Learning Objective #1: Describe and explain an innovative educational program for elementary school children that promotes Aboriginal nurse recruitment and retention in Aboriginal communities in BC, Canada

Learning Objective #2: Explain how a Population Health Promotion Model (Hamilton & Bhatti, 1996) can be utlized to address the critical shortage of Aboriginal nurses in BC, Canada

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Nat and Nellie the Traveling Nurses' Show, aims to recruit Aboriginal students (male and female) into Bachelor of Science nursing programs. In addition, it endeavors to promote the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal nurses to work in remote and underserved communities in British Columbia (B.C), Canada. It is widely acknowledged that culturally sensitive health care, is best delivered by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people. Thus far, efforts to recruit students of Aboriginal origin into the nursing profession have resulted in minimal enrollment. This presentation describes an educational program that uses storytelling and play to enhance the image of nursing among elementary school students (K-3). Nat and Nellie (two Aboriginal dolls) accompany student nurses, traveling to remote and underserved communities, where they perform the “Traveling Nurses' Show”. This B.C government funded initiative is currently in its' second year of implementation. Evaluation of outcomes has demonstrated the potential of the program to attract Aboriginal students into the nursing profession. As well a number of new graduates who participated in the project are currently working full time in remote/underserved B.C. communities.