Finding home in care: Haley Collins’ Journey to Nova Scotia

When Haley Collins first visited Nova Scotia last fall, she never expected the trip would change the course of her personal and professional life. Now practising as a nurse practitioner in Antigonish, she’s building both a career and a home in a community she quickly came to love.

As we celebrate Nursing Week, it’s the perfect time to recognize the diverse paths that bring compassionate healthcare professionals to Nova Scotia, and the impact they have on the communities they serve. For Haley Collins, becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) was never just about a career, it was about creating access for others, building relationships and making a meaningful difference in her community.

Originally from Kentucky, Haley’s journey into healthcare began early. At just 19, she started working as a nurse, quickly discovering a passion for helping others.

But her ambitions didn’t stop there. Growing up in a low-income community with limited access to healthcare, Haley saw inequities in how and what services were available. “I wanted to work more preventively and increase access to care in higher need areas. I saw first-hand what happens when people don’t have the support they need,” she says, highlighting the motivation behind her desire to further her education and career.

That drive led her to become a family nurse practitioner, expanding her ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care. Over the years, she has also developed specialized expertise as a menopause society certified practitioner and has provided gender-affirming care in the United States for the past four years, bringing an added depth of knowledge and inclusivity to her practice.

With more than a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner, Haley built a strong foundation in the United States. But it was a visit to Nova Scotia back in October that would change the course of her journey.

“My friend, who is a physician, moved to Halifax and let me know about the opportunity for healthcare workers to move to Nova Scotia. So I decided to look into it and came for a visit in October to see if it felt like a good fit for me. It did,” she says. “I really loved the school in Antigonish for my son, and I liked the feeling of the community. When I came for the site visit, the community navigator showed me around, and I met some of the NPs in the area, and it just felt right.”

Now working at the Antigonish Primary Care Collaborative Clinic, Haley is adjusting to both a new role and a new home in Nova Scotia. Even in her first months with Nova Scotia Health, one thing has already stood out: the people. “Everyone has been so welcoming,” she shares. “Other providers are always open to answering questions and making you feel like you’re part of the team.”

The sense of collaboration and support is something Haley believes sets Nova Scotia apart, especially for NPs at all stages of their careers. “Nova Scotia feels like a place that really nurtures NPs and supports them on their professional journey,” she says. “It’s not about giving everyone the same support, but giving each person exactly what they need to succeed.”

Outside of her work, Haley embraces a wide range of interests that reflect her vibrant personality. She describes herself as “quite the nerd,” enjoying video games, reading, listening to K-pop and gardening. Most importantly, she treasures time with her husband and child, making the most of life both inside and outside the clinic.

Haley’s story is a reminder that healthcare is not just about where you work, it’s about why you do it, and the community you build along the way.

Looking for a place where you can grow your career and make a difference? Explore nurse practitioner opportunities in primary health care across Nova Scotia.

Photo of Haley Collins, nurse practitioner.