A 2015 Award of Excellence in Nursing was presented to Donalda Stanley by Health Canada's Deputy Minister Simon Kennedy
Nurses who work in First Nations and Inuit communities provide high-quality healthcare in unique and often challenging circumstances. This work calls for experienced nurses with excellent communication skills and super-natural abilities to think on their feet.
Nurses: there for you every step of the way was the theme of this year's National Nursing week (May 11-17). It's no surprise that one of Health Canada's annual nursing awards went to Donalda Stanley, the nurse-in-charge at Paul First Nation, just west of Edmonton. Stanley is there for her patients, colleagues and community every step of the way, whether she is providing timely, compassionate care, volunteering at community events or mentoring future nurses.
"She's a leader and a hard worker not just on the job but in all areas of her life" says Melanie Pooyak-Henry, Nursing Resource Team Leader for Treaty 8 at Health Canada in Alberta. "Sometimes we describe people as being a "good fit" for their positions, and that's what Donalda is. There's no better fit for nursing in a First Nations community than her."
Each year during National Nursing Week, Health Canada presents their Award of Excellence in Nursing to three exceptional community nurses, one employed by a First Nations community, an Inuit community and Health Canada, respectively. The award - now in its 12th year - celebrates the dedication, initiative and excellence of nurses who work to improve the health of Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
When considering nominees, the panel considers nurses who demonstrate professionalism, leadership and sound judgement, and who support a discrimination-free environment. According to Health Canada, Alberta's Dr. Diane Billay, Stanley acts as a mentor and coach to her colleagues and fellow community members all the time while wearing a wide, well-loved smile. Embracing change and staying positive are also hallmarks of Stanley's work.
"I welcome challenges and I love change. Positive change keeps you moving, it keeps you striving for more, it keeps you hopeful that "the best is yet to come","explains Stanley.
Stanley is a mother of two and member of Frog Lake First Nation. She graduated from the University of Alberta's Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing program in June 2000 after taking double spring/summer semesters to reach a personal goal: to become a nurse by age 30.
Donalda gained a lot of her common-sense approach to nursing from her health care observations prior to her nursing studies. "I chose nursing as a career later in life…. First, I worked as a receptionist and got to observe our community health nurse work with my community members and felt that that was what I wanted to do," Stanley explains.
Stanley is very appreciative and connected to her family, crediting them for her successful nursing career.
"I could never thank my parents enough and I always mention them when asked about my career," she says. "Without them I never would have had the courage nor the opportunity to become who I am today."
Stanley began her career with Kehewin Cree Nation as community health nurse then nurse-in-charge. Her practical approach and natural ability to foster productive and respectful relationships makes her a natural leader. She then moved to work as nurse-in-charge for Frog Lake Morningsky Health & Wellness Society before moving on to working in Saddle Lake First Nation.
Since 2012, Donalda has excelled in the nurse-in-charge role at the Paul First Nations Health Centre, delivering care to community members with integrity, transparency and her trademark sense of humour. A lifelong learner, Stanley is on track to complete her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in 2016.
"Over the past 15 years, we have been in some really tough situations together," says Pooyak-Henry, "but Donalda always knew how to lift our spirits and keep us going. She can always find a laugh right when you really need it."
Fluent in Cree and active in the community as a Pow Wow and feast volunteer, Stanley nurtures productive professional and personal relationships not only with local Health Directors and band leadership but also Paul First Nation elders. She also mentors Nursing students from the University of Alberta.
"She's a natural communicator," says Dr. Diane Billay, Nurse Educator at FNIHB-Alberta. "People just naturally look to her - whether it's a student or a staff member, they trust Donalda to give them sound and respectful advice."
On May 11, Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose presented Stanley with Health Canada's Award of Excellence in Nursing in Ottawa.
"Winning such a prestigious award was never in my list of goals to reach, however, the experience has really taken my breath away. I am very grateful for the people I work with," says Stanley, "Every day is a learning experience and I learn from everyone and anyone I meet each day."