There are many dimensions to the career of an RN in a wide breadth of health-care areas, but with a Nova Scotian demographic that has seen a high increase in age, the demand for nurses and continuing care assistants in long term and continuing care is rapidly multiplying.
Three RNs at Glen Haven Manor with a variety of experiences share their insights and thoughts on a career that is bringing them great fulfillment, purpose, satisfaction and success.
Maggie Jamieson is a young RN in her mid-20s, who says she has always longed to be a nurse and to serve in a helping profession. She graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at St. FX University in Antigonish almost five years ago and explains she was drawn to Glen Haven and long-term care for the opportunities to have the privilege to care for people during their most intimate moments; when they are vulnerable and going through challenges she knows she can help with.
“It is very rewarding,” says Jamieson. “In long-term care we get to known residents and their families well. Our work is resident centered and we are working to our full scope. Glen Haven provides the opportunity to take on a leadership role as well as lots of educational and professional growth.”
The demands in the area of long-term and continuing care provide the chance to work to full scope as well as to provide individualized care and to get to know the residents and their families.
“Nursing is so much more than just a job for me, nursing is a part of who I am and I consider it a privilege to provide care to residents every day. Being a nurse, I’ve watched parents welcome a healthy newborn baby after many years of challenges. I’ve held the hand of a dying patient as they took their final breath. I’ve cared for many patients balancing on the fine line between life and death. I’ve cheered on a patient who was able to walk after being told they’d never walk again. Nursing is about caring, compassion, empathy, education, and advocacy. I absolutely love nursing.”
Cheryl Myers graduated from the Halifax Infirmary in 1983 and started her career at a small hospital at a time when there were not many full-time jobs. She then worked at nursing homes in Amherst and Pugwash where she fell in love with long-term care. Myers says she thought this would be a lifelong position for her, but she had always wanted to graduate from university with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, before her children graduated from university. She graduated in 2000 from the StFX nursing distance education program with honours, a member of only the second graduating class to achieve this long-distance degree. Her children followed in her footsteps with her daughter graduating also from StFX in 2008 and her son in 2010 and 2011.
She then held director of care positions in the Colchester County area for several long-term care facilities as well as holding a nursing management position with VON. She returned to teach nursing students for Futureworx and subsequently returned to a management role with the VON.
In 2017, Cheryl took a compassionate leave to help care for her mother in law and then retired from long-term care, but her retirement was very short lived. Following this life-changing experience, she established a business, organizing downsizing and aging in place, helping elders to adapt to their homes where she also used her nursing skills and knowledge. A year and a half ago, Myers joined the Glen Haven team, returning to her first career love of long-term care in a nursing home setting while also still continuing with her business – a dual career that brings her inspiration and fulfillment.
The veteran nurse explains she loves getting to know residents and their families and to support them with challenges, change or loss. “Glen Haven is their home and we provide care in that context. Caring is not just clinical; we recognize and respect that,” she adds.
Myers says she would tell young nurses entering the profession “to find a place where they belong; set the path and frame the future.” She explains ardently that she loves the strong team atmosphere and seeing a team develop and grow. The seasoned RN appreciates how her colleagues and leadership respect each other’s experiences/education and that everyone pitches in for the betterment of residents. She describes the qualities of a good RN as patient, able to see the total picture, being a good listener; a good problem solver and not afraid to ask questions.”
Myers speaks about the pride of wearing black and whites as paying homage to the traditional nurse’s cap with the black stripe that was once mandatory as part of a nurse’s uniform.
“I can’t explain it, “she says. “When I came here, I felt such a sense of pride like a new graduate; it reenergized me and made me want to continue with my profession.” She comments that she is motivated by continuous professional development and educational opportunities and encourages all nurses to never stop learning.
Evie MacMillan, RN, and a resident care manager, graduated from the Aberdeen School of Nursing and worked at the Aberdeen Hospital prior to coming to Glen Haven in 1995, and for a short time was working at both facilities. She had first worked in the retail sector and had a secretarial course to her credit but knew in her heart that nursing was to be her career.
As a mother of young children, she enrolled in nursing at the Aberdeen Regional Hospital, balancing studies with family responsibilities. She tells of studying at night as her children listened to her going through her courses and says her daughter, who is now a physician and specialist, teases her by saying that early exposure to microbiology was why she became a doctor.
MacMillan enjoys being part of the progressive things happening at Glen Haven and appreciates that staff have opportunities for education (on site and through courses and resources) and is enjoying the opportunity to fill in as a resident care manager during another colleague’s maternity leave. She explains she is most grateful to the staff at Glen Haven who had looked after her mother when Evie's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s only in her early 60s. MacMillan notes the care her mother received made a big impression on her as it made a huge difference in the life of her mother but also to her father who was very devoted to her mother.
"Sometimes the staff don't realize how just important they are in the lives of the families,” says MacMillan. “Together staff and families can provide amazing care for our residents. Our residents are a valuable part of society.”
MacMillan also is energized by the combination of the experience and expertise veteran nurses and CCA colleagues bring to the job along with the contribution of new grads who are full of ideas and open to change and possibilities, stating the blend supports exceptional care.
“This impacts the level of care being offered and is for the benefit of the residents,” she adds. “We are fortunate at Glen Haven to have a CEO who supports high standards, best practices and is taking us forward. Our leadership team is always looking at whatever we can do as a facility to make improvements for our residents. Glen Haven is open to suggestions, new advancements and wants continuous progress.”
She says being a nurse in long-term care is “more than a job, it is about making a difference.”
This article was contributed by Kim Dickson, Director of Communications for Glen Haven Manor.
