The language of wellness
Behchoko nurse wins Tlicho Government award
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Monday, February 8, 2016
BEHCHOKO/RAE-EDZO
Lianne Mantla says she knew she chose the right career after starting work as a nurse at the Marie Adele Bishop Health Centre in Behchoko.
Behchoko nurse Lianne Mantla received a Tlicho Government Award for her work in the community on Jan. 14. - photo courtesy of Lianne Mantla |
Originally from the community, Mantla speaks Tlicho fluently and is able to communicate directly with elders when they come in for appointments.
"I didn't take into account how there was a need for someone, such as myself, who speaks the language to come and work in her own community," she said. "It takes away the middle-man aspect of it."
A nurse who can provide firsthand information to elders in their own language is rare in the Northwest Territories, Mantla said. Being able to relieve that added stress is one of the best parts of her job.
"You're coming into the health centre because you're worried about your health, and then having to explain it to an interpreter who then would have to explain everything to the nurse who doesn't speak Tlicho," she said. "I was always afraid of things being lost in translation."
Mantla graduated from Chief Jimmy Bruneau Regional High School before earning her nursing diploma from Aurora College. She then went on to earn her nursing degree through the University of Alberta.
She started working as a nurse in 2003 and started at the health centre in Behchoko in 2012.
One of her biggest challenges since starting work in the community is the same challenge faced by many nurses who return to their hometowns, Mantla said. Some residents found it difficult to share their health concerns with someone they personally know.
"I wasn't sure how the community would accept me coming to work as a health-care professional and being privy to their private lives," she said. "Being accepted is the biggest challenge."
But other residents are grateful Mantla decided to work in Behchoko. Last month, she received a Tlicho Government Health and Education Award thanking her for her work in the community. An awards ceremony was held in Behchoko on Jan. 14.
"It was a great honour," she said. "It's an honour to have been nominated and to be given an award from my community."
Mantla also received a First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Award of Excellence in Nursing from Health Canada in 2014.
While she was pleased to be recognized federally, she said the award from Behchoko is even more meaningful.
"By far, this award that came from my community means so much more to me," she said.
Mantla said she has advice for anyone wanting a career in nursing.
"I always tell them, 'Yes it's hard, yes it takes a long time but in the end, it's so worth it,'" she said. "I would never give up this profession for anything. I can't imagine doing anything else."
