Public health nurses constantly adapt to change
Public health nurses (PHNs) play a unique role in the health and well-being of Saskatchewan residents.
“Its long-term work with outcomes that cannot be seen immediately but is still very gratifying because we know we are contributing to long-term population health,” said Naomi Schellenberg, Registered Nurse (RN), Clinical Integration Nurse Clinician, Saskatchewan Health Authority.
“We work for disease prevention, harm reduction, and health promotion and have always supported our clients regardless of age, health needs, or socioeconomic status,” Schellenberg said, adding connecting with perinatal clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. “We offer publicly-funded vaccines from conception through to end-of-life for over 20 diseases that are no longer major threats thanks to immunization.”
Disease outbreaks, like measles, highlight the delicate relationship PHNs have with bacteria and viruses. In addition to drive-through immunization during the pandemic, mobile and satellite vaccine clinics now also include schools, health centres, corrections facilities, daycares, and shelters. PHNs are meeting client needs in their own homes and spaces, in many stages and all walks of life.
