Inuvik (Oct 22/04) - All six students in the licensed practical nursing (LPN) program in Inuvik passed their Canadian Board Exams.

On Sept. 15, the six students took the one-day examination that is given each year to those eligible from across Canada. In order to practice as an LPN in Canada, students must be successful on the exam.

This accomplishment is significant for Aurora College Aurora Campus, as last year was the first time the LPN program was delivered in Inuvik. In addition, LPN skills are transferable throughout Canada, which means that students can seek employment in any province or territory across the country.

The program, however, has had its challenges. The LPN standards of practice over the years have increased dramatically to include such things as giving injections, in-depth physical assessments, monitoring blood transfusions and urinary catheterizations, which had been traditionally performed by a registered nurse.

Thus, a main challenge of the LPN program was to develop a curriculum reflective of these new standards. This was accomplished in collaboration with the Yellowknife campus, specifically Denise Bowen, chair of health programs.

Additional support for the program was received from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Department of Health and Social Services and the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Authority.

The program, which is running again this year, has two full-time instructors.

The examination results reflect the hard work by the instructors and students and I am proud to have worked with a group of individuals who met the standards of nursing care on their first examination attempt.

The six graduates are Geri-Lyn St. Amand of Inuvik, Ryan Chalupa of Ontario, Donna Marie Goose of Sachs Harbour, Candice Manuel of Newfoundland and Edelyn Thompson and Mark Van Vliet of Inuvik.

The collaborative plan for the future of all six students is to obtain employment within the health care sector.

The following are some of the students' comments regarding their time in the program.

"Before you get into it, you don't really know what nursing is all about. But while I was in the course, it gave me an entirely new perspective."

-- Mark Van Vliet

"The instructors were great and it was an awesome year. Good luck to the next class. No matter how hard it gets, don't quit. It's worth (finishing)."

-- Geri-Lyn St. Amand

In an interview with the Inuvik Drum (June 10, 2004), Donna Marie Goose explained why the Inuvik course was perfect for her career path.

"If I had to do this course in Yellowknife, it would have been impossible (as my daughters are too young)," she said. "This is a stepping stone."