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New Mounties joins detachment
By Bryan Passifiume
Reporter
Friday May 09, 2008
The newest resident of the Crowsnest Pass is also the newest member of the local RCMP detachment.
Const. Charlotte Rockwell is not only a newcomer to the Crowsnest Pass, she’s also a newcomer to the RCMP, having graduated as a full RCMP constable from the training depot in Regina mere weeks ago.
Const. Rockwell, who is originally from Halifax, began her RCMP training in October, describing the process as ‘very intense.’
She has always been interested in a career in policing, and is proud to be able to wear the uniform of the RCMP.
“I looked into it for the past 10 years, but it was hard to walk away from that solid-paying job for one that initially pays less,” she explains.
Const. Rockwell, before enlisting with the RCMP, worked in finance and marketing for Harley-Davidson.
“Cmparing the RCMP to a local police force, I felt that the RCMP could offer me a little more,” she said. “This gives you an opportunity to represent Canada.”
“The RCMP gives you an opportunity to live in different parts of Canada as well,” she added. “And I’ve always wanted to live in the mountains.”
Her first day on the job was interesting, she said. Partnered with her training officer Const. Dale Bereza, she took part in several calls and visited a local daycare.
All new RCMP members stay in their first posting for a minimum of five years.
Const. Rockwell feels fortunate that she was able to secure the Crowsnest Pass, as the Pass is one of the most sought-after postings in the RCMP.
As for her future with the Mounties, Const. Rockwell is going to see where her life goes while working here in the Pass.
“I’ll be able to touch on all of the different aspects of the job,” she says. “Then, I can see what specifically interests me.
“I want to see what each individual specialty holds for me.”
Const. Rockwell replaces the outgoing Const. Bill Pringle, who has accepted a training position with the RCMP.
Nursing - special people doing a special job
By Joni MacFarlane
Reporter
Friday May 09, 2008
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The nurses’ station at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital.
Joni MacFarlane photo
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There is no doubt that it takes a very special individual to be a nurse today.
It is a busy, demanding job that requires a high level of knowledge, dedication, commitment and compassion.
Lisa Heather chose nursing as a career because she wanted to help people and make a difference.
As a new member of the Crowsnest Pass health team, Heather finds it a very welcoming place to work and says the staff are great.
Coming from Lethbridge, she likes that it is more personal than in the larger centres. “The biggest difference between a small hospital and a large one, is that we have more time to talk to the patients and more time to listen to them,” said Heather. “It’s also nice that most of the staff are on a first name basis with the patients because it’s a small town and they know them. It’s good for the patients because they get continuity of care instead of seeing new faces all the time.”
The biggest challenge in nursing these days is no surprise. “Staffing,” said Heather. “We work a lot of hours sometimes, and more overtime because there just isn’t enough staff. If you’re available, it’s what you need to do. Many health care professionals just get burned out after a while.”
Even after seven years, Heather has seen a difference in the role of nurses. “The scope of practice has increased,” said Heather. “We have more responsibilities and it’s very good for us. It makes us feel more useful.”
Heather also acknowledges volunteers make a big difference. As the nursing staff doesn’t always have time, many of things the volunteers do, like talking to the patients, makes everyone feel good. For anyone who might be interested, Heather believes it’s a great profession. “It’s a wonderful career for anyone interested in health care. It’s a lot of work, but you’re always in demand and it can be very rewarding.”
Although it can be stressful, Heather cautions those considering nursing they have to be able to leave it behind when they go home.
“Sometimes we hear those call buttons in our sleep,” she laughed.
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