Below-Zero Nursing

Living in the extreme north provided me the opportunity to experience the importance of knowing and understanding cultures. Nursing there was all about customizing care to fit with the First Nation people and the Inuit cultures values, beliefs, and traditions. I learned how successful nursing care could only occur within the individuals cultural context.

I wrote this book, in a story-type format, to provide you with a taste of my experiences in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada. These experiences and adventures have continued to guide my familys life and my nursing career.

One scripture comes to mind that sums up my experiences so well, Love your neighbor as yourself. It is a commandment found in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18) and New Testament (Mark 12:31), teaching us to show our neighbors the love of Christ no matter our differences.