Two local Licenced Practical Nurses (LPNs) received provincial awards within the Sun Country Health Region in Saskatoon on April 29 and 30 in Saskatoon.
A total of three LPNs were given the award across the province including one from Weyburn, but between Moose Mountain Lodge and the Arcola Family Health Clinic the other two were local winners.
Lynette Porter, who was unavailable to The Observer last week for an interview or photo, and Wendy Hase were honoured with being given the LPN of Distinction.
This award focuses on the excellence of their work, the ways in which they provide leadership within not only the workplace but the community at large, and in taking on new roles or helping innovate current roles.
Porter currently works at the Moose Mountain Lodge and has previously worked in Arcola at the Health Centre. She has worked in nursing for 25 years, as she graduated from SIAST in 1989.
Janice Wagner, a nurse in Weyburn, submitted information which explained that Porter is a great leader amongst the community as well as amongst coworkers. One of the parts of her job that she thoroughly enjoys includes being able to mentor new workers or students. Always willing to share her knowledge with those around her Porter is an exemplary LPN.
Hase works at the Arcola Family Health Clinic though she has been in St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan and has worked at the Lampman Community Health Centre and the Arcola Health Centre in previous years.
Prior to this her interest in nursing grew from the love of her work as an EMT in the Lampman area for over 20 years. Thus, most people think that Hase has been nursing for longer than she has been with only having graduated in 2002 from SIAST in Estevan.
"I provided all aspects of nursing care, but my passion was always in the emergency area probably related to my over 20 years as an EMT with the Lampman Ambulance," Hase told The Observer. "I also loved palliative care."
Hase takes the time to mentor others and is always trying to find ways to make the workplace a great area to be in.
"I was a leader in accepting and working with the changing face of healthcare, most recently with the Saskatchewan Health RTC Initiative," Hase explained.
Though a workplace injury did change her focus from the ER and palliative care to working as a physician assistant in the Arcola Family Health Clinic. Despite the injury, however, Hase remains dedicated to helping people and has remained an LPN throughout this struggle.
"I am proud to be an LPN and was very honoured to be recognized for the valuable role LPNs play in the delivery of healthcare," Hase stated. "I just do my job to do my job, I don't do it to win awards. I truly believe every LPN, RN, RPN, all nurses deserve awards for what they do."
