QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
South Cumberland Community Care Centre (SCCCC) in Parrsboro is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes its first-ever group of Practical Nursing students from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). This milestone marks a new chapter in the centre's commitment to rural healthcare education and workforce development.
“For the first time in my 30 years at SCCCC, we have a group of students with their instructor for a clinical placement,” said Anne Trottier, site lead. “We’ve long advocated for this opportunity, and it’s so rewarding to see it happening. Having learners here enriches our team and strengthens our passion for rural healthcare.”
Under the guidance of NSCC Clinical Instructor Valerie Stanley, the first-year students—Austyn Simpson, Manmeet Kaus, Leona Lake, Kelsey Waddell, and Marley Sarson—are diving into their first placement. They’re gaining hands-on experience in clinical skills, assessments, and procedures, with more opportunities to get involved directly—something smaller facilities like SCCCC uniquely offer compared to larger settings. At SCCCC, students become integral members of the team, working side by side with staff in the urgent treatment centre and across disciplines.
The small, inviting environment of SCCCC offers a unique glimpse into rural healthcare, where teamwork is the cornerstone of success. “It’s such a welcoming atmosphere,” said one student. “You’re not just observing—you’re part of the team.”
The impact is felt beyond the students. “Walking into long-term care and seeing the smiling faces of our residents as they receive extra time and care from the students is such a joy,” said Kelsea Gillis, patient care leader at SCCCC. “This is new for us, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how everyone is enjoying their presence. Thank you, NSCC, for choosing us for a placement—we look forward to many more in the future!”
For these future nurses, the opportunity to learn in a rural setting isn’t just about skills—it’s about community. It’s an experience that truly makes them feel at home, far from the bustle of city traffic, and right at the heart of healthcare.