Access to Education Weaved Throughout Rhonda Traverse's Journey

Keeping access to education close to home and engaging with Indigenous communities has created many success stories for Assiniboine students. One of these students, Rhonda Traverse, has continued her connection to the college, first through faculty positions and now as Chair of Contract Training in Practical Nursing.

Rhonda Traverse grew up on Peguis First Nation, two hours north of Winnipeg. After high school, she left her community and moved to Winnipeg to attend University of Manitoba. Feeling the effects of not having the support of her family and community close by, she returned to Peguis after one year of studies and began her career in Child and Family Services (CFS) there.

After 18 years working with CFS, at 46 years old and with three school aged children at home, Traverse found out about Assiniboine’s Fisher Regional contract training program in Practical Nursing, right at home in Peguis First Nation. She decided it was time for a new journey.

“After being accepted into the program, I was into the same school routine as my kids, attending classes from 8:30-4:30, and doing homework together around the kitchen table. These were times with my family that I truly cherished. No more on-call phone, meals were eaten together at home, and everyone was involved in my hands-on learning by helping me with my physical health assessments, acting as a patient while I practiced tasks like palpating.”

Rhonda credits her success as a student to the ability to be able to learn at home in Peguis, surrounded by the support of her community and family.

“Being a mature student with a husband and kids at home, it meant a lot that I didn’t have to worry about uprooting the family or commuting weekly for classes. In the busy times, my sister would come over and do dishes, my uncle brought over fresh bannock to snack on, and my nephew frequently met me at the driveway and helped me carry my book bags into my home,” she said.

“The impact being made by Assiniboine Community College and the contract training sites is massive. I don't think they realize exactly what this opportunity does for the Indigenous communities they operate in. I never would have been able to pursue this career opportunity as a mature student had the contract training program for nursing not come to me, in my community.”

Upon completing the practical nursing program in 2014, and earning her Licensed Practical Nursing designation, she went on to work in many areas of the health care system in Peguis First Nation, including home care, maternal child care and the emergency room.

“Working in the ER was exhilarating,” said Traverse, adding that if she were to return to work in a hospital, the ER would be her department of choice.

In 2017, Jordan’s Principle, a child-first and needs-based principle to ensure that First Nations children living on and off reserve have equitable access to all government funded public services, was being implemented in the provinces and across the country. Rhonda became the Jordan’s Principle coordinator for Peguis First Nation and was asked to create the framework for a program.

“My connections through my work in Child Welfare and in nursing were integral in successfully connecting the community with the supports, services and resources necessary for children with special needs to be able to access the required services on reserve, and not have to travel away for diagnosis, rehabilitation and supports,” Traverse notes.

In 2019, a few years into her career as a nurse, the opportunity to work as an instructor in another Assiniboine contract training program came up, and Traverse was transported back to her time as a student where in class she once thought “I would like to teach this”. She instructed the Comprehensive Health Care Aide program in 2020 in Peguis and Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly Pine Creek First Nation) First Nations.

Rhonda sees herself as a “planter of seeds.”

“When I see my students at their graduation ceremonies surrounded by the community that has supported them, I see that my piece of the planting is done,” Traverse said. “There is life beyond the borders of the community, but preparing people for life beyond them in the comforts of their community sets them up for success.”

“Nurses are asked to be culturally competent. The ability to learn and practice at home is important, and Assiniboine understands the importance of the cultural side of learning, and has allowed traditional teachings and community cultural awareness to be implemented in the classroom.”

In May, 2020 she received a nomination for the Practical Nursing Program Advisory Committee program advisory committee, and she now sits on the board full time from the community standpoint.

While instructing in contract training healthcare programs, Traverse had a conversation with the Dean, School of Nursing about a new position opening at the college.

“She stated that my words about my experience prior to nursing and my nursing experience from a community level is what was needed for the contract sites, and encouraged me to apply for the Chair position,” said Traverse.

“I was so unsure. I was afraid, but I was going to try. Creator God has always provided a path for the journeys I have taken. Wonderful people have been put on this path to walk with me, guide me and support me. I am thankful for this opportunity and I am thankful for the journey.”

She was the successful candidate for the Chairperson, Practical Nursing Contracts position and began this new chapter in her journey in spring 2022.

“If I could tell people one thing, it would be to not be afraid, and just try it. We get stuck, scared, and don’t want to try. These programs are right here in the community, supports are there for the students, and your family is here to encourage you.”