Great People Profile: Justine Newman

Embracing the Personal Side of Physiotherapy  

Originally from the quaint county of Staffordshire, England, Justine Newman brings three decades’ experience and an endearing sense of optimism to her role as Shannex’s Regional Physiotherapist for Cape Breton.

After 16 years working in acute care in the United Kingdom, Justine and her family immigrated to Canada in 2012. The big change was not driven by professional opportunity, but rather by a mix of family, salt air and East Coast lifestyle. “My sister was living in Ingonish, and really gets the credit for us visiting,” she says. “We loved the more relaxed pace of life—it’s what inspired the move!”

For the first few years in Cape Breton, Justine initially worked in private practice, which introduced her to several long term care communities in Sydney and the surrounding area. “I don’t think I would have made the leap to long term care, had it not been for Harbourstone,” says Justine. “I always enjoyed working collaboratively and missed the multidisciplinary approach that I saw happening amongst the team at Shannex—including great access to recreation, behavioural specialists, dietitians and Occupational Therapists. I wanted to be part of that again.”

Just months before the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, Justine joined the team in a full time capacity. “I take the lead on assessments and work directly with residents to create goals and a treatment plan,” she says. “I also love leading a team of Physiotherapy Assistants who bring a range of skills and training. Collectively, we serve over 300 residents at Harbourstone, Celtic Court, and Kiknu in Eskasoni.”

Regardless of where she’s working on a given day, Justine’s drive to work is always fueled by the people she’s going to see. “In long term care, you develop relationships that are much different than acute or private practice,” she says. “We’re working in a place residents call home, so although I provide Physiotherapy services, I’m also part of their birthday, Christmas and special life milestones—it’s beyond clinical, it’s about helping people live well in a broader sense.”

In addition to the residents she serves, Justine says the team is second to none. “People often come in on their days off for staff events or big milestones like the Great People Party,” she says, with a smile. “It’s so much more than the duties we share—we’re helping residents enjoy life, and that’s especially meaningful.”

In many ways, finding her way to Harbourstone was a happy accident, though now she is an advocate for students gaining exposure to long term care. “Some may think a career in long term care is limiting, but the truth is residents can have complex health issues whose needs vary greatly,” she says. “Physiotherapists get to leverage their skills and experiences right out of school. The benefits of physiotherapy for residents include maintaining and improving physical performance, functional abilities, falls prevention and managing pain. We are fortunate to have a large network of professionals across the company to draw on for support if needed to deliver optimal care.”

With decades of learning behind her, Justine continues to be excited by the latest in research and best practices. She stays up to date through many professional forums and self-directed learning and builds an annual portfolio as part of her annual registration requirement through the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists. Her advice to students and young professionals is clear: “Seek out a placement in long term care; it’s a valuable and often life-changing experience that will lend to your professional development—no matter where you end up.”  

If you’re interested in exploring a student placement or viewing current opportunities in long-term care or transitional health, visit shannex.com/careers