After working as an ER nurse, I was done. Then I discovered the magic of a small town practice
Working as an ER nurse during the pandemic was a challenging and heart-wrenching experience for me. When people ask me about it, I often lie and say the hardest part was the isolation or the masks. But the truth is, the most difficult moments were when I had to witness patients struggling to breathe, saying their final words to their loved ones.
One particular night shift stands out in my memory. I was caring for a COVID-positive elderly woman who had suffered from polio as a child and was bed-bound. Her violent cough and gasps for air were heartbreaking to witness. Despite her chronic illness, she had chosen comfort care over life-sustaining interventions. I knew she needed more pain medication to ease her suffering, but the doctor on shift did not agree.
As I watched her in pain and struggling to breathe, I made a decision to become a nurse practitioner. The acceptance letter from the University of Alberta was a breath of fresh air, empowering me to make a difference in a new way. Surrounded by like-minded colleagues, I started the master of nursing program and found a renewed passion for rural healthcare.
After graduation, I came across a job posting for a nurse practitioner at the Consort Medical Clinic, a rural community in east-central Alberta. Despite the posting being closed, I decided to apply and was surprised to receive a call the next day. By December 2023, I had signed my contract and became the first nurse practitioner hired by the clinic.
The warm welcome I received from the community of Consort was overwhelming. They embraced me and my husband, even when we had an unexpected surprise of adopting a baby girl shortly after our arrival. The support and love we received from the town made us feel at home, and I quickly realized that Consort was more than just a stepping stone in my career – it was where I belonged.
Living and working in Consort has restored my faith in humanity and reignited my passion for providing holistic care to rural communities. The sense of community and support I have found here is truly remarkable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the residents.
