Dannie joined the RN Bridging/Re-entry Program team in 2023 and brings over 38 years of nursing experience from various settings and roles, including Staff Nurse in Mental Health, Long-Term Care, and Public Health COVID Response team, Head Nurse in Addictions Services, and Director of Nursing in Acute Care Services, Diabetic Education, and Infection Control. Dannie has worked as a Safety Improvement Advisor with the SHN! Campaign, as a Patient Safety Improvement Lead for the Canadian Patient Safety Officer Course and the Effective Governance for Quality and Patient Safety, and as a Senior Director responsible for Knowledge Translation and Capability Building related to patient safety. Dannie worked as a Quality, Patient Safety and Metrics consultant in Saudi Arabia and, most recently, he was a faculty member for the Practical Nursing Program at NSCC.

Dannie graduated from StFX University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, St. Rita School of Nursing with a Diploma in Nursing, Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Nursing degree and a Diploma in Health Services Administration, and Memorial University with a Master of Nursing degree, Nursing Administration. Dannie earned a Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, completed 5 modules from the STFX Adult Education Diploma, and earned a Certificate in Adult Education from NSCC.

Dannie is a compassionate leader, educator, clinician, and change agent with extensive experience in health care services leadership, continuous quality improvement, patient safety, professional development, and nursing education. He is dedicated to collaboratively creating healthy, high-performing, professionally satisfying work environments.

902-499-4673 | DanielG.Currie@nshealth.ca

Alice joined the RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program team in 2023 after nursing in various clinical settings. She began her nursing career in 2012 as a graduate from the NSCC Practical Nursing Program. She practiced nursing as an LPN in Surgery, Orthopedics, Resource Float, and VON settings for 8 years before her love for continuous education drove her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from StFX University. Her passion for critical care and acute care nursing landed her a job in the busy Emergency Department of the Aberdeen Hospital for 3 years. Alice took the Emergency Nursing Program during that time.

Alice found a love of nursing education while acting as a preceptor to many student nurses throughout her career, which led her to serve as casual clinical faculty for the Practical Nursing Program at NSCC. She is excited to combine her passion for nursing and continuing education in her new role within the Learning Institute and with its learners.

In her spare time, you will find Alice cheering on her two children in competitive sports around the province, as well as enjoying all things involved in entertaining family and friends with her husband. She also enjoys curling up to a good book and interior decorating.

782-440-6066 | Alice.Chaisson@nshealth.ca

Carmen joined the RN Bridging/Re-Entry program in 2023 with 26 years of experience in a wide range of clinical areas from Labour and Delivery and Emergency Nursing to Ambulatory and Palliative Care, as well as 13 years of work in nursing education. She graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Francis Xavier University and has been practicing in Nova Scotia since.

Carmen discovered her passion for teaching early in her career, while working in the clinical setting with new colleagues and students. She loves to see individuals grow and be successful with supportive mentorship. That passion became her career in 2010 at the NSCC as faculty in the Practical Nursing program. During that time, she developed, designed, and facilitated the Pathway to Success program for Internationally Educated Nurses in partnership with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia. Carmen believes in helping learners provide a high standard of care that includes kindness and compassion.

Outside of work, Carmen loves spending time with her family and friends, and being physically active.

902-890-6398 | Carmen.Payson@nshealth.ca

Jennifer graduated from StFX University in 2011 with a BScN and began her career in rural Newfoundland on a combined Children & Women’s/Med-Surg Unit. She returned home to Nova Scotia in 2013 to complete the Critical Care Nursing Program and initially worked in ICU and Emergency at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. Jennifer took a special interest in northern nursing and spent two years working in a rural emergency department in the Northwest Territories. She returned home, again, to continue her career in the Emergency Department at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish. Prior to joining the Learning Institute, Jennifer held a position as team lead of Transitional Care at the Aberdeen.

Jennifer was inspired to teach after mentoring colleagues and precepting many learners from different programs. Jennifer is especially passionate about creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive learning environment that fosters personal and professional growth and development. She is thrilled to join the Learning Institute as an instructor for the RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program in the Northern Zone.

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, young daughter, and goldendoodle. She also loves to cook, bake, read, and travel.

782-440-6997 | Jennifer.Phillips@nshealth.ca

Nicole graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 2015. After completing her nursing degree, she moved back to her hometown of Truro, Nova Scotia, to work on an acute medical floor. A few years later she transitioned to the ICU, and in 2018 she completed the Critical Care Nursing Program through the Learning Institute (RNPDC at the time). Her path eventually led her to take a position as the Clinical Resource Nurse on the acute medical/inpatient COVID-19 unit. She is excited to start her journey as an instructor with the Learning Institute.

Nicole was lucky to discover her love of teaching early in her career, having been a preceptor for numerous students, new nurses, and allied health professionals. She recognizes the reciprocal nature of the educator/learner relationship and learns from her students every day. She believes that all learners are capable, and she values diverse teaching methods. She is currently studying to complete a Master of Adult Education with a concentration in health at St. FX University.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and snuggling up with her dogs and cat. She loves to read, bake, and travel.

782-370-2097 | Nicole.Stavert@nshealth.ca

Lisa joined the RN Bridging/ Re-entry Program team in 2024 after 8 years in various clinical settings. She began her nursing career in 2016 as a graduate from the NSCC Practical Nursing Program and began practicing as a member of the Resource float team in areas such as Medical/Surgical, Palliative Care, Emergency, Veterans, Restorative Care, and LTC. It was not long before her drive for continued education inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree with an Advanced Major from St. FX University. After completion, she accepted a job in ICU and completed the Critical Care Nursing Program through the Learning Institute.

Lisa discovered her passion for teaching while mentoring many students, nurses, and other members of the interprofessional team. Lisa is now delighted to be a part of the Learning Institute, where she can combine her passion for nursing and her love for teaching others.

Outside of work, Lisa loves spending time with her husband, 2 children, and her fur babies. She also enjoys travelling, hiking, kayaking, playing guitar, and curling up with a good book.

902-339-6497 | Lisa.Long@nshealth.ca

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.

April.MacKenzie@nshealth.ca