Nunavut Arctic College graduates first Practical Nursing grads – NNSL
May 6, 2024
New nursing program incorporates Western medical practice with traditional Inuit knowledge
Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) will be sending off 100 per cent of its first practical nursing class this spring.
That’s a celebration in itself for International Nurses Day, where the world witnessed primary care workers facing once-in-a-century challenges during the pandemic. This has resulted in a global healthcare crisis, and a shortage in the profession that Canada and Nunavut must combat through initiatives like the practical nursing program at Nunavut Arctic College (NAC).
Especially in Nunavut, this creates opportunities to tailor-make programs that are culturally appropriate. So, for this first-time delivered two-year program (three years with the pre-health stream, which helps Nunavummiut nursing hopefuls without the necessary academic credits bridge the gap) in Nunavut will see all four students “graduating this month and going on to be the first Inuit practical nurses,” says Esther Powell, program manager for the Rankin Inlet campus.
