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2008 Awards of Excellence in Nursing
The 2008 award recipients are:
Joyce Ritchie
In her many years as a staff nurse and as a home care nurse, Joyce demonstrates time and time again her tremendous enthusiasm for nursing. Her colleagues are amazed at the 'sheer energy with which she approaches each day's work.' Joyce is a home care nurse at Kiska Waptan Bighorn First Nation and also maintains a part time rotation at the Rocky Mountain Hospital and Care Center where she has worked in the areas of Medicine, Surgical, Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Palliative Care, and Emergency. Her wealth of experience enables Joyce to make sound decisions based upon best practice standards. Joyce does not limit her nursing activities to solely clinical work. She is also mentoring 3 community health nurses new to the community. Her mentoring of First Nations staff has enabled them to achieve meaningful health care careers. Joyce is a role model for promoting diversity and safe, discrimination-free work environments. Joyce develops strong respectful relationships with clients and staff based upon trust and fairness. She is well liked by her coworkers and the community at large for her 'positive outlook, hard work, and 'can-do' attitude'.
Elaine Conacher
From early in the morning until late in the evening, Elaine is constantly on the go in her current capacity as Supervisor of the Prince Albert Grand Council Diabetes Team providing Diabetes education to 12 First Nations communities in the Grand Council. Her work with the Grand Council is a continuation of her life long commitment to community health through her previous work as a community health nurse and home care nurse with the Muskoday First Nation and as a community health nurse with Health Canada's Medical Services Branch throughout the Prince Albert area. Elaine is highly regarded in the community for her sensitivity to her clients' needs and special circumstances, while practising according to established clinical guidelines and evidence-based information. She is flexible and easily adapts to changing circumstances. Elaine's ability to develop and maintain strong relationships extends to her coworkers and team members who say that she is 'always open to feedback and ideas from colleagues and is respectful and values others.' Perhaps most importantly, 'she is quick to laugh and promotes a close and cohesive team atmosphere'.
