Inspiring Nursing Weeks Stories: Mindset of Care

Courtney Walsh, LPN

Bridgeview Hall, Miramichi, N.B.

Courtney’s path into nursing began in high school, when a visit to a local nursing home sparked an immediate connection with older adults. What started as a school visit quickly became something more meaningful, as she and her friends felt drawn to keep coming back. That connection only grew stronger when she completed her Grade 12 co-op in a nursing home, where working alongside nurses helped her see that nursing was the path she wanted to follow. 

Courtney was given the opportunity to continue building that path through Shannex by studying to become an LPN. After completing her training, she remained at Bridgeview Hall, where she now puts her skills to work each day while continuing to build the kind of resident relationships that first inspired her to enter the field. 

When asked, “Is there anything you wish the public could understand about the challenges nurses face?” 

She replied: “Most of the general public just see nursing as a profession, but this is a job where you can form very deep, meaningful connections with residents and carry that grief with you when the inevitable happens. Sometimes there is more emotional strain than what people actually realize.”

Thank you, Courtney, for providing physical and emotional support to your residents!

Lisa Manuel, RN

Bridgeview Hall, Miramichi, N.B.

Lisa started her career working in a hospital setting for 13 years. During that time, her focus was on acute medical issues, and she became inspired to care for patients after they were well. Lisa continued to realize she enjoyed contributing to the overall wellbeing of the patient, going beyond their medical needs, tending to their emotional, physical, and everyday wellbeing. 

After many years in the hospital, Lisa moved to Bridgeview Hall. She explained how this has been a significant but enjoyable change in mindset, focusing on what makes the resident happy and what makes their life more enjoyable to help improve their quality of life. 

When asked, “Is there anything you wish the public could understand about the challenges nurses face?” 

She replied: “What I wish the public would know about nursing is that we care! It is always more than just a pay cheque, it’s a lifestyle. Nursing is encompassing and it impacts a person not only at work but also in their entire life. There are experiences and people I will never forget. They have influenced not only the nurse I am but also the person I am.”

Thank you, Lisa, for showing true care for every resident you work with!

Kristine Ortega, RN

Community Nurse Manager, Opal Ridge Hall, Dartmouth, N.S. 

Kristine’s career started after her graduation in 2012, working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). After immigrating to Canada in 2018, Kristine began learning the ins and outs of Palliative Care Nursing with a post-graduate course, along with direct experience in long-term care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristine relocated to Halifax and dedicated her time to working directly with residents, supporting them through that particularly difficult time. Through her training, experience, and dedication, she received her full Canadian Registered Nursing license.  

Over the past year, Kristine was moved to the Community Nurse Manager position at Opal Ridge Hall, located in Dartmouth, NS.  Now, Kristine leads her team as a collaborative leader, believing that teamwork and open communication are vital components for achieving the highest quality of care for our residents.  

Kristine’s mom, a retired Registered Dietitian and Registered Nurse, inspired her to pursue her career. Kristine’s natural attitude of warmth, compassion, patience, and flexibility is all thanks to her mom. Her inspiring words, “to always be kind and help others,” made Kristine who she is now. She is every reason for my success and for who I am.

Thank you, Kristine, for being a dedicated leader and showing compassion to all.

Bojana Radosavljevic, RN

Director of Care at Parkland on Eglinton West, Etobicoke, Ont.

Bojana’s path in nursing has been shaped by a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. After moving to Canada as a refugee, she was inspired by the compassion and care she received during that transition. That experience stayed with her and continues to guide her work today. Now, as Director of Care at Parkland on Eglinton West, Bojana is proud to offer that same sense of dignity, empathy, and support to others. 

While Bojana believes every milestone matters, receiving the Shannex Excellence Award stands out as one of the most meaningful moments in her career so far. For her, the recognition was more than an achievement; it was a reminder that her efforts were making a real impact and that others saw the difference she was helping to create. That encouragement continues to motivate her as she works to improve the lives of residents at Parkland each day. 

When asked, “Is there anything you wish the public could understand about the challenges nurses face?”  

She said: Staff truly have to be multifaceted in their roles to even be nurses. Everyone understands the challenges of working in the restaurant business and how customers can be hard to deal with. For a nurse, it is the same experience, but facing people at their most difficult. Sick, restless, anxious, uncertain, and simply vulnerable. I wish people could provide nurses the same compassion that nurses give to others.” 

Thank you, Bojana, for leading our team members and guiding care!

Katelyn McCulloch, LPN

West Bedford Transitional Health, Bedford, N.S.

Katelyn always knew she wanted a career that would directly help people. After high school, she became a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) and pursued the career for 10 years. Eventually, she realized she wanted to do even more and pursued a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, now working at West Bedford Transitional Health. 

Katelyn’s nursing philosophy is a patient-centred practice where she advocates for those who can’t. She believes in dedicated practice with passion and hard work at the center of her care.  

“Is there anything you wish the public could understand about the challenges nurses face?” 

“The job isn’t simply physically taxing but also extremely mentally taxing”, Katelyn shared, reflecting on how nursing stays with her long after her shift ends. Even when she is no longer in the building, her thoughts often remain with her patients and the care she provides, reflecting the deep responsibility and compassion she brings to her role each day. 

The most rewarding part of being a nurse is definitely seeing how the daily care we provide to the patient and their circle of care affects their outcomes and the trajectories of their lives 

To anyone considering nursing: embrace lifelong learning and change. Focus on the person, not just the diagnosis. And always treat patients as you would your own loved ones—with empathy and quality care. There is something new to learn every day, and that’s what I love about nursing.

Thank you, Katelyn, for showing kindness to every patient!

Louise Michon, RN

Pavillon Landry, Moncton, N.B.

Louise has been a nurse for over 10 years. After years working in accounting, she decided to do a mid-life career change and doesn’t have any regrets. Louise has a lot of compassion and loves to get to know residents for who they are. She always looks forward to her next shift because her work is now her passion.

Thank you, Louise, for caring and always putting residents first.

Stéphanie Brinston, RN

Pavillon Landry, Moncton, N.B.

Stéphanie was introduced to the nursing profession early on, inspired by her mother’s career. For as long as she can remember, she has been drawn to caring for others, and she brings that same warmth and attentiveness with her every time she works. She takes pride in building genuine connections with residents and in finding meaningful ways to support their comfort and well-being each day.

Thank you, Stéphanie, for your dedication, compassion, and the difference you make in the lives of those you care for.