Nurse Profile: Rosalie Adams R.N.--Member of the NWTRNA

Aboriginal Nurse, The, May 1999

I am a born again Christian, a Gwich'in of the Shemite Descendant. I was born and raised in Fort McPherson NWT with my nine brothers and sisters by my parents Charlie and Mary Wilson.

When I was six years old, I was admitted to the Aklavik Hospital with rheumatic fever. As a patient there for 8 months, I met Miss Norma Westgate RN. What an impression she had on me! It was there I knew I wanted to be a nurse. After being discharged to Ratt River, our bush camp, I'd dream about being a nurse while checking my rabbit snares.

In 1990 I received my diploma in nursing from the Lethbridge Community College. I then worked at the Charles Campsell Hospital in nursing for two years to gain experience before applying for a RN position in Inuvik, NWT. I began working at the IRH in June 1982 and had invaluable experience in working in pediatrics, medicine, surgery, OBS, ICU, OPD/Emergencies and medi-vacs. In 1991 I received a certificate in Critical Care Nursing from the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton.

I am currently working as a Special Clinics Coordinator. I thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given me to serve others.

I especially hope to be an encouragement to the young people. You are our future. It does not matter where you come from., you are able to achieve you goals. May the Lord guide you as you do his perfect will in your life's journey.