RN job/ lifestyle Alberta-close to Rez

Fiona59 · May 26, 2008

There are some bands that hire their own nurses and prefer to hire nurses that speak their language. Cree is used at lot in my area.

I would look carefully at where I wanted to go and research the Canadian media. Many of our reserves have serious gang issues (drugs) and drive by shooting are not unknown. I'm not comparing it to LA or New York but it is a serious problem.

Good luck in your travels.

Camelhappy1 · Jun 1, 2008

Hey!

I currently work "on the Rez," and love it! I work in northern Alberta on a Cree reserve.

Initially I was at the insanely busy rural hospital on MD land (Rez 200 ft away), but jumped ship to challenge myself with Public Health. I am a band employee, which is uncommon in Alberta. Most nurses are hired under First Nations Inuit Health Branch - part of the government (Health Canada). With this you get a TON of courses and continuing courses. It seems like I am away more on courses than I am at work! It is the complete opposite from working in the hospital where you never get to go on anything.

I don't speak cree, but I've never had any problems. I love being able to drive around the reserve and visit clients. Homecare/ PHN are much in demand on reservations. Violence is an issue on EVERY reserve, which is fueled by boredem and alcohol. I must have seen probably 100 stabbings/ bad assaults while in the hospital here BUT 99% knew their attacker. In fact, most of them were friends - but fights break out over alcohol and women. Actually the women are ten times more aggressive than the males!

If anything, the community will see you as an asset and look out for you. I used to go running by myself up and down town, and the only people who harrassed me were the white rig pigs! My husband and I plan on staying here for 4 more years.

Southern Alberta - Pincher Creek area, has Blackfoot reserves. Pikani is the main one, and it is a Blood Rez. There is another Blood reserve by there that hires Band nurses.

If you want to be close to the mountains, this is the place to be.

Please send me a private IM and I would be happy to point you in the right direction.

Camel :0)

Brenna1987 · Feb 11, 2011

I too am looking to start work in alberta as a rural nurse on a reserve. I am part native and would love to help fellow natives!!! Camel could you please email me or does anyone know how to private IM her? My email is [email protected]. Would really like to ask a few more questions!!

Thanks

Brenna

Fiona59 · Feb 11, 2011

This thread is nearly three years old. Check Camel's history, they haven't posted since 2009.

Guest233447 · Feb 14, 2011

I wish the issues such as "boredom and alcohol" fueling such dysfunction would be truly addressed by our government instead of throwing endless tax dollars in the direction of the reservations year after year.

They deserve better.

amandasmiles2 · Mar 15, 2011

Hey!
I currently work "on the Rez," and love it! I work in northern Alberta on a Cree reserve.
Initially I was at the insanely busy rural hospital on MD land (Rez 200 ft away), but jumped ship to challenge myself with Public Health. I am a band employee, which is uncommon in Alberta. Most nurses are hired under First Nations Inuit Health Branch - part of the government (Health Canada). With this you get a TON of courses and continuing courses. It seems like I am away more on courses than I am at work! It is the complete opposite from working in the hospital where you never get to go on anything.
I don't speak cree, but I've never had any problems. I love being able to drive around the reserve and visit clients. Homecare/ PHN are much in demand on reservations. Violence is an issue on EVERY reserve, which is fueled by boredem and alcohol. I must have seen probably 100 stabbings/ bad assaults while in the hospital here BUT 99% knew their attacker. In fact, most of them were friends - but fights break out over alcohol and women. Actually the women are ten times more aggressive than the males!
If anything, the community will see you as an asset and look out for you. I used to go running by myself up and down town, and the only people who harrassed me were the white rig pigs! My husband and I plan on staying here for 4 more years.
Southern Alberta - Pincher Creek area, has Blackfoot reserves. Pikani is the main one, and it is a Blood Rez. There is another Blood reserve by there that hires Band nurses.
If you want to be close to the mountains, this is the place to be.
Please send me a private IM and I would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Camel :0)

Are you still working in the north. I was thinking of going to Northern Alberta. What areas are hiring and are good areas to work in.