Changing the Landscape of Nursing: Meet Lucinda Googoo
The Government of Nova Scotia, the Mi鈥檏maw Health and Wellness organization, Tajikeimik, and universities across Nova Scotia have partnered to support Indigenous nursing students in the province. This partnership has led to the hiring of Mi鈥檏maq Indigenous Nurse Education Specialists, or MINES, who work to support both Indigenous nursing students and Indigenous nurses in their local area. Lucinda Googoo of We鈥檏oqma鈥檘 represents CBU and the surrounding areas.
Lucinda鈥檚 job is to support the recruitment and retention of current and future Indigenous nursing students. She is available to provide a culturally safe space and ensure students have a clear and strong pathway so they can succeed in their program. 鈥淚 support students throughout their program with any issues they may face, whether it’s funding, appeals, courses, or scholarships and bursaries,鈥� she explains. 鈥淚 advocate for decolonized and inclusive nursing education to help dismantle systemic barriers in the province and nursing schools. I also provide support to current Mi鈥檏maw nurses, providing any resources needed and mentorship when necessary.鈥�
Lucinda was inspired to enter the healthcare sector after seeing and experiencing a variety of struggles, including racism, in the system. Eventually, she realized that more Mi鈥檏maq representation was needed in the local healthcare system and took it upon herself to be part of the change she wanted to see.
鈥淲e need more Mi鈥檏maw and Indigenous healthcare providers with a trauma-informed care approach to address the unique challenges we face, as racism is still sadly a huge issue,鈥� says Lucinda. 鈥淏ecause of these issues, Mi鈥檏maw and Indigenous people are struggling to trust the healthcare system, so having Mi鈥檏maw and Indigenous representation will help bridge this gap in major ways.鈥�
This vital role would not exist were it not for the partnership between the province, local universities and Tajikeimik. 鈥淭his partnership will strengthen pathways for Mi鈥檏maw and Indigenous nursing students,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he entire point is to help these nurses succeed in their field and to bring Mi鈥檏maw and Indigenous 福利免费在线看-formed understanding into the nursing curriculum.鈥�
Lucinda says her primary goals as a MINES are to increase the number of Mi鈥檏maw nurses to better reflect the Mi鈥檏maq population, make sure Mi鈥檏maw people are being heard, not being discriminated against and to guarantee they are receiving quality healthcare.
As a final note to Indigenous and Mi鈥檏maw people who may be considering a career in nursing but are hesitant or unsure where to start, Lucinda says, 鈥淚f you have any questions or need any kind of support, please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to me. I鈥檓 here to help you succeed.鈥�