Nunavut honours three nurses with awards

For Immediate Release

IqaluitT, Nunavut (May 6, 2013) – Nunavut is recognizing the work of its nurses, and the Department of Health is giving special recognition to three nurses during National Nursing Week (May 6 to 12).

This year, Joanne Dignard, nurse in charge in Grise Fiord, is awarded Excellence in Nursing Practice; Candice Waddell, registered psychiatric nurse in Cape Dorset, is awarded Excellence in Nursing Leadership, and Judith Clarke, community health nurse in Pond Inlet, is awarded Lifetime Achievement.

“I am proud of our nursing staff and the medical care they provide to Nunavummiut, and I thank them for their care, compassion and commitment,” said Keith Peterson, Minister of Health.

Nurses around the world are recognized for their commitment to health care. In Nunavut, the territory’s nurses are often on the front lines offering professional medical care to Nunavummiut.

National Nursing Week coincides with International Nursing Day (May 12), which marks the birth date of Florence Nightingale. She is credited for bringing change to the nursing profession and for improvements in health care in the 1800s.

Nunavut’s nurses are stationed throughout health centres in 25 communities, including Nunavut’s only hospital – Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit.

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Media Contact:
Jacquie Pepper-Journal
Manager, Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5766
jpepper-journal@gov.nu.ca

NT5