Native Access Program to Nursing

Advancing Aboriginal Nursing Students

Working towards balanced, healthy, aboriginal communities in Saskatchewan by increasing the number of Aboriginal Peoples in the healing careers is the vision of the Native Access Program for Nursing (NAPN).

For 25 years, NAPN has been making a difference in the lives of aboriginal students enrolled in nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. The program was established in 1985 to meet the specific academic and personal needs of aboriginal students. NAPN provides a wide array of services that support students academically and personally.

• Academic and career advising
• Access to Elders and culturally appropriate counselling
• Advocacy - childcare, housing, funding concerns
• Tutoring, mentorship, computer, and internet access
• Leadership opportunities

"Our approach is to connect with every student in first year and begin fostering a relationship with them," says Trudy Unger, NAPN advisor, Saskatoon. "This has proven to be key in assisting students achieve academic success. The result has been an increasing number of aboriginal students who graduate from the nursing program," she adds.

The students who come to NAPN for help require more than a program that provides services to them. Bev McBeth, RN, NAPN advisor, Regina explains, "NAPN is a community. We build this community through a variety of activities - both social and academic."

Student Spotlight

Chris Boychuk is a third year nursing student at the College of Nursing. He is well-known to the advisors at NAPN as an outstanding and dedicated student. "He has a bright future with tremendous career possibilities in nursing," says Rhonda Goodtrack, RN, and NAPN advisor.

"Go for it!" - Chris Boychuck, nursing student, Saskatoon

1. What inspired you to choose nursing?
   My grandmother worked in home health care and was very close to her clients. My brother Mike had cancer while still in high school; he went through a terrible ordeal. The nurses and other health care professionals treated Mike from a holistic perspective. I aspire to be like my grandmother and the nurses who provided my brother with constant and diligent care.
2. What has surprised you most about the nursing program?
   The biggest surprise in my education was the amount of knowledge nurses possess with regards to medications and pathophysiology of illness - it is incredible!
3. While in university, what have you learned so far about yourself that you value most?
   I have learned that I am very social and this can be utilized as a skill. Being social and using humor can help me effectively communicate and connect with patients and colleagues.
4. What difference has the services and people of NAPN made to your university career?
   Future nursing career? The support and guidance from NAPN has made a world of difference to my education and future. Through NAPN, I have been able to participate in presentations to high school students, mentor at a NAPN Health Science Summer Camp, attend a national health conference, and provide tutoring services.
5. What advice would you give to First Nations or Métis high school students?
   Go for it! If you want to go to university and think, "I can't do it", just know that you can do it! Speak to a guidance or career counsellor for advice. You can go as far in life as you want to - you just need to take that fierst step and try.