Nova Scotia Health volunteer finds life-changing lessons in compassion

New to Canada and eager to find his path, Cape Breton University student Ishan Ahuja turned his passion for healthcare into action by volunteering with Nova Scotia Health.  

Following Nova Scotia Health’s volunteer orientation process, Ishan began working alongside healthcare professionals in the organization’s Eastern Zone. His role focused on providing public education on the importance of hand hygiene.  

“Volunteering at Nova Scotia Health gave me a sense of purpose; the lessons I learned about resilience, teamwork and the importance of human connection - continue to guide me in my professional journey” says Ishan. “Beyond my daily tasks, I found myself connecting with patients, their families and the incredible staff who made Nova Scotia Health feel like a second home.”

At the time, Debbie Davidson was a registered nurse with the Infection, Prevention and Control (IPAC) team. She reached out to volunteer services for help bringing awareness to the public about the importance of hand hygiene practices while visiting the site.  

“All the usual IPAC measures were in place, but we needed help with public education,” says Debbie. “The hospital was located in a close-knit community and we needed to bring awareness to the importance of proper hand hygiene techniques when visiting more than one patient in a visit to the site. Ishan’s role was an integral to public and visitor education.” 

Ishan soon became a very familiar face at the hospital. He sat at one of the entrances, handed out information to visitors and offered to demonstrate proper hand hygiene techniques with alcohol-based hand rub. Debbie says he was dedicated, always greeted people with a smile and his role had an impact on patient safety.  

“Ishan was dedicated to his role, even though he had transportation challenges and was a full-time student, he always made it to his shift,” says Debbie. “There was so much positive feedback. The public felt engaged and comforted knowing there was something they could do to help protect their loved ones while visiting the hospital. Staff appreciated the assistance that Ishan provided.”  

Lisa McNeil-Campbell, is the palliative care volunteer program lead with Nova Scotia Health who helped connect Debbie and Ishan. She says volunteers can make a huge difference in the patient experience within healthcare.  

“It’s all about making connections with people, helping them feel welcome and safe, and providing the information/service that’s required,” Lisa says. “A smile and a kind word can go a long way to ensure quality care for our patients, families and visitors.  Ishan was a shining example of what it means to be a volunteer. Volunteers do what they do not for the recognition but to try and make a positive difference for others.”  

Ishan’s kindness, dedication and commitment have left a lasting impression on both Debbie and Lisa.

Ishan says his experience with Nova Scotia Health was a lesson in compassion and community.  

“I didn’t have a car at the time; I’d have to wait for the bus and wondered if I’d make it on time, but none of that mattered once I walked through the hospital doors,” he says. “The warmth of the staff, their unwavering dedication and the sense of community within the organization made every long journey worth it. Their generosity - that spirit of looking out for one another - left a lasting impression on me.”

Ishan says he carries those lessons with him every day and hopes that sharing his story inspires others to step forward, to give back, and to experience the incredible sense of fulfillment that volunteering brings.

“My time at Nova Scotia Health was more than a volunteer experience, it was a lesson in humanity. It showed me the power of small acts of kindness, the impact of a supportive community and the immense privilege of being able to serve others.”  

Ishan says his time at Nova Scotia Health reinforced his passion for healthcare. He is now pursuing dentistry, and his volunteering played a role in his acceptance into the advanced standing Doctor of Dental Medicine program at Temple University.

Thank you to Ishan and all the other Nova Scotia Health volunteers who help deliver healthcare services to patients and families across our province with compassion and kindness all year long.

Happy Volunteer Week!  

Photos of (L-R) (1) Ishan Ahuja demonstrated dedication and compassion during his time volunteering with Nova Scotia Health. (2) Debbie Davidson is a RN working in Infection, Prevention and Control (IPAC) with Lisa McNeil-Campbell, palliative care volunteer program lead in Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone.