Photo: Nunavut nurses honoured for hard work, high marks

A pair of territorial cabinet ministers presented Queen Elizabeth II Nursing Awards at Nunatta Campus in Iqaluit recently to five Bachelor of Science in Arctic Nursing students who achieved the highest grade point averages in each of the second, third and fourth-year classes. From left, Health Minister Paul Okalik, Samantha Cooper (2nd year), Mark Bursey (3rd year), Alison Coman (2nd year) and Paul Quassa, minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College. Missing award winners include Nubiya Enuaraq (3rd year) and Rebecca Fada (4th year). The Arctic nursing program, according to the NAC website, is designed, “to prepare graduates as entry-level practitioners to work in a variety of settings, to include: hospitals, long term care facilities and community based agencies. The curriculum emphasizes awareness and respect for Inuit culture and prepares nurses to be leaders in the health care system of Nunavut.” (PHOTO COURTESY NAC)