Nursing Practicum Student Shares Their Experiences at CSFS

May 10, 2023

Kelsey Johnson was born and raised in Prince George and will be graduating from UNBC with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in May 2023. Recently, Kelsey finished her fourth-year clinical practicum with Carrier Sekani Family Services under Judith Sandford, Nurse Manager. As part of her final clinical practicum, Kelsey visited Saik’uz, Yekooche, and spent five weeks in Takla. In the next paragraphs, she tells us about her time working with CSFS, communities, mentors, and people she met along the way.   

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Hadih! Sih soh zeeh, Kelsey! (She/her). Sa at neeh, UNBC student RN. Habts kedeezit, Lheidli T'enneh.

When I was placed with CSFS for my last fourth-year clinical practicum, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Judith Sandford was my nursing preceptor and mentor for the duration of my final clinical practicum and I would describe her as a determined and experienced advocate for safe and culturally competent care for CSFS clients.

I began my journey with CSFS at the Sk’ai Zeh-Yah Drop-in Centre with Janet Gardiner, CSFS Primary Care Nurse. After witnessing Registered Nurse (RN) Janet provide OAT – Opioid Agonist Therapy – to vulnerable and marginalized youth, I am motivated to get OAT certified myself. The team at Sk’ai Zeh-Yah go above and beyond to provide low barrier harm reduction resources.

After visiting Saik’uz and Yekooche on day trips, I went to Takla Nation for five weeks.

I was really taken aback by the beauty of the Takla Landing area. The scenery is gorgeous, serene, and the air is fresh. My favourite thing about Takla was the welcoming and friendly community members. Everyone waved and smiled while driving by.

I am grateful for the time I spent with the people of CSFS. With a background as an emergency room nurse at the Surrey General Hospital, I was able to learn specialized emergency room protocols from RN Jennifer Lee.

I was impressed by Cody Johnny, Takla Patient Liaison, and Natalia Laskowski, the Takla Health Manager. Their commitment and work ethic had a major positive impact on me.

It was an honour to witness cultural activities at the Takla Landing Potlatch House. I observed moose carvings, teachings and stories, beading, and dreamcatcher making. It was heartwarming to see the children participating in the activities. I was invited to a dinner, and that had a warm sense of community and it felt like one big family.

I am grateful to have worked with the people at CSFS. Every person had something new to teach me, and I learned a lot from all of them. I am definitely interested in rural Indigenous health, and I would love to be a part of the CSFS family one day.

Misyh did nee, CSFS for helping make my last nursing clinical practicum an excellent learning experience.

Nanyoost’en!

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