Yarmouth nursing student earns praise for compassion, professionalism

A third‑year nursing student at the Dalhousie University School of Nursing Yarmouth Campus is being recognized for his extraordinary compassion and professionalism while caring for a patient at Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

Drew Curtis, 20, was nominated for his dedication after forming a special bond with a patient and her family during her final months in palliative care. The family described his bedside manner as beyond comparison and said his presence brought comfort during a difficult time.

My sister “was treated like royalty, but one particular student nurse, by the name of Drew Curtis, stole our hearts,” the patient’s sibling wrote in a glowing nomination note. “It was shocking to learn that he was a student and not a full-fledged registered nurse because his professionalism and bedside manner was second to none.”

Drew says he was humbled to learn he had left such a lasting impression. “Honestly, I don’t think I realized I had made that much of an impact,” he says. “I just try my hardest to do my best. It’s very heartwarming to know I was able to help a family feel supported.”

A resident of Yarmouth, Drew says his decision to pursue nursing was sparked by his stepmother’s mother, whom he considers a grandmother. “She was a nurse and she inspired me,” he explains. “I knew I wanted to go into healthcare but I felt nurses are more engaged with patients. I like the work nurses do to take care of people and help them get better.”

Drew says the experience reaffirmed his choice of career. “It reminds me why you do the work as a nurse,” he says. “It definitely gave me more confidence and motivation to keep pushing forward. I try to be positive in most things and I want to translate that into my work.”

Drew values the smaller class sizes in Yarmouth, which he believes provide a more personalized learning environment. “I feel really supported by all the teachers. They know all the students because there aren’t as many. It’s more personalized and that helps a lot.”

Drew hopes to remain in Yarmouth after graduation next summer, when he will complete his last clinical placement and write his final licensing exam. “I definitely plan to stay here for at least a few years,” he said. “We’ll see where life takes me, but I want to give back to the community I grew up in.”

He added that rural healthcare offers unique rewards. “It’s really rewarding to see people get better,” Drew says. “Sometimes someone might be having a bad day and being positive can make or break it. I really like to see other people happy and doing well.”

Drew appreciates the nomination and feels privileged to be able to support a family during such a vulnerable time. “I really want to be the kind of nurse who advocates for people and makes them feel cared for,” he says. “That’s what keeps me going.”

Dalhousie's School of Nursing Yarmouth Campus recently marked 30 years in the community.  

Photo of Drew Curtis.