The NTHSSA is pleased to highlight Erin Currie, Territorial Nurse Practitioner (NP) Lead and Certified Diabetes Educator. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Erin completed her nursing diploma in 1987 before moving to Deline in 1997 and then to Yellowknife in 2000, where she later completed the Nurse Practitioner program through Aurora College.

In addition to her everyday role, Erin is also the territory’s representative on the Nurse Practitioner Association of Canada and is a virtual facilitator with the Michener Institute as part of her work with diabetes.

Erin comes from a long line of nurses so figured a career within the field was not in the cards for her until she became a Community Health Nurse and later determined that she wanted to expand her scope of practice by becoming a Nurse Practitioner. By doing so, she feels she is able to make a greater impact by providing comprehensive, holistic care to her patients and empowering fellow NPs across the territory.

While Erin says there are always challenges to overcome within any role, resolutions are possible through communication, documentation, and research.

“NPs are able to do 80-90% of the same work as physicians” she says. “There is a very high degree of patient satisfaction with NP care, whose services prevent hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes.” Over time, she says she would love to see more interest and attention directed towards NPs and their ability to drive real and positive change across the health and social services system.

Erin thoroughly enjoys the small town, rural feel of the Northwest Territories and values the connections and friendships she has made since moving North. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, puzzles, and games.

Thank you for everything you do, Erin!