Heart of Health: Former legal assistant finds rewarding career as health support aide

Like many Nova Scotians, Earlene Marry found herself at a career and life crossroad during the public health challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those unique circumstances served as a catalyst for a profound transformation, leading her in the direction of a rewarding career as a health support aide with Nova Scotia Health’s Public Health Mobile Unit.

As the Public Health program sought new faces to assist with the growing demands of healthcare, Earlene saw an opportunity. “Healthcare was really looking for new people and I decided to give it a try,” says the Colchester County resident. “I kind of started a new life for myself with Nova Scotia Health.”

Earlene worked more than 20 years as a legal assistant before making the change. The pivot speaks to the resilience and adaptability she and others met in a time of unprecedented pressures.

She has been with the organization for about four years. She assists clients after their vaccinations and helps them navigate the healthcare system, work she finds extremely fulfilling. The work of a health support aide plays a key role in the system and involves, under the supervision of licensed healthcare practitioners, the provision of basic care and other support functions.

“We are just one small spoke in the wheel of healthcare, but I believe we play an important role in helping to keep Nova Scotians healthy,” Earlene says.

A typical day begins with checking in with her team and reviewing clinic schedules. “We could be in Halifax one day, Amherst the next; it depends on where the clinics are set up,” she says. “We arrive on site, determine the logistics, set everything up and then welcome our clients.”

Earlene’s teammates include Public Health nurses who, for example, administer vaccines and provide advice to patients. The Public Health Mobile Unit could see a half dozen professionals commuting to where they are needed most, which ordinarily spans anywhere in Northern, Central or Western zones (Eastern Zone has its own team).  

What she enjoys most about her role is the opportunity to connect with fellow Nova Scotians, especially those in rural areas. “I really enjoy meeting the people in these communities; they are so appreciative that we are there, and I just feel a real connection with them. It brings me joy,” she explains.

“I see a lot of hard-working people and I resonate with that. It is important to know your roots and I think a lot of people in rural communities really get to learn their roots.”

The confidence and reality that Public Health programs and collaborations are making a difference keeps Earlene motivated to stay the course.

“We are building connections with our communities; that is the important part for me. That is vital.”

She credits the scores of professionals behind the scenes.  

“I think Public Health workers are unsung heroes,” Earlene points out. “We’re striving for the same thing: keeping people healthy and making Nova Scotia a great place.” 

Photo of Earlene Marry, a health support aide with Public Health in the Northern Zone.