Practicing as a Nurse Practitioner in Northwest Territories
USask Alumna Allyson Arychuk (MN-NP’22) says practicing as an NP in Yellowknife is a privilege.
As the first student from the Northwest Territories to enter the Master of Nursing Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MN-NP) program at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), alumna Allyson Arychuk (MN-NP’22) says she’s never looked back.
“Although it can be a challenging career at times, being a nurse practitioner (NP) makes you feel empowered in your skills and knowledge,” said Arychuk.
Her career began as a registered nurse (RN) in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2009 on the birth unit. In 2011, Arychuk moved to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories for what she thought would be one or two years.
She worked as a RN primarily in labour and delivery/postpartum, but she also held casual positions in public health and taught as an obstetric clinical instructor at Aurora College.
Thirteen years later, she is still in Yellowknife and is now a practicing NP.
“NPs are such a valuable role in the health system, but also within the community,” said Arychuk.
“It is a privilege to be in this role.”
Arychuk loved her role as a registered nurse in the North, but wanted a change to challenge herself. That’s when she decided it was time to return to school.
“Yellowknife is now my home, so I wanted to pursue a change in my career that enabled me to stay here, yet advance my career in nursing. Becoming a nurse practitioner was how I was able to achieve that. Nursing in the North has always involved having a broad scope of practice, but becoming an NP has enabled me to advance my clinical knowledge and skills. “
“Being an NP has pushed me to learn about a wider variety of health conditions and interventions, diagnose, prescribe, order, and refer for medical testing. I do client facing care, have an expanded scope of practice, and really enjoy focusing on health promotion in partnership with clients. Together, we work on chronic disease management, preventative care, women's health, mental health, reproductive counselling and prenatal care, well child, and same day appointments for acute concerns.”
“My typical day as an NP starts around 8 am. We have an integrated care team of 5-6 physicians, 1 NP, 1 RN, 2 licensed practical nurses, and program assistants, so we start the day with a team huddle. My appointments are 30 minutes and I typically see 10-12 clients per day. Because we work as an interprofessional team, I also cover for practitioners who are away, and we have practitioner rounds once a week for continuing education.”
In addition to working full time in primary care, Arychuk opened her own aesthetics medical clinic in June, where she works evenings and weekends.
Arychuk completed her USask Master of Nursing Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program online.
“Living in a remote community and having a young family, the USask program provided me the opportunity to study, while still continuing to work and not be displaced from my family,” said Arychuk.
“It does require hard work and dedication to advance your nursing knowledge and skill, but it is so worth it! There will never be a “right time” to pursuit post-secondary studies, especially as you become more established in your professional and personal life.”
“I studied part-time and ended up completing my program with another USask Master of Nursing Primary Care Nurse Practitioner graduate,” said Arychuk.
“Now we work together in Yellowknife and there are other Northern RNs doing their NP studies through the USask program as well. I am currently a preceptor to one.”
When asked if Arychuk would recommend taking the MN-NP program from USask, she replied, “The program contents and online delivery method set me up for success. I had the foundational knowledge and skills required to meet or exceed entry level competencies.”
“I am so pleased I chose USask for my nurse practitioner education,” adds Arychuk.
“I recommend USask College of Nursing graduate studies to everyone and am very proud to be a USask Alumna!”
November 10-16 is Nurse Practitioner Week. Thank you to the USask alumni who are practicing as the nurse practitioners the world needs.