The minister inspires through sharing her personal experience as a nurse
Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson shared her experiences and perspectives on the importance of creating inclusive work environments as the province welcomes international nurses to address workforce shortages. Thompson’s remarks came during her keynote address at the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union’s annual general meeting in Truro on Monday.
Drawing from her own experience as a nurse in Scotland, Thompson emphasized the difference between humour with kindness and humour without it. She pointed out that the latter can create a toxic atmosphere, especially in a multicultural work setting.
“Humour with kindness is funny, and humour without kindness is cruel, and you can always tell the difference,” said Thompson to an audience of about 250 nurses.
Though her main focus was to discuss the implementation of nurse-to-patient ratios, Thompson delved into the subject of workplace violence, advocating for a psychologically safe work environment.
Addressing workplace violence and psychological safety
Thompson acknowledged that workplace violence has been a longstanding concern for nurses. She recalled her own career in nursing, reflecting on moments she would change if given the chance. This, she explained, underscores the importance of critical self-reflection and the willingness to have difficult conversations.
“One of the best things I ever learned was to have a difficult conversation and to separate the personal from the professional. It’s not easy, but it’s so important,” Thompson said.
The health minister’s comments came as Nova Scotia is actively recruiting internationally trained nurses to address workforce shortages. This recruitment drive is expected to improve working conditions for existing nurses, allowing them to care for fewer patients per shift, reduce overtime, and facilitate easier time off.
Building a supportive environment
Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union president Janet Hazelton noted the need for the larger community to be welcoming and supportive to ensure international nurses feel at home, avoiding loneliness and isolation.
“Because we need them to come, but more importantly we need them to stay. We need them to feel welcome — not lonely, not isolated — we need to just support them and their family as much as we can,” said Hazelton.
Thompson shared her own story of how supportive colleagues helped her find her footing in Scotland, emphasizing that similar support is necessary for nurses coming to Nova Scotia from other countries.
“We have to talk about that to understand it, and I do think things are getting better but we have to continue to talk about it and challenge ourselves to be more inclusive and kind in the profession,” she said. “It’s hard to be away from home — wherever home is — and we want to be a safe and welcoming environment. That’s the work that’s happening now.”
