Orientation to the Canadian Health Care System Faculty
Sylvia Warren, MN, RN
Sylvia earned a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). She has practiced as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical, teaching, research, and administrative positions over the years, including surgery, pediatrics, infection control, palliative care, quality improvement, and policy analysis. She has held several education positions in both health care and academic settings, including professional development, curriculum design, and lab and clinical instruction.
After a ten year leave to spend time with her young family, Sylvia returned to nursing and graduated from the Learning Institute’s RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program in 2018. With a newfound appreciation for the dedication and commitment of her internationally educated colleagues and awareness of the challenges many of them faced in their journey to Canadian licensure, she joined the faculty of the Learning Institute in 2019 as a nurse educator in the RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program.
When she is not at work, Sylvia likes to travel and spend time with her family. She also enjoys walking, camping (in a tent!), canoeing with her husband, baking, and reading.
Program Administrative Officer
April MacKenzie
April has been with Nova Scotia Health since 2002 and joined the Learning Institute in January 2024 to provide administrative support to the RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program. April brings 20+ years of administration experience and numerous skillsets acquired throughout her career.
Originally from Newfoundland, April relocated to Nova Scotia after high school. She attended college in Truro, receiving an Accounting Business Administration Diploma, an Office Management Diploma, and a Medical Office Assistant Certificate.
In addition to her full-time regular work, April is a military reservist who has 20+ years in uniform as a Cadet Instructor Cadre officer and works with the Royal Canadian Cadet Program.
In her free time, she enjoys fitness activities, travelling — especially home to “The Rock” — and having adventures with her husband and two daughters.