Celebrating five generations of nurses

On Alena’s wall hangs a history, journey, and legacy of nursing. The five black and white pictures are graduation photos, from Alena’s great-grandmother to her daughter.

“I’m very proud to say I’m a fourth generation RN,” Alena said. “My mother and grandmother worked in rural Alberta, and that passion to care for others was passed down yet another generation when my daughter graduated with her RN degree. She works rurally in Alberta as well!”

Alena graduated from McEwan’s nursing program in 2001 with her RN diploma and completed her BScN in a University of Alberta rural delivery program in 2009. She was drawn to nursing as a way to offer strength for those living through difficult moments in their lives. “I know my family members who chose nursing as a career also felt compelled to serve others in this way,” Alena shared.

Alena has worked in rural nursing her entire career in several different roles and appreciates the array of different learning experiences that nursing offers.

“I always encourage others who are interested in nursing to pursue it because it’s a versatile career,” Alena said. “The skills and knowledge can be used in many different healthcare settings.”

For Alena, her passion to serve others comes at the forefront of her nursing career.

“I often advise nurses to keep the patient and family at the forefront. In choosing nursing, we chose to share our passion to comfort and support people in their time of need.”

That strength of voice in advocacy comes through in her reasons behind being a member of AAN.

“I joined the Alberta Association of Nurses when they were established so I could do my part to advocate for nursing. AAN is an important organization for Alberta nurses to be the structure and strength supporting us along our paths in serving others. We need to rebuild our profession and strengthen our relationships as an essential foundation in healthcare.

Alena Thompson was also the winner of this year’s pin design contest, which will be handed out during the 2024 Our Voice. Our Time. Conference.