Meet Melissa Sheffield: The nurse caring for the community that raised her

Patients in the Annapolis Valley have another way to access timely care thanks to RN prescriber Melissa Sheffield, who sees patients at the same day clinics in Berwick and Wolfville.

Melissa studied her bachelor of science in nursing at St. Francis Xavier University and became a registered nurse in 2016. She worked on the surgical floor at Valley Regional Hospital for several years, then in ambulatory care, which led her to primary care.  

In 2024, she completed the RN prescriber program at Dalhousie University which has transformed how she is able to deliver care.  

“As an RN prescriber, for certain conditions I can diagnose, develop a plan of care, order tests and prescribe treatment,” Melissa says. “Previously, I would assess patients before they saw another provider. Now I can see them through from start to finish.”

Her days are filled with patients seeking care for common but semi-urgent concerns such as infections and respiratory illnesses that need timely treatment but do not necessarily require an emergency department visit. “When I ask where they would go if they couldn’t see me, most people say they would have gone to the emergency room,” says Melissa.

Patients frequently comment on the time and attention they receive during appointments. Because of her role, Melissa can spend more time educating patients about medications, symptoms and when to seek further care.  

“I really enjoy the education piece. The extra time gives me the opportunity to help patients understand how to care for themselves and when to come back.”

Melissa works closely with physicians and nurse practitioners every day, consulting and transferring care when patients need a higher level of support. “It’s really important to have that collaboration. We never know what will come through the door,” she says.

Melissa’s contributions don’t go unnoticed by her team. “Melissa has been a tremendous asset to the same day clinic, improving patient access to timely treatment,” says Kristen Harvey, health services lead in the Annapolis and Kings network. “Her clinical judgment, autonomy and collaborative approach have strengthened both efficiency and the overall quality of care for patients.”

For Melissa, the work is deeply personal. She grew up in the Annapolis Valley and attended Central Kings High School, meaning many of the people she helps today are members of her own community. “I’m grateful to have this role because I’m able to help people where I grew up,” she says.

The same day clinic is a non-urgent care service. The clinic is available to patients without a primary care provider, as well as to those who are unable to access their regular provider in a timely manner. Melissa hopes more people learn about the service and consider it an option when they need timely care. “We want people to think about where they can go other than the emergency department, all while making sure they're getting the right care, by the right person, at the right time.”

Even though Melissa doesn’t get to follow patients long-term, she says the gratitude they express makes the work even more meaningful.  

“Patients leave here really appreciative, and I feel like I provide good, safe care,” says Melissa. “I truly feel like nursing is what I was meant to do.”

To make an appointment at a same day clinic in the Annapolis Valley area, you can call 1-833-710-0110 Monday to Friday starting at 8 a.m. Phone lines will open Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. if appointments are available, and the clinics stay open until all appointments are filled.  

To learn more about the RN authorized prescriber role in primary care, click here. 

Photo of Melissa Sheffield.