Healthcare careers in rural communities offer a unique experience, providing exciting opportunities to connect with patients and colleagues in meaningful ways. At St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, two healthcare professionals - Lindsay Stevens, site lead and health services manager, and Kylie Dahr, registered nurse - share their insights about working in this tight-knit, rural healthcare setting.
Lindsay Stevens has been working with Nova Scotia Health since 2010, starting at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital before moving to St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in 2022. As the site lead and health services manager, Lindsay brings experience from her time in both frontline and managerial roles.
Lindsay chose to take on the role at St. Mary’s for a different perspective on nursing in a rural community. “It’s great for me because I’m two minutes from my house, and my kids go to school here,” she said. “Living in a rural community means you’re close to family and your coworkers become more like family too. Sometimes, we spend time together outside of work, like going to hockey games or other activities.”
The beauty of rural living is the ability to enjoy the outdoors without the stresses of city life. “You can get off work and be kayaking or four-wheeling within minutes. The time saved from not sitting in traffic is priceless,” she explained.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in a rural hospital, according to Lindsay, is the deep connection to the community.
“Our patients are members of our community,” she shared. “When they come into the hospital, they know us, and that creates a sense of comfort. You're not just treating a patient, you're treating their entire family, and that can make a big difference.”
Lindsay points out that while rural hospitals may not have the same resources as larger regional centres, the team at St. Mary’s is creative and resourceful with the tools they have. “We don’t have all the perks, but we get the job done,” she shared. “We have a great support system, and we do everything we can to ensure the best care for our patients and their families.”
Lindsay encourages anyone considering rural healthcare to give it a chance. “Take a look at the opportunities and the pros of rural living - being close to nature, having more time outside of work and building meaningful relationships with your colleagues and patients,” she advised. “The sense of community here is really something special.”
She also highlighted a touching story of nurse Kylie Dahr, who, after completing a clinical placement at St. Mary’s, returned to work as a full-time nurse, “It’s amazing to see her growth and confidence. She’s made real connections with patients, even though she’s from a different rural community.”
Kylie Dahr’s journey with Nova Scotia Health began in June 2023 when she started a co-op placement at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital. Since then, Kylie has transitioned from an undergraduate nursing student to a graduate nurse and is now a registered nurse.
For Kylie, living and working in a rural community has been an incredibly rewarding experience. “The peace and quiet, the proximity to nature - living along the St. Mary’s River with my husband and two dogs has been wonderful,” she said. “In my free time, I love to be outside, whether it’s four-wheeling, going up and down the river on a sea-doo, or just enjoying the stunning views of our backyard.”
Kylie feels equally connected to the community through her work. “Working in a rural hospital is so rewarding. You’re involved in every stage of life - and you get to build relationships with patients and their families,” she explained. “You see the same people multiple times, and it’s such a privilege to be there for them through different moments in their lives.”
One of the aspects of rural healthcare that Kylie appreciates most is the close-knit nature of the team at St. One of the aspects of rural healthcare that. Kylie appreciates most is the close-knit nature of the team at St. Mary’s. “We are a small group of nurses, but we’re like family,” she said. “We rely on each other and develop such strong relationships. That makes all the difference when you’re providing care.”
She also highlights the unique challenges of working in a rural hospital, particularly with the nearest regional hospital being 50 minutes away. “That’s where the teamwork comes in - we all work together to provide the best care for our patients.”
Kylie feels incredibly fulfilled by the impact she has on her patients. “The most rewarding part of working in healthcare for me is making a real difference in people’s lives, whether it’s helping them fight an illness or comforting them at the end of life,” she shared.
For anyone considering a rural nursing career, Kylie offered this advice: “You will not regret it. The support you receive as a student and nurse is unmatched. You’ll have more opportunities to develop your skills because you’re often the only student or one of a few nurses on staff. And the relationships you build with your coworkers are so meaningful. We celebrate each other’s milestones, and we’re always there for each other.”
She also encourages new nurses to explore financial incentives, such as signing bonuses and student loan forgiveness, which can be a huge help in rural healthcare settings.
Working at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in Sherbrooke offers a unique and rewarding experience in the healthcare field. For those considering a rural healthcare career, their advice is clear: give it a chance; you won’t regret it.
Discover more career opportunities in rural Nova Scotia at https://nsh.morethanmedicine.ca/transform-lives-and-grow-your-career-ru….
