May 12–18 marks National Nursing Week 2025, a week to honour the hard work, dedication, and transformative impact of nurses across Canada.
This year’s theme, "The Power of Nurses to Transform Health," highlights the essential role that over 478,000 nurses play in shaping the future of healthcare in our communities and beyond.
In Portage, National Nursing Week is being celebrated in full swing, with local nurses receiving appreciation and recognition for their work.
Samantha Hawco, Director of Operations and Clinical Lead at the Portage Clinic, spoke about the significance of the week and the crucial role nurses play in healthcare.
“We are very fortunate here at the Portage Clinic to have a wonderful group of amazing nurses and medical team assistants,” Hawco says. “They work tirelessly with our physicians and patients providing the best care we can offer in our community.”
The impact of nurses
Hawco notes that nurses and medical assistants are often the first point of contact for patients when they arrive at the clinic. Their work involves gathering vitals like height, weight, and blood pressure, laying the groundwork for the physicians to do their jobs effectively.
“It is a very busy and hectic position as a nurse, but it is very rewarding,” Hawco adds. “In the long run, it is a very great profession.”
Local efforts and celebrations
The Portage Clinic has joined the larger national celebration with a series of local events.
On the first day of National Nursing Week, doctors at the clinic gave out gift cards to members of the nursing department as a token of appreciation.
The week also includes ongoing celebrations to ensure nurses feel recognized for their contributions.
Nurses as leaders in healthcare
In a year where the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) celebrates the transformative power of nurses, their work is becoming even more vital. Nurses are leading efforts in redesigning care systems, driving bold policy changes, and influencing health transformations.
“Our physicians are always so grateful and very thankful to all of our nursing department for everything that they do," said Hawco.
Hawco has a background rooted in nursing. She began her career working directly with physicians and patients on the floor, gaining hands-on experience in patient care.
Over the years, she transitioned into leadership roles, but her passion for nursing remains central to her work.
Hawco’s journey in healthcare started after she completed her science degree at Brandon University and earned her nursing qualifications through Assiniboine Community College.
Local nurse reflects on her career
Chelsea Tan, a local nurse at the Portage Hospital since 2015, shared her thoughts on National Nursing Week and the rewarding aspects of her profession. Having worked in acute care and the emergency department, Chelsea has spent nearly a decade providing care in high-pressure environments.
"I really like dealing with the public and people," says Tan. "Nursing has a good opportunity for that—meeting different people, learning about them, meeting their families, and having the chance to make a positive impact, especially when they’re going through tough times."
Despite the challenges of the profession, Tan finds the rewards of nursing far outweigh the difficulties.
"Nursing can definitely be challenging, especially when we don’t always receive thanks for our work. But seeing the positive outcomes and knowing that we made a difference in someone’s life makes it all worth it," she says.
Reflecting on the importance of National Nursing Week, Tan emphasizes the value of recognizing the hard work of nurses.
“We've been through a lot, especially with COVID, and we all deserve a thank you,” she adds. "It's important for nurses across Canada to feel appreciated for everything they do."
Looking ahead: workforce needs
With upcoming retirements on the horizon, the Portage Clinic is already looking to fill open positions.
“We are currently looking for a 0.8 maternity leave,” Hawco continues.
This opportunity adds to the growing need for nurses, both locally and nationally, as the profession faces increased demand and new challenges.
The Portage Clinic currently employs a total of 11 nurses in addition to five MyHealth Team nurses and 19 Medical Team Assistants.