Motorcycling RN in Rocky Mountain House loves both rural living and rural nursing
Channel: RhPAP
Date: 2020-11-30

Heather Halladay, a registered nurse in Rocky Mountain House, grew up in the city. She also went to university in the city and practised nursing in the city. 

So, what brought her to rural Alberta?

“I fell in love with a helicopter pilot,” recalled Halladay, with a smile.

Josh Halladay worked in High Level when they got married. So, Heather moved up to the town of 3,200 residents in the far northwest of Alberta and started working at the hospital.

“I fell in love with rural nursing, where I got to do everything in a day: I was delivering babies, I was helping with end-of-life care, and everything in-between. It was exciting. It was dynamic. It was new and challenging.”

A few years later, Josh’s work required him to live closer to an international airport, so they moved to Rocky Mountain House, population 6,600. 

“We found the community very welcoming,” explained Heather. “We were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and how open people are to engaging and welcoming you.”

The Halladays enjoy the many recreational opportunities offered by Rocky Mountain House, often just call “Rocky” by locals. There are 14 lakes within a half-hour drive. Crimson Lake Provincial Park is just minutes away and is a popular spot for camping, swimming, and boating. 

Josh and Heather love nothing better than heading out on their motorcycles on a warm summer day with their six-year-old son, Shep, behind Heather and 9-year-old daughter, Grace, riding with Josh.

Presently, Heather works at the hospital on a casual basis to allow her more time to be with her children. 

She has a passion for teaching labour and delivery to both practising nurses and nursing students from Red Deer College.

“I bring students in, and they comment on how friendly everybody is [at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre], how everyone works together, and how the teams are so strong. They comment on how the doctors ask them for their opinions and their input.”

She enjoys the collaboration and the teamwork of health professionals in the community and has no plans to head back to the city.

“Now, having worked in both urban settings and rural settings, it would be tough for me to go back to a city hospital,” said Halladay. “I love going to work and doing different things every day and working with different populations every day. I love it.”

What is her advice to nurses who are pondering rural practice?

“Just try it out. It is so worth it.”