Second career provides dream opportunity

Becoming a registered nurse was Paulette Levin’s childhood dream. One she fulfilled at age 39. 

“Nursing is my second career… a dream of mine, one that I carried with me for many years,” Paulette explains. “My inspiration came from the incredible nurses who cared for me as a child and an adult. Their compassion, skill, and dedication left a lasting impression, and I knew I wanted to give back.” 

“I aspired to emulate the qualities that made them such exceptional caregivers, and I wanted to have the same positive impact on others that they had on me.” 

After spending several years nursing in Alberta, Paulette moved to Nova Scotia “in search of water,” and began working as a casual at Victoria County Memorial and with Continuing Care. It was there where her now colleague Cathy MacMillan asked if she’d consider working in palliative care. 

“It was the opportunity I had always dreamed of; working in hospice or palliative care was a long-held aspiration of mine. It fell right into my lap.”  

In her role as a home consult nurse, Paulette develops meaningful relationships with both her patients and their loved ones. It’s through this connection that she delivers her clinical expertise, while prioritizing comfort, dignity and holistic care. Recently Paulette added authorized prescribing to her scope of practice, and can now assess, diagnose and prescribe medications.  

“Being an authorized prescriber has enhanced my ability to provide comprehensive, timely care and address my patient needs more effectively,” she says. “My goal is to advance compassionate, patient-centred care by improving access to timely symptom management and holistic support for individuals facing life-limiting illness.” 

In addition to her work in palliative care, Paulette is also an Interprofessional Practice Learning mentor.  

 “The dual role is pivotal in transforming healthcare, as it not only empowers nurses to practise to their full scope but also cultivates leadership and innovation at the bedside, ensuring that high-quality, dignified care becomes the standard across all settings,” Paulette says. 

“Professionalism in nursing is about continuous growth—it’s the commitment to never settling, always striving to improve, leading with integrity, and ensuring that our work is always centred on the well-being of those we serve.”  

Paulette is embracing her opportunity to mentor new nurses. “By fostering an environment of learning and growth, I aim to help them build their confidence and skills, ensuring they are equipped to provide the best care possible to their patients.” 

With a wide range of nursing opportunities across Nova Scotia, there's a place for everyone to grow and thrive here. Nova Scotia Health is committed to expanding its nursing workforce to fill critical roles across the province and improve access to care.  

Explore our opportunities: 

• Learn more and apply as a registered nurse. 
• Learn more and apply as a licensed practical nurse.,
• Explore the new Nova Scotia Health internal travel nurse program, where you’ll find opportunities throughout Nova Scotia to expand your skills, experience the warmth of new environments, and contribute to our critical emergency departments.