Living and working at Yarmouth Regional Hospital

In rural Nova Scotia, healthcare is more than a profession. It’s a calling rooted in community, connection and care. At Yarmouth Regional Hospital (YRH), that spirit comes to life every day through the people who live and work here.

We spoke with six healthcare professionals across different roles -- all of whom call Yarmouth home -- about what makes working in this rural community so meaningful.

Image

For many, the sense of belonging is immediate. Tyler Parker, a renal aide with more than 22 years at YRH, describes Yarmouth as a place where work feels personal. “Through my work, I’ve learned that I could love your grandparents too,” he says. In a close-knit community, healthcare professionals often care for neighbours, friends and family members. Creating deeper connections and a powerful sense of purpose. “Yarmouth Regional Hospital isn’t just a place to work, it’s a place to build a life.”

Image

That connection extends well beyond the hospital walls. Clinical dietitian Lynette Amirault, who has spent 25 years with the health authority, was born and raised in Yarmouth County. She describes a slower pace of life filled with simple joys from boating on Tusket River, gardening, raising chickens to just enjoying a quiet morning coffee while listening to birds singing. “The people are the true gem in a rural hospital,” she says. “My co-workers are the best part of the job.”

Image

Licensed practical nurse, Courtney LeBlanc echoes that sentiment. “We have the most friendly, family mentality,” she shares. In Yarmouth, patients recognize familiar faces, and those relationships matter. “You come onto shift and see that smile that tells you they know they’re in good hands.”

Image

For others, rural practice offers professional growth alongside quality of life. Medical laboratory technologist Olena Maksym’yak moved to Yarmouth from Manitoba and appreciates both the peaceful surroundings and the versatility of rural healthcare. “You see a wider scope of cases, which really builds confidence,” she says. “it’s a healthy challenge for those looking to advance their careers.”

Image

That versatility is also highlighted by respiratory therapist Nicole Peterson, who values the strong interprofessional relationships at YRH. “In a rural site, you really get to know the whole team,” she explains. “That trust allows you to work at your full scope of practice, and you feel genuinely appreciated.”

Image

After more than 34 years with Nova Scotia Health, Danny LeBlanc, manager of medical device reprocessing, sums it up simply: “Knowing you’re making a difference for the people who need it most.” Add in the scenic commutes, affordable housing, outdoor adventures and a community that truly shows up for one another, and it’s easy to see why so many choose to stay.

If you’re considering rural healthcare, the advice from Yarmouth is clear: be open-minded, get involved and take the time to explore. You may just find a career and a community that feels like home.

Interested in learning more about working in rural nova scotia? Explore opportunities and discover what makes rural healthcare more than medicine.