Nursing Testimonials

Shelly Miiyuk (Reeve) Nordlum

I was born and raised in Kotzebue, Alaska. I have traveled to all of our 11 villages in our region. Kotzebue is a small safe unique community to live in. I love spending time outdoors: hunting, fishing, hiking, berry picking, skiing, biking, beach combing, and boating. My favorite thing to do each summer is spend time in my garden and greenhouse. This year we grew the following: Swiss chard, carrots, lettuce, kale, radishes, turnips, broccoli, kohlrabi, peas, beans, potatoes, beets, cabbage and cauliflower.

I am a Registered Nurse. I currently work in the Specialty clinic. I am in charge of the following Specialty field clinics: Cardiology, ENT, and Arthritis. I also do the following: IV infusions, Video Teleconference appointments with ANMC providers, and conscious sedation for EGD’s/colonoscopies. I enjoy working closely as a team with the all the Nursing staff, Medical staff, CHAPS, pharmacy, lab, radiology and all other departments at Maniilaq Health Center.

I went to nursing school here in Kotzebue with UAA School of nursing program. This is a great program to train local people to become nurses. Local nurses give better care because they understand the culture and issues related to giving good patient care. I encourage others interested in nursing careers to look into this program. If anyone is interested or has questions please feel free to contact me.

My advice for others wanting to pursue a nursing career: Never give up, show up and do your best. It is the hardest most satisfying thing you can do. There is no better feeling then helping others the best you can with the resources you have. Try to have a positive outlook on life, work or school. My life goes much easier with a smile on my face while trying to help others. Life is much more satisfying if you do something you love.

Tiffany Scott

Current student, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Arizona State University

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, University of Alaska Anchorage

Certified Nurse’s Aide, Alaska Technical Center

Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Harvard University

In the Fall of 2015 I decided to make a career change and took the first step by enrolling in a certified nurse’s aide course at the local technical center. Upon program completion, I gained employment in the Emergency Department as a relief patient care technician at MHC, and simultaneously matriculated into the local nursing program, offered through distance education by UAA. I graduated from nursing school in December 2017 and became licensed in March 2018. I now work as registered nurse in the Acute Care department, which has become my home away from home, with many co-workers I feel fortunate to work alongside.

What is unique about working in a place that most consider to be the edge of the world, is that it brings together people from many walks of life. Our practice is enriched by the many experiences each employee brings to our organization, contributing to our efforts to deliver the highest and best care possible to our patients.

What I love most about working at MHC is the opportunity to serve our people, in a capacity they’ve grown accustomed to being served by those not from our area; that brings so much meaning to the work I do. Someday I hope to use my background in government affairs, and my training as a nurse, to guide health policy that helps elevate the health status of those we serve.