Nursing a healthy career

ZAllysha Sateana Tologanak made a career change a few years ago and she couldn't be happier with her decision.

Tologanak said a pre-health program became available about four years ago and she initially enrolled so she could become a midwife.

She said it was announced that once the pre-health program was completed, a licensed practical nursing program was going to be offered and that's when she decided she was going to follow through and become a nurse.

“I just decided I was going to complete that program and things went from there,” said Tologanak. “I spent two years in the licensed practical nursing program and one year in the pre-health program.

“I enjoyed the programs. They were challenging, but, through my support system, I was able to complete them.”

Tologanak, 36, said there were number of times during the programs that she second-guessed herself and thought there was no way she could do this.

She said her support system helped her focus and direct herself through completing the programs.

“I graduated in May of 2024 and applied to the Government of Nunavut as I waited for my licence. I started working at the Rankin health centre in January of 2025.

“So far I really enjoy it. I'm still learning lots and taking every opportunity to learn as much as I can. It's a new learning curve every day,” she said.

In some ways, she sometimes has to pinch herself to make sure this is all really happening, she remarked.

She said looking back to when she started in the pre-health program all the way up to today, she feels that if she can do it, anyone who really wants to can also accomplish it.

“It's the most fascinating and interesting job because you learn something new every single day.

National Nursing Week is marked from May 12-18.

“Back when I first started out, I wanted to be a social worker and I completed that program. I was a social worker for about six years prior to taking this program, but I wanted to help people and I felt being a social worker just wasn't enough.

“So, I wanted to take something else, knowing just the fact that I'm able to help people, especially on the front line.

“I worry about making mistakes all the time, but I have plenty of mentors. If I feel like I might not be doing the right thing, I'll just go to the next person up, like a community health nurse or a doctor, to ask if I'm doing it correctly and I'll get proper guidance.”

Tologanak said confidentiality as a nurse is very important and she informs patients that nothing said between them will ever leave the room unless they allow her to share it.

She said she believes people have faith in her and trust that she's doing the right thing.

“I think, with most people, it's easier for them because they already know me on a personal level. Most patients are excited to have somebody they know and somebody able to speak the language who they feel they can trust.

“I feel I made the right choice in my career, but I am ready to go back to school. Right now, I'm a licensed practical nurse and I want to become a registered nurse.

“The scope of practice is a little bit different as a registered nurse, which is a level up from being a licensed practical nurse.

“I feel everything is looking good right now as I move ahead.”