Jillian Sawchuk didn’t always envision settling down in a Northern Manitoba community, but after nearly two decades in Gillam, she can’t see her life anywhere else.
“I feel really fortunate to call this my home and to be accepted by the community.”     

For the past 10 years, Sawchuk has worked as a Nurse Practitioner providing a high-level of care to the communities of Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation.

As the sole female healthcare provider in the community, Sawchuk plays a vital role in women’s health, maternal care, and prenatal services. She performs IUD insertions, contraceptive implants, and other procedures that are crucial to ensuring that women in the region have access to essential healthcare.

Sawchuk’s work consistently reflects her commitment to continuity of care – ensuring patients receive follow-up care, guidance, and any additional referrals they might need.

“Being able to follow up with my patients and close that loop is what I love most about my job,” Sawchuk explains. “It’s about treating the person as a whole.”

In a remote community like Gillam, where resources are limited and access to care can be challenging, primary care providers like Sawchuk are indispensable. While larger cities have numerous specialists, Gillam’s residents often need to travel long distances to access care. Sawchuk, has worked tirelessly to bridge these gaps, using telehealth and other resources to connect her patients with the care they need, no matter how far away those specialists might be. Her ability to navigate these challenges makes her a lifeline for many in the community.

Outside her clinical role, Sawchuk is also an engaged and active community member. She serves on the local school advisory committee and is involved in recreational programs like the skating and hockey clubs.

“I believe in leading by example,” Sawchuk says. “If I want to encourage others to live healthier lives, I need to be involved in the community and set that example for them.”

Sawchuk’s dedication to the people of Gilliam illustrates the powerful connection community and consistency in care can have. She recognizes the challenges of working in a remote location and views them as opportunities for growth and ways to make a meaningful difference.

“My work here is never dull,” she says. “Every patient and every situation is different, and that provides me with opportunities to continue learning and adapting to better serve my community.”

For Sawchuk, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the ability to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s providing critical prenatal care, guiding a patient through a complex health issue, or simply offering a reassuring word, Sawchuk’s presence in the community is invaluable.

“What keeps me motivated is knowing that I’m making a difference,” she shares. “I may not always be able to solve everything right away, but I know how to connect people with the care they need, and that means everything.”

Interested in a career as a nurse?

In every community and in all health-care settings, Manitoba nurses are making a difference. Nurses are essential members of our health-care teams, bringing their skills, dedication, and compassion to patient interactions every day.

Nurses collaborate with members of the health care team to provide care to individuals, groups, and communities in a variety of practice areas. Nurses work within a broad scope of practice, which includes health promotion, and illness prevention, direct patient care and rehabilitation.

A career as a nurse can take you anywhere!  Visit  Current Career Opportunities – Northern Health Region to explore how to become a nurse, incentives and benefits and more.