Nurses of NSCC: Shaping Nova Scotia's healthcare

National Nursing Week 2026 takes place from May 11 or May 17, and celebrates to the vital contributions of nurses across Canada.

This year's theme is The Power of Nurses to Transform Health. To celebrate, we’re highlighting 4 NSCC community members who are making a difference in Nova Scotia's healthcare.

Dive into the stories below to learn how Angela, Jon, Meghan, and Ashley are transforming their education into powerful nursing careers that uplift the health and wellbeing of their communities.

 

Angela Gbeve 

Adult Learning Program '13, Practical Nursing '24

“At the age of five, my family fled Togo due to conflict and threats to our lives, seeking refuge in Ghana. Growing up in a refugee camp was extremely challenging, with times when we lacked necessities like food and adequate shelter.

Despite these hardships, my parents instilled in me strong values of kindness and generosity. Even when we had very little, we shared with others who had less. These experiences shaped my character, fostering deep compassion and a lasting desire to help others.

I immigrated to Canada as a single mother in 2008, determined to continue my education and build a better life for my children and myself. I started at NSCC in 2013, completing my high school education through the Adult Learning Program.

An NSCC career assessment showed my interests and strengths aligned with healthcare. With no prior nursing background, I enrolled in the CCA program to gain foundational knowledge and hands‑on experience. This confirmed my passion for nursing and motivated me to complete the Practical Nursing program.

My experience at NSCC has profoundly impacted both my personal and professional growth. It gave me the education, confidence and support I needed to pursue my goals. I work at the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building and Northwood. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives is the most rewarding aspect for me.

I’m especially honoured to care for seniors who have contributed so much to our communities and country. They deserve dignity, respect and high-quality care. Growing up in a refugee camp taught me resilience, empathy and cultural awareness – qualities that help me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and provide care with understanding and respect.”

Jon Melanson

Practical Nursing '25

“I was drawn to nursing through a combination of people and experiences. I always knew I wanted to help others, but I wasn’t sure where to start. With funding support from Amanda Curtis at the Native Council and RN Dawn Goo Goo as a strong role model and source of inspiration, I found my path into nursing.

My time at NSCC was very hands‑on, supported by excellent instructors and strong facilities that prepared me for real‑world practice. I now work as a Licensed Practical Nurse in a restorative care unit. In this role, we help patients maintain or improve their physical, mental and psychosocial functioning through ongoing nursing and therapeutic interventions. Unlike short‑term rehabilitation, restorative care is continuous and built into daily routines to support lasting independence.

The most rewarding part of nursing is seeing the direct impact you have on patients. Something as simple as making a patient smile can mean everything. It’s especially fulfilling to see someone who was very ill recover and be discharged — it makes all the hard work feel worthwhile.

One thing I’ve noticed in healthcare is that Indigenous representation among staff remains limited. While many hospitals have policies promoting diversity, my experience across different units, especially in mental health, shows that this isn’t always reflected in practice. I often see many Indigenous patients but very few Indigenous nurses."

Meghan Moran

Practical Nursing '25

“Nursing has changed me in ways I never expected. It’s taught me patience, resilience, humility, and how important small moments can be. Some days are exhausting and overwhelming, and other days remind you exactly why you chose this career in the first place.

Looking back, I honestly wouldn’t be the nurse I am today without Nova Scotia Community College, my instructors, the supports there, and the coworkers and friends I’ve had beside me along the way. NSCC gave me the foundation, but the people there helped shape me into someone who believed I could actually do this career.

My instructors pushed me, supported me, challenged me, and believed in me even during moments I doubted myself. The support systems at NSCC made the world of a difference in my education reminding me that I didn’t have to struggle through everything alone.

Nursing is something you never stop learning in, and I’ve been lucky to learn from some incredible people. Nursing isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, continuing to learn, caring for people on some of the hardest days of their lives, and doing your best even when you leave work drained.

I’m grateful for every person who helped me get here and continues to help me grow into the nurse I want to be.”

Ashley D'Eon

Practical Nursing '12

“I’m a proud French Acadian from southwestern Nova Scotia. I’ve always been passionate about helping others, educating people and making a difference in my community. As a wife and mom of three, family is at the center of everything I do. Nursing has allowed me to build a career I truly love while also creating a life that supports my family.

Starting my career in a hospital setting for nine years, I worked in cardiovascular and palliative care. I loved the work, but as my family grew, shift work became harder. I needed a path that offered more balance while still doing meaningful work in healthcare.

That led to my career in a non-traditional nursing role with Family 1st Medical. I specialize in respiratory care, helping patients in the office and in their homes. Respiratory health has a major impact on quality of life and helping people breathe better is incredibly rewarding.

I take pride in sharing knowledge with others. I provide educational sessions for nursing students at Burridge Campus, seniors and community members. Being bilingual, I connect with French speaking patients in a meaningful way.

I think it’s important to support the next generation of nurses, so I enjoy sharing my experiences with NSCC nursing students. My NSCC experience gave me the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to grow from a new graduate into the nurse I am today.

Nurses do more than people often realize — we are educators, advocates, caregivers, listeners, problem solvers, and a source of comfort during some of the hardest moments in a person’s life.

If I can offer any advice to new nurses, it’s to never underestimate the impact of kindness, compassion, and education. Sometimes the smallest interactions are the ones patients remember the most.”