Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 09/01) - Education Minister Jake Ootes is guaranteeing jobs for Aurora College's latest batch of nursing graduates.
He made the promise at the school's May 5 graduation ceremony in Yellowknife.
While 15 newly-trained nurses Ootes spoke to could work anywhere in the face of a worldwide nursing shortage, most say they'd prefer to work in communities throughout the NWT and Nunavut.
"I want to stay in the area," said Shannon Erasmus.
Only a few have jobs so far, but they are confident they won't have to knock on Ootes' door looking for him to fulfil the pledge.
Several are wrapping up internships that are part of the course and are anxious to enter the workforce.
"It will be nice to have some money for a change and pay off some debts," said Linda Jane Vandale.
It didn't take long for Aurora's nursing program, which began five years ago, to quickly gain a reputation for excellence, according to Board of Governors member Tom Hoefer.
The course "immediately set the standard for innovation and a modern curriculum," he said.
Aurora's Yellowknife campus director Kathleen Purchase said all nurses in this year's class passed national exams, and that's usually been the case for over 50 who have passed through the program so far.
