Most Rewarding Nursing Assignment in all of Canada

By Edison Sandoval, Marketing Coordinator

As she stepped out of the plane, the icy winds of the north hit her face and sent shivers down her spine. For most people, this would be a nightmare, but for Jacqueline Simms, on assignment in Canada’s far north, she wouldn’t trade it to work anywhere else.

“Be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” Simms, Manager of Clinical Practice at Bayshore Northern Staffing, excitedly expresses. “This is the best job I ever had since 1986, which is why I am a nurse”.

Growing up in a family of 13 in a rural Newfoundland community, Jacqueline was inspired by the high regard for nurses. The idea that nurses are caring, strong, and approachable motivated her to follow in the footsteps of her older sister and become a nurse. Simms’ upbringing taught her the value of a supportive community, which inevitably influenced her decision to pursue a healthcare career. She embraced the opportunity for growth in her profession and never considered the possibility of becoming drained or burned out. She eventually discovered Bayshore Northern Staffing, which adopted the feeling of supporting small communities.

In 2021, Simms became a Northern Nurse, and since then, she’s been in and out of assignments in Iqaluit. Simms has learned about the northern community’s vulnerability but remarkable resilience to thrive despite the limited resources. The people’s gratitude inspires her; she learned about their communities through a trauma-informed approach. Simms enjoys interacting with her patients, their friends, and family as she listens to their intriguing life stories and learns something new daily. She has even picked up a few common phrases, such as “Ilaali” (Ee-lah-li) for “You are welcome” and “Qujannamiik” (Qu-yan-na-meek) for “Thank you.” In many ways, Simms feels the same sense of value in community as she did growing up in a small town, knowing every minute she stays in Iqaluit, she’s improving the lives of those around her.

As a Northern Nurse, Simms faces a unique set of challenges that can be both daunting and exhilarating at the same time. The lack of resources and support can make her job difficult, but it’s also what makes it so rewarding. Unlike city hospitals, everything does not run like clockwork. “Be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” Simms repeatedly mentions. “Learning to think on your feet, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and be culturally respectful is key to success.” Every day brings new challenges, and the North reveals nurses’ true colours. It showcases a nurse’s ability to handle any situation confidently and gracefully. According to Jacqueline, there’s no growth under comfortable conditions, so this is the most rewarding travel nurse assignment a nurse can take on. It offers endless opportunities for personal development, making it an experience of a lifetime.

To ensure a work-life balance, Simms recommends having regular check-ins with yourself during your days off. She enjoys activities such as yoga, meditation, and journaling. She also loves spending time outdoors, especially on sunny days. “There’s a sense of tranquility and beauty walking out in the north,” exclaims Simms. “It’s so peaceful, quiet, and you feel one with the land. It’s a good way to have alone time.” Additionally, she suggests reaching out to friends and family for support when feeling homesick, as it takes courage to be vulnerable. Luckily, at Bayshore Northern Staffing, healthcare professionals have plenty of resources as they can access 24/7 support from staffing coordinators and clinical managers. Going on new adventures, experiencing different cultures, helping those in need, and growing your professional career are all rewarding aspects of the job.

Are you ready to become a Bayshore Northern Nurse? It takes preparation and autonomy, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace the challenge of the north, and you will be welcomed with open arms. Though it may feel demanding and lonely at times, the love and support of the beautiful northern community will make it all worth it. Join us on this rewarding travel nurse assignment and see for yourself.

Please find out more information on our vacant northern nurse roles here: https://www.bayshore.ca/services/government/northern-opportunities/northern-staffing/

To learn more about Bayshore’s Northern Staffing program and view job openings click here or call us at 1-204-943-7124 / 1-866-227-3435

Join us now, and let’s embark on an exciting journey together!