Meg Pickel
About Meg Pickel
Meg Pickel is a Remote Certified Nurse with the Resource Team at the First Nations Health Authority, where she has worked since 2015. She has extensive experience in public health nursing, community health program coordination, and policy development, particularly in remote First Nations communities in British Columbia.
Work at First Nations Health Authority
Meg Pickel has been employed at the First Nations Health Authority as a Remote Certified Nurse, Resource Team since 2015. In this role, she provides urgent and public health services to communities in remote locations across British Columbia. Her responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of community-driven health programs tailored to the needs of First Nations communities. She also refers and links clients to various health services, ensuring they receive comprehensive care.
Previous Experience in Public Health Nursing
Prior to her current role, Meg Pickel worked as a Public Health Nurse at Solutions Staffing from 2012 to 2015. During this three-year period, she served in First Nations communities located in rural British Columbia. Her experience in these settings contributed to her understanding of the unique health challenges faced by these populations. Additionally, she worked as a Community Health Program Coordinator for the American Refugee Committee in Kissidougou, Guinea, West Africa, for nine months in 2002 to 2003.
Education and Expertise
Meg Pickel holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McGill University, where she studied from 1982 to 1986. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Public Health with a focus on Maternal and Child Health from UNC Chapel Hill, completing her studies from 1999 to 2001. Her educational background provides her with a strong foundation in both nursing and public health, enhancing her ability to serve diverse communities.
Background and Community Involvement
Meg Pickel grew up on a reserve, which has influenced her commitment to health advocacy and community service. She has extensive experience in policy development and change, having advocated for policy changes at the provincial level. Her work includes serving as a health director for 18 years and working as a nurse educator with Healing Our Spirit. She has also collaborated with Health Canada, demonstrating her dedication to improving health outcomes in her community.
Research and Coordination Experience
Before her roles in public health nursing, Meg Pickel worked as a Research Coordinator at UNC Hospitals from 2004 to 2005. This position allowed her to gain valuable experience in research methodologies and health program coordination. Her diverse background in research and community health has equipped her with the skills necessary to effectively address health issues and implement programs in remote areas.