‘A dream come true’
Public health nurse Lyanne Bernard is passionate about her work in Evangeline area
Public health nurse Lyanne Bernard is being recognized this month through the P.E.I. French Health Network’s Étoile Santé campaign.
As a public health nurse, her position is an essential one when it comes to French healthcare services in the Evangeline area.
“I always wanted to be a nurse. I used to admire the nurse who came to visit my grandfather, Raphaël, who lived with us. I would watch her and be captivated by her work.”
When she completed her nursing studies at the University of Prince Edward Island in 2005, Bernard found a job right away at the Prince County Hospital. In order to take her career in the direction she wanted, public health, she and her husband moved to be closer to employment opportunities.
“My goal was to work in public health. When the public health nurse position became available at the Evangeline Health Centre, I applied and got the job. It’s like a dream come true. I really love my job.”
A public health nurse’s duties are multiple and varied, and they aim to promote, protect and preserve individual, family and community health. Bernard’s territory includes Miscouche and the Evangeline area and extends to Tyne Valley. Her relationship with her clients begins at birth.
“When babies are born in my service area, they get referred to me. I visit families at home to evaluate the baby, mother and family. I’m there to answer any questions parents may have and to support them.”
It’s also important to receive services in one’s own language, she added.
“I always wanted to be a nurse. I used to admire the nurse who came to visit my grandfather, Raphaël, who lived with us. I would watch her and be captivated by her work.” Lyanne Bernard