At one time they travelled by horseback to provide service for North Bay residents. Times have certainly changed, but the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) are still providing care in North Bay.
“We have been in North Bay since 1898 providing services before their were even roads in North Bay and we plan to be here for at least another 120,” said Jacqueline Dorval, VON Executive Director Northeast Region.
“We are mentoring the new generation of nurses.”
The local Victoria Order of Nurses celebrated VON week with an event at the North Bay museum on Wednesday.
Dorval says the VON provides service for all ages.
“We have nurse practitioners. midwives, we have visiting nursing, visiting PSW’s, we operate the meals on wheels program as well as an exercise program for seniors,” she explained.
Dorval says their service has evolved significantly since those days of VON’s riding horseback.
“Our visiting nursing program is very sophisticated care in the home now,” she said.
“We can do almost anything in the home that you can do at the hospital except surgery and very specialized care.”
Erin Steele is a management analyst for the VON locally. She is proud to be part of this organization that is making a difference.
“The nurses are out in clients homes that don’t want to be in the hospital, they want to stay at home and we are just providing services so they can do as they please,” said Steele.
“They want to stay at home and be cared for there and it is a little more friendly than the hospitals.”
