DEH CHO - When Lois Martin was looking for a good, solid career she turned to nursing.

Twenty-two years later Martin, the nurse in charge of Long Term Care in Fort Simpson, still feels that she made the right choice.

Nurses Linda Simpson, back left, and Sharon Bouyer stand with future potential nurses Emily Hazenberg, front left, and Ava Misevicius during a tea held at the Fort Simpson Health Centre to celebrate National Nursing Week. - photo courtesy of Kim Riles

"Every day is interesting," Martin said. "It's rewarding too."

Martin began working in the village 15 years ago as a community health nurse. One of the benefits of working in the Deh Cho is that you can see the difference you are making, she said.

Martin and all of the other nurses who work for Dehcho Health and Social Services were recognized last week during two events that were held to celebrate National Nursing Week.

The nursing staff was celebrated with a community tea on May 11 and a nurses' breakfast on May 14. It's important to recognize nurses because particularly in the NWT they are the primary caregivers for most of the population, said Kim Riles, the nurse administrator at the health centre.

"We provide care across the lifespan as community health nurses," she said.

Nurses also provide consistency and continuity in the health care services. Fort Simpson has been particularly fortunate in this regard in recent years, Riles said.

Both Jeannine Gaulin and Martin have worked in the village for 15 years followed by Riles who has nine years, Tina Misevicius who has been here for five years and Linda Simpson and Kathleen Gast who are both in their third year. The nursing staff at the health centre also have a wealth of experience. Between the 15 staff who were counted on May 10 there were 345 years worth of service.

In addition to Riles the health centre has five community health nurse positions and there are five licensed practical nurses at Long Term Care. In the rest of the Deh Cho there are three nurses in both Fort Liard and Fort Providence.

Riles, who's been a nurse for 14 years, said it's a career people should consider.

"It's exciting, it's dynamic, it's challenging," she said.

"You can have a role in shaping the wellness of your community."

Riles said she's seen nurses influence changes in the Deh Cho. "It's been validating to see people's health status improve over the years."

People have become more self-reliant and self-confident in caring for their own health and the health of their family, Riles said. Residents are now more pro-active about their own care allowing nurses to take a more supportive role, she said.

National Nursing Week is celebrated across Canada from May 10 to 16.