Nursing in northern communities

Hi Betaq,
I have worked in several northern communities. Health Canada does offer an orientation program if you go to one of their nursing stations. Most other regions offer extensive orientations as well. Have no fear no will 'throw you to the wolves' on your own.
If you do go up with an agency however be aware that some of them offer no orientation whatsoever and you are expected to hit the ground running if you work through an agency doing relief work in a northern nursing station.
So my best advice is decide on what part of the north you want to go to and contact that area directly. They are so short of Community Health RN's just about everywhere they will be happy to help you.
Feel free to PM me for more info.

Good luck!
Let us know how it goes.

Depending on what nursing experience you have I would bone up on those areas you lack. For example, if you have adult ICU experience I'd review my peds assessment and common peds conditions. If you have med/surg experience I'd look over things like ACLS protocols and emergency/trauma etc. Health Canada does have guidelines for you to follow but these don't always have all the information you need.
Also realize that food is expensive up there and there is not alot of choice. Bring food that you don't think you'll be able to find, such as ethnic or specialty items that you love. I like nice dark roast coffee and I know I won't find it there so bring it with me. If you'll be in Sioux Lookout for awhile for orientation you'll probably have the chance to hit the grocery store there before heading up to a northern community.
Glad to hear you are finally going up! Maybe we'll run into each other one day!