Undergraduate Student Nurses inspired by real-life training

The role of Undergraduate Student Nurse (USN) at Nova Scotia Health offers a unique opportunity for bachelor of science in nursing students to gain invaluable experience while being financially supported, developing professionally and contributing to patient care. After completing 440 hours of clinical placement, nursing students can apply for this position, which allows them to work alongside experienced nurses in various healthcare settings across Nova Scotia, including medical, surgical, mental health, and long-term care units.  

In honour of Nursing Week, we spoke with three recent USNs to explore their journeys into nursing, what motivated them to enter the profession, what they’ve learned during their placements, and how these experiences are shaping their futures in healthcare. 

Abigail (Abby) Gilbert 

Abby Gilbert, a Dalhousie University bachelor of science in nursing student, recently completed her undergraduate student nurse (USN) placement. She is now working as a graduate nurse at the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Halifax Infirmary on the Vascular/General Surgery 4.1 unit.  

Raised in Halifax, Abby initially taught English in the Galapagos Islands before deciding to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother, a nurse practitioner with 25 years of experience. Her decision to pursue nursing was also influenced by witnessing the incredible homecare her grandfather received from nurses during his end-of-life treatment. “I carry that experience with me and it continues to influence my practice today.” 

Abby values the supportive and collaborative environment at the Halifax Infirmary, where she has had the opportunity to engage in a wide range of patient care scenarios. “I enjoy everyone I’ve worked with,” she says. Abby particularly enjoys wound care, finding it fascinating to see “how the body can essentially put itself back together.” She emphasizes that the role of a student nurse is not just about providing care but also about building connections with patients. “Students can provide personal experiences and new perspectives. Students add excitement to the floor because even simple tasks to veteran nurses are new and exciting.” 

Jenna Emanuel 

Like Abby, Jenna Emanuel recently completed her USN placement and is now working as a graduate nurse at the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Halifax Infirmary on the Vascular/General Surgery 4.1 unit.  

Jenna describes herself as someone who loves staying busy and being part of a team. To her, nursing felt like a natural extension of that and that she’s passing on care, support, and advocacy. “Nursing provides the opportunity to show up for people in moments of vulnerability and strength, and that’s something I find incredibly rewarding.” 

She describes the USN program as one of the best decisions she made. “It allowed me to financially support my education while also giving me hands-on experience that enhanced everything I was learning in class.” Jenna also emphasizes how the mentorship she received from her preceptors during her palliative care rotation left a lasting impact. “The nurses there showed me that nursing isn’t always about action—it’s also about presence. I was able to witness just how powerful quiet support can be, how to sit with someone in a moment of grief or uncertainty, and how to provide care that is deeply compassionate and human. This is an experience I will remember forever.”  

Myles Cecere 

Myles Cecere began his career working in community programs in the United States that served at-risk populations. His work focused on behavioural health, emergency mental health and substance abuse. He was inspired by how the registered nurses running these programs navigated complex cases using creativity, compassion and critical thinking.  

After returning to Canada in 2019, Myles went back to school to complete science and nursing prerequisites before being accepted into Dalhousie University’s bachelor of science in nursing program. He now works as an undergraduate student nurse on the 8.2 Medicine Unit at the QEII Halifax Infirmary. “8.2 is a great unit for anyone interested in working in a fast-paced environment, using lots of different nursing skills, and seeing a breadth of different medical cases,” he explains. “What sets 8.2 apart, however is the people. There is a genuine sense of camaraderie and everyone helps each other, it has been a great place to learn.” 

For Myles, the USN experience has been full of practical learning opportunities. “I enjoy working with the nurses I am paired with for the day and trying to absorb as much as possible about nursing from them.” 

He also highlights the contribution that student nurses make: “Student nurses can bring tremendous value through their enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and eagerness to learn.”  

We thank all undergraduate student nurses for their dedication to the health and wellbeing of Nova Scotians. Through mentorship and meaningful clinical work, students like Abigail, Jenna, and Myles are developing the confidence and skills to thrive in nursing—and to lead the next generation of care. 

Undergraduate Student Nurse – 2025–2026 information and applications will be available in July 2025 for September 2025 placements. 

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

Photo of (L-R) Abigail (Abby) Gilbert, Jenna Emanuel and Myles Cecere.