Sepsis Awareness Month: Meet Justin Fraser, waiting room care provider, at the heart of patient care in Aberdeen Hospital’s Emergency Department

At Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Justin Fraser plays a vital role on the front line as a waiting room care provider in the emergency department (ED). 

Born and raised in Pictou County, Justin originally worked as a machinist before changing paths to pursue nursing. After completing the licensed practical nurse (LPN) program at the Nova Scotia Community College, he joined Aberdeen Hospital, where he has worked for the past four years.

Justin began his nursing career in the ED before stepping into the waiting room care provider role when it was introduced just over a year ago. The position was created to address the challenge of high patient volumes and the need for ongoing monitoring outside of treatment rooms.

Each shift, Justin receives a detailed handover about everyone in both the main and secondary waiting rooms. He then circulates regularly, reassessing patients, asking about any changes and keeping a close eye on those who may be at risk of deterioration. “One of the biggest things we do is identify who we’re most concerned about,” he explains. “That way, if someone starts to decline, we can act quickly.”

This vigilance is especially critical when it comes to conditions like sepsis, where early detection can save lives. Justin follows the hospital’s sepsis criteria carefully.

“A few times, I’ve picked up on those early signs of sepsis and ordered the full workup — blood tests, vitals, and other assessments — and it turned out to be sepsis. starting treatment right away on those patients makes all the difference.”

By closely monitoring patients, Justin helps ensure no one is overlooked — especially those who may be at risk for rapid decline.

Teamwork is at the heart of the ED, and Justin works closely with triage nurses, physicians and nurse practitioners. He speaks of his colleagues with real admiration, calling them “the best people I’ve ever worked with.”

Beyond clinical safety, Justin’s role also helps the ED run more smoothly. By reassessing patients, initiating care directives such as blood work or X-rays, and coordinating with nurse practitioners and physicians, he helps streamline the flow from waiting room to treatment.

Patients, too, feel the difference. “I’ve had people tell me they don’t feel forgotten anymore,” he shares. “When someone checks in regularly, it reassures them that they’re being cared for, even if they’ve been waiting for hours.”

Justin is considering pursuing his registered nurse (RN) designation in the future. But for now, he says he truly enjoys the waiting room care provider role. “It’s my favourite position in the ED. It makes the department more efficient, patients get better care, and it helps us be prepared for whatever comes through the doors.”

Justin has a piece of advice for anyone stepping into the role: “Make your patient laugh at least once. It makes their day — and yours — a little better.”

September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and Sept. 13 is World Sepsis Day. Nova Scotia Health has made sepsis care a top priority, with a strong commitment to early detection and timely treatment.

Photo of Justin Fraser.