After earning her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from St. Francis Xavier University, Katie Stone was uncertain about the direction of her career. She took a year off school, working as a patient attendant in the operating room. 

“I was responsible for preparing the operating rooms between cases, assisting with patient transfers, and performing other essential tasks,” she said. 

“This experience provided me with valuable exposure to perioperative nursing, which inspired me to pursue the fast-track, two-year nursing program at Dalhousie University.”

Basia Solarz, Molly DeShong and Lynn Friedman warm up their voices in the Volunteer Services space of the QEII’s VG site on this October Tuesday afternoon. 

They decide who will sing melody, who will sing high, who will sing low. The songs they sing are not related to any religious or spiritual tradition – they are simple, gentle and comforting, and the lyrics are universal, such as: “May only love surround you” and “You are not alone.” 

As a nursing student at Dalhousie University, Leah Gamoulakos enrolled in an elective perioperative course at that would set the trajectory for the rest of her career. 

After graduating, she accepted a position in the operating room, and while working full time, went on to advance her skills by completing the Perioperative Nursing Program (PONP) through Nova Scotia Health’s Learning Institute.

Culturally specific Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics enable people of African descent to receive vaccinations in a place that feels familiar and respectful. Appointments are not needed to attend Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics, drop-ins are welcome. Although these clinics are culturally specific, all are welcome to attend.

This week, the following Black Health and wellness Clinics will be held in Eastern Zone:

Menelik Hall Community Centre
88 Laurier St., Whitney Pier
Friday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Kara Shannon is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner (NP) whose journey in healthcare began during a clinical rotation in her undergraduate studies. It was there that Kara discovered the transformative role of a nurse practitioner—one that combines the underpinnings of a registered nurse, with an extended scope of practice to assess, diagnosis and treat patients. Inspired, she eagerly reached out to her university to learn about the requirements needed to pursue this fulfilling career path after gaining valuable nursing experience.

On Sunday evening (Nov. 10), the QEII emergency department sustained water damage after a sprinkler was activated. Following a survey of the damage, it has been determined that some areas will take several weeks to repair.

The emergency department remains open and patients with emergent and urgent health concerns should not hesitate to visit or call 911.

For less urgent care needs, we encourage people to consider the following options:

November 10 to 16 marks Perioperative Nurses Week which celebrates the incredible dedication, skill, and impact of perioperative (surgical) nurses across the province. Perioperative nurses play an integral role in supporting their patient’s surgical journey, from pre-admission to recovery, and delivering high-quality care in and out of the operating room. Meet Kimberley from Hants Community Hospital and Julia from the Halifax Infirmary site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

Perioperative Nurses Week is November 10 to 16! This week we celebrate the nurses who support patients in all aspects of their surgical journey, from consultations to the operating room, and on their road to recovery. 

It didn’t take long for Megan Boudreau to know that she wanted to be in perioperative (surgical) nursing. In her second year of nursing school, she had her first opportunity to be in an operating room during her clinical placement and knew it was where she wanted to spend her career.

“Part of my body just doesn't work like everyone else's, but that's okay!" – Addison Eagles, age 6

Helping people comes naturally to Katie Lameman, Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator (MIPN) in Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone, which includes Cape Breton Island, Antigonish and Guysborough counties.

Her dedication to helping others is profoundly inspired by her mother, Donna Lameman, a retired teacher and education director. Donna exemplifies compassion and kindness, instilling values of support and assistance for those in need.