Routine IT maintenance on Wednesday, June 18 will cause service interruptions between midnight and 6:00am affecting the YourHealthNS app and on-line appointment booking including COVID-19 testing, blood collection, X-Ray, EKG and the Need a Family Practice Registry. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Tykora Brinton, a registered nurse (RN) working in family practice at the Nova Scotia Sisterhood, entered nursing driven by a strong desire to help people in meaningful ways.
"Nursing allows me to combine my interest in health with compassion and human connection,” she says. Located in Halifax, the Nova Scotia Sisterhood is a province-wide, free program for Black women to access healthcare in the community and to improve overall health and wellbeing.
After earning her nursing degree from Dalhousie University in 2022, Tykora began her career at Dartmouth General Hospital, working on the inpatient medicine unit, where she cared for patients with complex medical conditions. She then transitioned into a pioneering role as Nova Scotia Sisterhood’s first registered nurse, a position that deeply aligns with her values.
“I find great fulfillment in working with patients who share similar life experiences and challenges, particularly as a Black woman,” she explains. “Being able to connect with individuals who reflect my own background allows me to provide compassionate, empathetic care that resonates deeply.”
At Nova Scotia Sisterhood, Tykora is part of an all-Black staff dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for patients. Her work exceeds the common thresholds of medical care: it expands to building trust, ensuring cultural competency and fostering relationships that make patients feel seen and understood.
She says counsel from nurses and other colleagues led to her growth as a RN.
“Their mentorship taught me invaluable lessons, such as the power of teamwork, the importance of self-belief during challenging times and taking pride in the work I do,” she explains, “even when it feels like I’m not making an immediate impact.”
However, it’s her parents who provide her with the greatest life lessons.
“They are the heart of my work and I could not do what I do without them. Their support, understanding and grace, along with their words of encouragement, truly make every effort worthwhile.”
Tykora envisions a healthcare system that is more representative of communities. “My long-term goal as a nurse is to play a pivotal role in shaping a healthcare system that is not only healthy but also culturally competent and inclusive,” she says.
She has ambitious goals that extend far beyond her current role. She hopes to step into leadership or management and create pathways for more Black people to enter the healthcare profession. “By fostering diverse leadership, we can ensure that healthcare truly reflects the communities it serves,” she says.
Tykora is committed to advocating for her patients and the future of healthcare. She sees nursing as a movement and not simply a profession.
“My mission is to contribute to a future where Black voices are not only heard but are actively shaping the direction of healthcare, ultimately creating a more equitable and representative system for all.”
Photo of Tykora Brinton.