Nurses' testimonials: spare time while in the community
Working in remote and/or isolated First Nations communities can be very rewarding for nurses. Read firsthand experiences from nurses about what they like to do in their spare time in remote and/or isolated First Nations communities.
I am very fortunate to work and live in a community that is situated on the shores of a lake. There is always an opportunity to spend time outdoors walking, bicycling, skiing and snow shoeing. Friends have also taken me fishing. I have spent many summer evenings enjoying campfire, tea and bannock with friends I have made in the community. When the weather doesn't permit outside activities I enjoy quiet activities at home such as drawing and baking.
John McKay
I enjoy going for runs after work with the pet dogs of our support staff. They let me borrow them for some free time and we enjoy the outdoors. In the winter, I skate at the rink that is right beside the nursing station. In the summer I go boating at the lake and play baseball with the support staff. I exercise frequently with equipment I've shipped up to the nursing station. I sometimes watch movies and have meals with co-workers on weekends.
Love Badu
Often, I go with my husband and children to the 'dump' to see the black bears. It's awesome to see bears come in families. We do a lot of potlucks with the nurses, the paramedics and NAPS (Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service) officers. Recently they had a wonderful surprise birthday party for my husband! We have become like extended family to each other.
Alison Lynch
I love to read so I always have lots of books around. When I was living in the community full time, my husband and I built a cabin. It was on an island up the lake. We would go there as often as we could. We would fish and just relax. I like to pick berries and take my dogs out for walks. We would go snowshoeing in the winter. I love to bake and my husband loves my bannock.
Wendy Webb
At one time, I enjoyed cross country skiing, cycling and various other outdoor activities. Now I find walking around the community very refreshing. I join in the beading circles with the community members. Although I don't bead, I bring my knitting projects. I especially enjoy the concerts and community events such as dancing competitions. The community holds what is called "goose camp" for a few weeks every year when the geese are plentiful. During this time the community members congregate in a communal area where elders cook goose, bannock and other traditional foods. Lunch is available daily and it is free.
There is never a shortage of things to become involved with in the community. The younger nurses have brought up snowshoes. The arena frequently has community events. Skating, ice fishing, swimming and fishing derbies are some examples of the various activities that are ongoing in the community. Life is rich here and going outside is like entering a year round resort. The northern lights illuminate the sky some winter nights. I am reminded that the north provides the best of both worlds for me.
