The Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) Board is the governing body responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that NSCN meets its mandate of public protection by overseeing the practice of nursing in Nova Scotia. The Board consists of members of the public appointed by government and registrants elected by the nursing profession. To learn more about the NSCN Board, please watch our introduction video here.
The 2024 NSCN Board election closed on May 8, 2024, and the election results are in!
The NSCN Board is pleased to share that 1,132 registrants voted in the election for the two registrant nominees best suited to serve on the Board.
After careful review, our Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, Sue Smith, who is responsible for overseeing the 2024 election process, has verified the election results and that the following two registrant nominees have won the election:
Susan Earle, LPN received 662 votes
Susan Earle is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who currently works as a Case Aid with Jordan’s Principle at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. After graduating as an LPN in 2017, Susan’s nursing career has been focused primarily in mental health, and she has spent time working in roles in psychiatric acute care, community health, supportive transition housing and forensic nursing in both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Through her past experience and current work with Indigenous children and families, Susan will bring a diverse perspective to the NSCN Board. She aspires to ensure that everyone receives equal access to health care, support, and education, despite systemic barriers, oppression, and discrimination. Susan recognizes the importance of fostering trust through meaningful engagement, and she is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the nursing profession’s integrity and standards while advocating for the well-being of the public.
Andrew Heighton, RN, received 601 votes
Andrew Heighton is the Director of Integrated Rural Health at Nova Scotia Health. With over 16 years of experience in clinical, educational and management positions, Andrew is a health care leader who is committed to professional development and continuous learning as a catalyst for change. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to serving the public and advocating for the improvement of health care services. Andrew has actively engaged with various organizations including municipalities, hospital foundations, community health boards, etc., which has allowed him to effectively collaborate with a range of stakeholders and flex his communication and interpersonal skills. Andrew has a proven track record of successful leadership in various health care settings, from leading multidisciplinary teams to managing organizational change. Andrew is eager to bring to the Board his skills in identifying opportunities and implementing innovative solutions to address challenges and help support the continuous growth of the profession in Nova Scotia on behalf of the public.
For full election results, please visit our website for details.
The sitting NSCN Board would like to thank all registrants who participated in the NSCN Board nominations and elections process. The support and response received from nurses across the province has been inspiring. It is yet another example of how nurses continue to demonstrate their commitment to nursing regulation and the provision of safe, competent, ethical and compassionate nursing care in Nova Scotia.
Parteek (Gunny) Brar, RN, and Krista Smith, RN, will continue their roles of Board Chair and Vice-Chair in accordance with the NSCN By-Laws, where they were selected by the Board to serve for two-year terms beginning on June 1, 2023. Thank you to outgoing registrant Board members, Claudia Hynes, LPN, and Rachel Sullivan, RN, for their commitment and leadership to the Board and public we serve.
If you have any questions, please reach out to marieclaude.geddry@nscn.ca.