In mental health, Alex Marcia leads with purpose

Alexandra (Alex) Marcia considers her mental health and addictions work as a call to serve those navigating complex situations. It’s more than professional obligation, says Alex, it’s a privilege with a purpose.

“As caregivers, we witness some of the most profound examples of resilience,” says Alex, who manages acute psychiatric services at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. “There’s a kind of stewardship of hope involved and it’s honestly incredible.”

Originally from the Annapolis Valley, Alex returned to her roots nine years ago and is now in a leadership position.. She spent the majority of her 15-year career in Saskatchewan, where she grew up. It was there that she worked in forensic nursing in the federal prison system. It was a complex task involving collaboration with the legal system. This helped crystalize the importance of patient-centred care and understanding varying perspectives. Alex’s career also took her to intensive care units dealing with pediatric patients. 

“That experience gave me a well-rounded lens on nursing and shaped my leadership approach today,” she says. “At the end of the day, healthcare is a profoundly human experience. Everything I do is about bringing people back to that patient experience. It’s about humanity, whether it’s supporting the frontline staff or the person just entering our care.”

Family and career brought her back to the Maritimes from the Prairies. Her passion is women’s health needs, and she’s grateful for her introduction to mental health and addictions in Nova Scotia in the position of clinical nurse educator in Western Zone.

“That educator role became the gateway to my current management position and I’m deeply thankful for that opportunity,” Alex explains. “It’s been nine years now, and I’m proud of the journey that brought me here."

Excited about her work, Alex says she feels honoured to be part of a progressive team and genuinely looks forward to engaging with colleagues, patients and patients’ families.

“I get a real sense of excitement and fulfillment from the opportunity to do this work.”

Alex says healthcare has its challenges but lifting up colleagues and doing something that’s meaningful is at its core. Staying grounded is important and with new workers coming aboard, their diverse experiences are vital in building partnerships within the system.

“There’s so much good we’ve done and so much more we can do. I never want to lose sight of that."

Her personal core values serve as a motivator.

“Showing up as the person you want to be, the person you truly are. It's about being consistent with who you are and who you aspire to be,” she points out.

“I take pride in my work, in my organization and in the incredible things my team accomplishes. That pride fuels me.”

Photo of Alex Marcia.