Nursing Policy Advisor Appointed
Barb Oke-Kennedy has been appointed nursing policy advisor with the Department of Health. Health Minister Jamie Muir said this new position is part of government's commitment to work more closely with the profession in addressing critical nursing issues.
"Ms. Oke-Kennedy understands the issues from firsthand experience, as a care-giver and an administrator," said Mr. Muir. "She'll be involving other nurses and nursing associations in her work as we give nurses a greater voice. This will be of huge value to the department as we work to address many key challenges facing both the health care sector and the profession."
The advisor will work with the nursing profession in developing effective strategies to retain, recruit and retrain nurses in Nova Scotia. The advisor will be responsible for providing advice from the nursing perspective on health policy issues, as well as all programs and issues relating to nurses. Hiring a nursing policy advisor fulfills a commitment made by the government to better address issues involving nursing in the province.
Ms. Oke-Kennedy brings more than 25-years of nursing experience to the position. She recently filled the role as site manager at the Dartmouth General Hospital for the Central Regional Health Board. Ms. Oke-Kennedy was also the assistant executive director of Nursing and Patient Services at the Dartmouth General. She has always remained active in professional associations and has a keen interest in nursing issues. Ms. Oke-Kennedy is a member of the Registered Nurses Association of Nova Scotia.
Ms. Oke-Kennedy has her masters in health services administration and a bachelor of nursing from Dalhousie University. She received her diploma in nursing from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal.
Ms. Oke-Kennedy will join the Department of Health on Jan. 24.
Mr. Muir said he is pleased this needed position has been filled with a candidate of this calibre.
"Our government recognizes the valuable contribution of nurses in this province. Ms. Oke-Kennedy will be instrumental in helping us create an environment that better supports, values and empowers our nurses," said Mr. Muir.