Britney Plume always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. Growing up in Fall River, Nova Scotia, she studied kinesiology at Acadia University in Wolfville before completing her Master of Occupational Therapy at Halifax’s Dalhousie University. Shortly after graduating, in July 2024, she joined the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team. Once aboard, Britney quickly discovered her passion for helping people regain their independence.
As an occupational therapist, Britney supports individuals in performing everyday activities, such as safely navigating their home, preparing meals, or managing personal care.
“We focus on the functional things that are meaningful to people,” she says. “From the minute you wake up to the minute you go to bed, we help break down all the daily tasks in between to make them easier.”
Occupational therapy benefits everyone, Britney says.
“While we often work with seniors or those with mobility issues, we can also work with children who may need help learning to write, use scissors or even with potty training,” she adds “We can equip someone to safely manage everyday tasks, like remembering to turn off the stove, and support adults with chronic conditions as they navigate middle age. It’s a really broad scope of care.”
Britney’s work with the mobile team takes her across northern Nova Scotia, where she and her colleagues meet with people at community events and offer in-home visits. “No two days are the same. We’re out in rural areas like Five Islands, Tatamagouche and Amherst; bringing healthcare to people who might not otherwise have access,” she says. “It’s really rewarding to see the impact we can have.”
A favourite moment: providing equipment that helped a patient more easily get out of bed. “Something as simple as getting up in the morning, something many of us take for granted, completely changed their daily life,” Britney says. “Seeing their reaction and knowing I helped make their life easier is what makes my job so fulfilling.”
For more information on the Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team including their upcoming scheduled programs, visit Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team | Nova Scotia Health.
Photo of Britney Plume, occupational therapist with Northern Zone Mobile Health and Wellness Team.
