Shannon MacRitchie and the power of nurse mentorship to transform healthcare

Nurse mentor Shannon MacRitchie draws on the early days of her career as she focuses on the passion that still drives her today. 

Shannon recalls the guidance she received from a preceptor nurse who took her under her wing when she first started out in the profession.

“She was everything I wanted to be in a nurse: approachable, calm, knowledgeable, efficient. My wish is for everyone to have someone like her when they start out. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and we have it within ourselves to grow and build our future workforce by supporting each other.” 

Shannon is now a nurse mentor with the Interprofessional Practice and Learning (IPPL) team and has spent nearly two decades in various nursing roles, guided by her passion for the practice and dedication to supporting other nurses in growing theirs.  

“I worked as a swimming instructor and pool lifeguard as a teen and was always fascinated with anything medical,” she recalls. “I also enjoyed looking after and interacting with people, so it was an ideal fit for me - and I have loved it from day one.” 

After graduating from the University of New Brunswick in 2005, Shannon returned to Nova Scotia, where she practiced in numerous care settings including long-term care, psychiatry, federal corrections and home care. In 2013, she completed a Master of Nursing with a focus in teaching, which paved the way to her current role. 

When the Nurse Mentorship Program launched at Nova Scotia Health in 2022, Shannon immediately applied to be part of the Health Canada-recommended initiative designed to support newly registered nurses, practical nurses, internationally educated nurses and undergraduate student nurses transition into practice. 

“It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three years since we started this program. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come,” she says.  

She explains that in IPPL, “we support and empower learning and professional development. I love being a listening ear, a resource, a smile after a hard week. It can be a relief for many novice nurses to meet with someone who’s been where they are and can truly relate.  

“Mentorship is key to recruiting new nurses and retaining the ones we have. Any part I can play in improving our nursing shortage is truly motivating work.” 

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: 

• To learn more and apply as a registered nurse, visit: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Registered-Nurse-Seeking-Experienced-Candidates-NS/578291917/  
• To learn more and apply as a licensed practical nurse, visit: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Licensed-Practical-Nurse-Seeking-Experienced-Candidates-NS/578292117/ 
• To learn more and apply as a registered international nurse, visit: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Registered-International-Nurses-NS/569807217/ 
• 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. Learn more: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Internal-Travel-Nurse-Emergency-Department-NS/589878117/    

Photo of Shannon MacRitchie.