Janet McKenzie is a registered nurse in Stanley Mission. (submitted photo/Government of Canada)

By Derek Cornet

nursing award

Stanley Mission nurse receives national award of excellence

May 13, 2019 | 2:00 PM

In honour of her dedication and initiative, Stanley Mission’s Janet McKenzie was one of three women from across the country to receive Indigenous Services Canada’s Award of Excellence in Nursing.

She accepted the award May 6 at a special ceremony in Ottawa. The award is presented every year during National Nursing Week as it aims to recognize nurses who work in partnership to improve the health of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. McKenzie was nominated by local nursing manager Rose Cardinal and she noted she was surprised when she learned she won.

“I didn’t get into nursing for the awards,” she said. “I just did it to help my people. It’s nice to get the award and I’m appreciative of it.”

McKenzie, who is a Lac La Ronge Indian Band member, was born and raised in Stanley Mission. She worked in health care for many years having become a licensed practical nurse in 2006. After deciding to return to school, McKenzie earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Saskatchewan in 2016. She currently works for Stanley Mission Health Services as the home care nurse and coordinator.

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McKenzie feels very lucky to be able to work in her home community as a nurse, adding she wants to remain in her position for as long as she can. She said she’s passionate about serving the elders in Stanley Mission and she wants to continue to do so.

“I encourage anyone who is wanting to get into the nursing profession to go for it,” McKenzie said. “A lot of people think nursing is a hard program and it is, but it’s totally doable. I am here if anyone wants to hear about what I went through at nursing school. I’m always available if people have questions.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno