By: Kirsten Millar
Beverley Gallant works as the Clinical Informatics Nurse Specialist within Interprofessional Practice and Learning (IPPL). Beverley Gallant has been working in healthcare for almost 40 years.
“From as early as I can recall, I have wanted to be a nurse, and I have honestly never considered myself with any other career,” says Gallant. “I loved the 26 years I spent working bedside as an RN. Unfortunately, a physical injury prevented me from continuing this role, and I was offered this new opportunity to work in Clinical Informatics.”
As a Clinical Informatics Nurse Specialist, Gallant works in 10 healthcare facilities across Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone and the Cape Breton area. She provides education and on unit support for all staff who are using specific clinical applications.
“Looking back on my career, the moments that stand out are times that I was able to support and provide care for people in their most critical moments,” says Gallant. “Whether it was being present for the birth of my friend’s first child and being the first person to care for her child, providing lifesaving care with positive outcomes to patients in critical condition, or holding the hand of a dying patient while waiting for their family to arrive, I cherish these experiences.”
“In my role as a Clinical Informatics Nurse Specialist, I am now able to provide support to my fellow healthcare staff. One of the most valuable experiences over the last few years was providing live support to frontline staff during the implementation of new initiatives,” says Gallant.
“While a bit scary at first, I quickly came to realize that this was an incredible and rewarding opportunity to challenge myself, to build new skills and strengthen skills in important areas [such as] teaching, to impart my knowledge and experience onto others and to contribute to the healthcare system in a different way than I had before. I’m grateful to have spent the last 12 years in this role,” says Gallant.
“I am continually inspired by my fellow healthcare professionals. Despite hectic personal schedules and responsibilities, these individuals are committed to showing up every day and giving their very best to not only fulfill but to exceed their individual roles within the healthcare system,” says Gallant. “Together as a team we strive for the utmost in patient safety which results in the best outcomes for the patient and their loved ones.”
May 8-14 is National Nurses Week, and we are taking the opportunity to learn more about the many nurses who work for Nova Scotia Health and showcase the important roles that they play in a patient’s health-care journey. Thank you for all you do.
