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May 12 to 18 marks Nursing Week, which celebrates dedication and care provided by nurses across the province.
Throughout a patient’s surgical journey - from pre-operative assessments to surgery and recovery - perioperative nurses are essential in delivering care and assisting surgical teams. Perioperative nurses, Hannah Gartland, Jordan Morrison and Karen Burton tell us about their roles.
Hannah Gartland exalts passion for personalized perioperative care
Hannah Gartland never imagined herself in nursing until a passing remark in a human kinetics class changed everything. That day, curiosity led her to research nursing schools and, soon after, she made the leap. It was a decision that would shape her path in perioperative care and define her career. Hannah is based at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney and began her career on the post-operative floor, where patients recover after surgery.
“I was always interested in what happens before the patient gets to me and what goes into their surgeries,” Hannah says, “so, I decided to take the perioperative nursing program and received hands-on experience to prepare me for the operating room.”
This experience made her well-versed in different surgical services. On any given day, Hannah is involved in general surgeries, along with orthopedic, gynecological, urological and other surgical services.
“I love that every day in the operating room is a new experience,” she says. “No two patients are the same, so, we have to change the way that we do things to suit the individual and make sure we're providing them the best care.”
In the operating room, Hannah appreciates the teamwork and camaraderie she shares with her colleagues.
“We have an excellent management team and fantastic physicians. Everyone is so supportive and invested in helping each other grow and create an environment where learning thrives.”
As she looks to the future, Hannah is eager to expand her leadership skills, build capacity in new perioperative nurses and to improve the surgical experience for her patients.
“I aim to treat every patient as if my family members were coming in for a procedure,” Hannah adds. “I hope that my little bit of kindness during this vulnerable moment will provide a little comfort and give them a sense of home.”
Perioperative nurse Jordan Morrison guides patients through first steps to healing, recovery
Jordan Morrison always knew nursing was her calling, but finding her niche took time. Then came a student placement in the surgical department and everything clicked. She found her home in perioperative care. Jordan now works in the day surgery unit and recovery room supporting patients in their post-operative care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
“Being in recovery is the first step toward healing for our patients,” Jordan says. “This is the part of patient care where we identify crucial interventions and provide supports for long term improvement.”
Her day is filled with diverse situations where she may be assisting a parent and their newborn child and later providing comfort measures to another patient. At the heart of Jordan’s nursing practice is her commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for her patients.
“As a perioperative nurse, I am fortunate to welcome new life, provide comfort at the end of life and everything in between," she says. “To be the person that makes patient’s feel safe, have their voice heard and needs met; it drives me to do what I do each day.”
Looking to the future, Jordan aspires to model the mentorship and leadership that was the foundation for the perioperative career she has today.
“I had a great mentor in my early years as a nurse. I was reassured that there was purpose in what I was doing and was encouraged to show up every day and give my best,” she adds. “This is what I want to share with my colleagues and new nurses who join our team.”
Volunteer to perioperative team lead: Karen Burton’s lifelong dedication to healthcare
Karen Burton is a key pillar of the general, vascular and plastic surgery team at Halifax Infirmary, guiding patients through every stage of their procedures. As a perioperative team lead in plastic surgery, she embraces the challenges and complexity of the role, thriving in the fast-paced environment.
“We see patients in all circumstances, from undergoing trauma surgery, cancer reconstruction, burn treatments, or various fractures and tendon repairs,” Karen says. “Nurses are there for patients in every part of their lives and there is fulfillment in being able to support them during these times.”
Her dedication to nursing and patient care began at just 13, when she volunteered in a pediatric unit, assisting both patients and hospital staff in diverse roles. Her journey in nursing began with volunteer work, followed by a high school co-operative program that solidified her path. She pursued her nursing education at Dalhousie University and completed the perioperative nursing program in 2003. Now, with 25 years of experience, she has also taken her specialized skills beyond borders, contributing to three medical missions in Haiti.
“Being in this position has really driven me to grow,” Karen says. “Nursing is so versatile, and I love that I can take it everywhere and experience the full human condition.”
Fostering trust and delivering compassionate care is vital for Karen, particularly in the moments leading up to surgery.
“When patients are under general anesthesia, I always hold their hand,” she says. “I try to make them laugh before they go to sleep and want their last sensation to be a positive one, whether it’s touch or a smile. I know they may not remember my name, but they will remember how I made them feel.”
Learn more about Perioperative Nursing:
Photos of (1) Karen Burton, (2) Jordan Morrison, and (3) Hannah Gartland.