Board Election

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.  

Every Board member serves a three-year term, up to a maximum of two consecutive terms (six years), commencing June 1 immediately following the election. For example, if elected this year, new Board members’ terms will begin June 1, 2024.

Board members serve in a volunteer capacity. The Board meets for two consecutive days (or 16 hours) during each quarter (typically in February, April, September and early December). Board members are expected to spend time preparing in advance of each meeting (1-3 hours) and will be asked to participate on working groups as required. Meetings occur in-person at the NSCN office in Bedford or virtually.

Before deciding whether participation on NSCN’s Board is right for you, consider if you can commit to attending meetings, being prepared, being present, and contributing. This level of commitment is important to effectively carry out the role of a Board member. It is prudent to confirm your employer’s support of your participation.

To recognize Board members’ time and service to the public, they may claim an honorarium of $25 per hour up to a maximum of $200/day for meeting and preparation time. Board members may also claim reimbursement for any expenses incurred in connection with their board responsibilities, such as travel, transportation, accommodation, parking, or meals, in accordance with the Board’s policies.  

Board members speak as one voice in setting the strategic direction of the organization. The Board debates and decides on matters of high-level policy and direction which are then implemented by NSCN’s CEO at an operational level. To learn more about the Board’s governance model, the principles can be found here.

The Board’s policies can be found here.