To South West Health – your new home and rewarding career in health services.
Don’t just head south for the winter – head south forever! With fulfilling career opportunities and the promise of tranquil living, South West Health offers a unique experience where everyone has something to gain and nothing to lose. Here's Why −
Live the Dream
As one of Atlantic Canada’s best kept secrets, South West Nova invites you to discover the serenity of living and working in one of its characteristically charming communities. Located on the most southerly tip of Nova Scotia, this attractive region hugs the coast, creating a soothing climate of mild winters and hot, breezy summers.
Whether you arrive by boat, car or plane, once you step foot on one of our region’s relaxing, sandy beaches or brilliant rugged shores, you’ll instantly feel yourself come alive as you breathe in the fresh salt air. Looking around, you’ll marvel at the beauty and delight in the many scenic vistas around each corner. And later, as you wander through lush forests and stroll down friendly main streets, you’ll soon realise that South West Nova isn’t just another tourist attraction -- it’s a community that really treasures life.
Ties That Bind
"I chose South West Health, because I like the lifestyle -- it is a great place to raise children. Because our communities are close knit, I see staff going above and beyond the call of duty to help our patients." -- Donna Braun, Pharmacist.
Beauty Abound
"I love the community, it's beautiful and the people are friendly and outgoing. Not to mention that I love my working environment -- the people I work with are excellent!" -- Michelle Hilliard, RN
Safe, clean and friendly, the inspiring communities of South West Nova offer an array of activities to suit any lifestyle. And, whether you arrive single, or with a partner or family, we’re confident you’ll discover many reasons to stay.
"I moved to Nova Scotia this summer (2003) from Calgary, Alberta, because I wanted to live and work in a smaller urban or rural setting. Nova Scotia has proven to be a beautiful place to work and live. I love the harbours, the quiet public beaches and the hilly forest landscape. I am originally from rural New Brunswick and having lived in a large city for the past eight years I have developed a better appreciation for the quietude rural living offers. As well, I have met many warm and neighbourly people since moving to Nova Scotia, which has helped me to feel that I am part of a first-rate community." -- Robin Swift, Psychologist
The South West Nova District Health Authority (District Health Authority 2)
is one of nine district health authorities serving the province of Nova
Scotia. The province created district health authorities in 2001 to bring
health care decision-making closer to the community level and improve
accountability for health care decisions.
In South West Nova, more than 1,000 staff provide primary health care services to 62,600 residents in Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby through Roseway Hospital, the Western Regional Health Centre (includes Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Harbourside Lodge, Tidal View Manor, Veteran’s Place and Dalhousie University School of Nursing, Yarmouth Site) and the Digby General Hospital. The health authority is also responsible for Mental Health, Public Health and Addiction Services throughout the district.
To work with individuals, families and partners to promote and improve the health of our communities. We use resources wisely to provide access to a broad range of quality services.
The residents of South West Nova are encouraged to actively participate in the district’s health planning. To this end, the area features four Community Health Boards (CHB) that together, cover just over 7102.6 square kilometres: Shelburne Community Health Board, Yarmouth Community Health Board, Clare Community Health Board and the Digby Community Health Board. Maintaining an advisory role, the CHBs seek input and build community health plans, which are submitted to the District Health Authority, reviewed, and then recommendations are integrated into the district’s business planning process.
Locally, whether you choose an education in English, French or French Immersion, our school system offers children a solid foundation from which to grow and learn. And, with 11 provincial universities and 13 community college campuses, residents of South West Nova have close access to more post-secondary institutions per capita than anywhere else in Canada.
In South West Nova, it’s all about easy access! A fast ferry to the United
States and ferry links to New Brunswick, as well as a daily (Mon-Fri)
airplane to Halifax and Portland, Maine, you’ll soon get where you’re going, hassle-free!
Proving that “all roads on the South Shore end at a beautiful beach,” South West Nova proudly boasts several sandy oases including Lockeport’s Crescent Beach, Barrington’s Sand Hills Provincial Park, Cape Sable Island’s South Side/The Hawk Beach, and Yarmouth’s Port Maitland and Mavilette beaches.
Whether you choose to tee-off at one of our five, 18-hole golf courses or exercise your passion for camping, ocean kayaking, sailing or sport fishing, South West Nova is a miraculous playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, we always like to have a good time ‘down south’ and, as such, we continually feature festivals, community celebrations and county exhibitions throughout the summer months. And, if you’re into
organized sports, you’ll be glad to know that each county has its own arena (note: Barrington boasts a new arena, as does Yarmouth, which also features a double ice surface!), plus lighted baseball fields and curling rinks.
A Community Committed to Health
With state-of-the-art equipment (e.g. MRI, CT scanner,
echocardiography, digital x-ray, etc.) and highly trained
professionals, the health care facilities within South West Nova are
well-respected for providing its residents with quality primary
health care, close to home. The district also focuses on health and
wellness from birth to end-of-life, and is responsible for mental
health, public health and addiction services throughout the area. As
well, through partnerships with the province and renowned tertiary
care centres and post-graduate educational institutions in nearby
Halifax, our professionals share in the expanding opportunities
associated with research, learning and health promotion. We’re also
fortunate to have active hospital foundations and auxiliaries whose
members extend tremendous effort to raise funds for new equipment
and special programs. These volunteers are a true blessing and
indeed, their spirit reflects the generosity of the community at
large.
In
short, South West Nova is an inspiring health care community where
the professional and personal benefits are plenty and the direct,
hands-on care experience invaluable. Of course, the opportunity for
you to share in this unique experience is yours for the asking. Just
think – by assuming a position with South West Health you’ll be able
to tell your family and friends that you live down South – where the
climate is mild, the atmosphere friendly, and you get lots of
old-fashioned peace and quiet in a lovely and relaxing setting. Oh,
and there’s no need to wake up now, after all, this is not a
dream!
Join our Team Today
Whether you’re just starting out in your career,
looking for a change or winding down to retirement, South West
Health has a home for you. It’s the perfect place to apply and
sharpen your skills and expertise in primary, community health care.
It’s the ideal spot for enjoying that relaxed lifestyle you’ve
always dreamed of. And, it’s the only provincial district that
offers the divine combination of isolated serenity and close
proximity to thriving urban centres in both Canada and the U.S.
That Down Home Feeling "I like the atmosphere in the clinic and the
community -- people are friendly and very, very kind."-- Dr. Mandouh Metrie, Family Physician
If you share our belief in the active involvement
of our community in decisions related to care and health, and are
interested in learning more about the unique needs and benefits of a
rural setting,
then explore the ‘dream come true’ of living and working ‘down
south.’ (Note: position openings within the district are
posted on our web site). And, if you have the time for a personal
tour or would like to speak directly to one of our knowledgeable
staff, please contact South West Health at:
Live the dream. Join our team at South West Health
and enjoy a rewarding career in health care management and an
enriched life in simple rural living.
What More Could You Want?
"South West Nova Scotia – lobster, ocean frontage,
200-year-old houses, history, picturesque villages and real people.
Why would anyone live any where else?"
-
Blanche E. Turner, Psychologist.