Inuvik (May 17/04) - It's important to recognize the one day a year set aside for aboriginal nurses, says Julie Morrison.

Acknowledging Aboriginal Nurses Day will ensure those considering the profession will see the rewards and challenges of the position, the Inuvik nurse says.

"It is a way to recognize those who have chosen to work in a field where people can be actively involved in improving aboriginal health," Morrison says.

The designated day, May 13, was part of National Nurses Week as recognized by the Canadian Nurses Association.

It highlights the importance of aboriginal nurses and the role they play within Northern communities, she says.

While the number of aboriginal nurses in the North has increased over the last decade, Morrison says there is still a shortage, although new training opportunities are helping to alleviate the problem.

"Accessibility is a factor," she says.

But training programs through Aurora College are helping promote interest in the field, she adds.

"It's important to motivate people to enter the field because we have a transient nursing population. If we can get Northerners to work here, as this is their home, we can get a more stable work force.

"It benefits the community," Morrison says.

One advantage is the non-existence of a language barrier for nurses working in a small community.

Morrison says the approach to health care can be different, as well, because nurses who go away to study and return home again have the advantage of knowing families within the community. That, therefore, increases the comfort level for those needing health care.

Lisa Semmler, a nurse in Inuvik for three years now, says one important benefit of working in her community is helping the people she has grown to know throughout her life.

"A nurse's general purpose is to help people, but it's better when you can help people you know.

"I'm contributing back to my community and taking care of our elders," Semmler explains. "The approach to helping can be different."