From student nurse to RN at Glace Bay Hospital – Sophie Curtis said “I knew when I was doing my placement that I wanted to come back”

Sophie Curtis came to Glace Bay Hospital’s unit 3-South/West as a student nurse, stayed on as a graduate nurse and will continue her work on the unit now that she’s graduated as an RN from Cape Breton University. She feels part of the team – and has since the beginning. 

“When I first came here, I felt like everyone wanted to teach me everything,” said Sophie. “It wasn’t only my preceptor Shellyse; other nurses would say, ‘I’m going to do this, do you want to come watch?’ I was very welcomed here.” 

This culture of positivity and teamwork is intentional. Clinical nurse leaders Sonya Macintosh and Yvonne Spencer said it’s important for them and other nurses on the unit to remember what it was like to have their first clinical placement. Sonya and Yvonne prepare staff before a student comes to the unit and team members integrate them into the team.  

When it comes to new grads, Yvonne said they check in regularly to ensure they feel supported. “Is there anything else we can assist them with? Is there any other education or help they need?” 

“New grads have to be in an environment where they’re comfortable to ask questions,” said Sonya. “I’ve been a nurse for 17 years and I still ask questions. You can’t know everything all the time.” 

“No one should ever feel like they’re working on their own,” she added. “It’s been that way since I’ve been a staff nurse – you’re always on a team. Someone’s always got your back. It comes across to patients and families too. They say, ‘People are so happy here.’ People are giving off a good happy vibe all the time.”
Shellyse Fahey is Sophie’s preceptor and will continue to orient her when she starts working as an RN. 

“Shellyse gets me involved in all aspects of care,” said Sophie.
Shellyse remembers her own experience of being a student nurse, and how the focus was on performing smaller tasks rather than seeing and understanding the full picture. As a preceptor, she aims to expose student nurses to a broader experience. “You have to get right in there to learn.”

She added, “I’ve learned so much more on the floor than I have reading my books. I’m more of a hands-on person.” In this spirit, Shellyse has student nurses connect with doctors, and provide reports to nurse colleagues, so student nurses can gain confidence and experience. She’s there all the while for support.
Sophie said the encouragement to succeed has come from all members of the team. “Nursing staff, CCAs, ward clerks have all given me encouragement: ‘You’re doing really well here. We’d love to have you come back.’

She remembers the first time she mentioned to manager John MacIntyre that she’d be interested in an entry level position as a grad nurse. “Right away he said yes!” she shared. 

Sophie has no doubts about working on the unit as an RN, only excitement and gratitude. 

“I knew when I was doing my placement here, that I wanted to come back. Yes! I’m 100 per cent confident. I felt like I could fit right in. Everyone here is the reason I’m staying. It’s the people.”