners Enhance Health Services in Manitoba

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has announced the addition of four new nurse practitioners (NPs) to various communities in western Manitoba, bolstering primary care access for rural and First Nations populations. These practitioners have already commenced patient care in locations including Rossburn/Shoal Lake, Melita, and the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, among others. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of health services in underserved areas.

According to PMH officials, the recruitment of these NPs forms part of ongoing efforts to retain healthcare professionals while expanding the region’s Graduate Nurse Practitioner program. PMH CEO Treena Slate emphasized the importance of local healthcare delivery, stating, “By having NPs provide services from base locations across our region, we can maintain the provision of primary care closer to home.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, who described it as a significant investment in patient care. “This is great news for the Westman community,” Asagwara noted. “Nurse practitioners are an excellent addition to primary health services, and their unique focus on patient- and client-centred care makes them essential partners in creating healthier communities.”

New Practitioners Bring Diverse Expertise

The new nurse practitioners come from varied backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience to their roles. In Rossburn and Shoal Lake, Kristen McNabb has begun providing care after earning her Master of Nursing in October 2025. With over a decade of nursing experience in fields such as general surgery and oncology, McNabb expressed enthusiasm for her role: “I am excited to be able to provide primary care to rural Manitoba. The communities I am in have been so welcoming.”

In Melita and Canupawakpa First Nation, Stacie Gardiner-Graham brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience. After completing her Bachelor of Nursing in 2007, she recognized the opportunity to advance her practice through the NP program. “The timing felt right to further my education,” she stated, looking forward to serving the southwest region.

At the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, Erin Ryback joins the team with a background in both hospital and community healthcare settings. Her experience includes significant time in the Brandon Emergency Department and public health roles, where she coordinated responses to communicable diseases.

In Dauphin, Jolynn Harder has transitioned into her new primary care role after 11 years of nursing, primarily in emergency and outpatient care at Ste. Rose General Hospital. Harder began her Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner studies through the University of Manitoba in 2022, preparing her for this next step in her career.

Expanding Nurse Practitioner Services

As of November 2025, PMH employs 31 nurse practitioners serving 30 communities, including 11 First Nations. Their services encompass a wide range of settings, including medical clinics, long-term care facilities, and mobile clinics, enhancing healthcare access across the region.

Residents in need of a nurse practitioner or family doctor can utilize Manitoba’s Family Doctor Finder program by visiting manitoba.ca/familydoctorfinder or calling 1-866-690-8260.

With the arrival of these new practitioners, PMH continues its commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Manitoba, ensuring that residents receive the essential services they need in their communities.