NP Spotlight – Stéphanie Lesage

Stéphanie Lesage RN NP
Nurse Practitioner – Swan Lake & Somerset

Background:
For as long I can remember, I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field. My healthcare career began as early as my teenage years, when I worked as a health care aid at the local long-term care facility. At that time, I had no idea which direction within the field I wanted to pursue. After a quick internet search, I decided the nursing program may be the right fit for me. It was not until I discovered that my high school chemistry course was not a prerequisite for the nursing program that I confirmed my decision. I quickly dropped the class and committed to becoming a nurse. Sometimes the most reckless decisions do lead you in the right direction.  

Since I began my nursing career, my goal has always been to become a Nurse Practitioner. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba and obtained my Bachelor of Nursing in 2011. Most of my career as a registered nurse occurred in a rural setting. After several years as a registered nurse, I decided to enrol in the Athabasca University while raising a three- and six-year-old. I received my Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program in 2020. Since becoming a nurse practitioner, I have had the opportunity to work in several different settings: walk in connected care, long term care and rural practice.

Workplace:
I am currently one of two nurse practitioners working in a rural practice in the neighboring southern Manitoba communities of Swan Lake and Somerset. Our practice includes two primary care clinics and a transitional care facility.

Daily Responsibilities:
My role as a nurse practitioner in these communities is quite broad. Our clinic’s greatest challenge is balancing chronic disease management and same day access. Maintaining a rural practice comes with its unique barriers and challenges. Resources are not readily accessible in our facilities.

I work with a variety of vulnerable populations who each experience unique barriers to accessing care. These include increased needs, complex medical conditions, mobility issues and chronic pain. For many patients, their ability to attend specialist appointments is limited, and for some, not attainable at all.

Although my rural practice presents many barriers and challenges, I find my role as a nurse practitioner within a rural community quite rewarding. 

Fulfillment in the Role:
As a nurse practitioner, I find it most fulfilling to empower patients to take the lead on their own health and wellness. I focus on building a strong rapport with my clients, which allow me to connect and build trust and understanding with my patients. I appreciate that everyone comes from a unique background and for that reason their care must be individualized, which I consider a component of holistic care. Every patient and their families have unique goals and challenges, and every care plan should look different. I strive to provide clients with the knowledge and information to make their own informed choices and individualize their care.

Vision for the NP Role in Manitoba:  
As we are all aware, the healthcare system is facing major challenges. There are increasing demands in every area, and this is our opportunity to thrive. This is our opportunity, as Nurse Practitioners, to highlight our strengths and advantages. Every nurse practitioner has their own individualized scope of practice. This can be beneficial not only in primary care but also in acute care, specialized areas and in other sectors such as education and leadership.

Advice to Aspiring NPs:
I recommend new Nurse Practitioners explore as many roles and unique opportunities as possible, including the numerous opportunities in rural Manitoba. As a new or aspiring Nurse Practitioner, starting this journey can be quite overwhelming. Every Nurse Practitioner will find themselves in a position where they do not know which direction to take. For that reason, it is important to stay connected with the Nurse Practitioner community and build your network and support system within the community.