Starting Saturday, December 14, 2024, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department has changed to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
With The Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health such a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today we’re featuring continuing care nurse, Morgan Chiasson.
Morgan Chiasson is a continuing care nurse who believes the most rewarding part of her role is “being in your own community, serving the people of your own community.”
From Margaree, Morgan worked at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for six years before making the switch to continuing care. She remembers hearing conversations in her community about continuing care nurses, and how much patients and families appreciated their help in keeping people in their home.
“It was always in the back of my mind,” says Morgan, who landed a continuing care registered nurse position in Inverness when the previous continuing care nurse retired. As soon as a position opened in Margaree, Morgan knew it was the right fit for her. She works alongside two LPNs and another RN.
“My coworkers keep me going,” says Morgan. “Morale in our office is amazing. We work really well together. Everybody is great to communicate, to pick up for each other. Even when you’re having a bad day, you know you can call on them and there’s always someone there to help. It’s very supportive.”
Morgan also points to the strong rapport the team has with doctors. “They’re super receptive and supportive. They help us because they want to keep people at home too.”
As an RN, Morgan focuses on everything from medication administration to general assessments, wound care, IV treatments, post-operative care and palliative care. Before taking on the role, she says she didn’t fully understand the complexity of care that could be provided at home. She notes that the continuing care home nursing service is enabling patients to stay at home and out of hospital, which benefits patients, families and the health system.
Most rewarding for Morgan is the rapport, trust, and connection she builds with patients and families. “There’s something different about going into someone’s home and being trusted thoroughly. You’re building that rapport in people’s homes, and you know you’re well respected. You feel it in community.”
We want to learn and share your stories. What keeps you going, despite challenges? What does working in health and health care mean to you, both personally and professionally? Who is that colleague or teammate that makes going to work easier when things feel hard?
Whether you’ve had a defining moment that reaffirmed your purpose or want to recognize a colleague who embodies the heart of health, share your story with us. Let’s celebrate each other! E-mail: heartofhealth@nshealth.ca