Watson Lake Community Hospital is a hub of the community, but medical care extends far beyond its walls. Community health nurses in Watson Lake play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of residents. They visit schools, connect with Elders and seniors, and collaborate with local organizations to provide education, immunizations, parental support and more.
“I really enjoy the relationships I build with people over time,” says Erin, community health nurse in Watson Lake. Let's meet Erin and learn more about her work with the Government of Yukon.
Could you introduce yourself and your role in Watson Lake?
I'm Erin, a community health nurse and the nurse in charge in Watson Lake. Our health centre is a small but dedicated team - there are 3 of us: 2 registered nurses and an administrative assistant. We work closely together to support the community.
How is a community health nurse different from a primary health care nurse?
That’s a great question! There aren't many community health nurses in the Yukon, and our role is unique. In Watson Lake, the hospital provides acute care, which means our health centre doesn't have primary health care nurses like other health centres in the territory. Instead, we focus on public health. Our work includes maternal and child health, health promotion, communicable disease prevention, and of course, a lot of immunizations. We also provide school health services and other community-based care. It's a broad and dynamic role!
You spend a lot of time outside traditional hospital or clinic settings. Can you tell us more about that?
Absolutely! A big part of our job is working within the community. On a typical day, I might visit the local seniors’ society to lead a lunch-and-learn session, drop in by the high school for a student clinic or partner with the local family centre to provide health education. We collaborate with other health service providers and community organizations to make sure people get the support they need.
What do you enjoy most about being a community health nurse?
Having worked in acute care before, I really appreciate the long-term relationships I build with people here. For example, I might meet a family during pregnancy and teach prenatal classes. Later, I’ll immunize the grandparents so they're protected when the baby arrives. Then I'll support the parents through postpartum visits and early childhood health check-ups. It's a unique experience to care for multiple generations and watch families grow. This role is very relational and I love feeling like I'm making a meaningful contribution to the community.
What’s unique about working in Watson Lake?
It might sound funny, but... the parking! (laughter) I used to pay a lot for hospital parking. Here, I can park outside the clinic for free or just walk wherever I need to go. It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference! Also, in many places, public health nurses specialize in 1 area - early childhood, immunizations or communicable diseases. In Watson Lake, I get to do it all. It's an incredible opportunity to gain a wide range of experience while being part of a close-knit, welcoming community.
What advice would you give to someone considering this career?
Go for it! Nursing in the Yukon is unlike anywhere else. It's a chance to see the diversity of health care and experience a new place with a rich history and culture. Watson Lake may be a small town, but it's home for me. I love that I get to live and work in the same community, making a difference every day. It's a truly special experience.
