Nova Scotia Nurses Award
My name is Barbara Blays, I am a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University in 2013. I am currently completing my final year of Master of Healthcare Quality Improvement at Queens University. I have a natural desire to explore systematic quality improvement to support women effectively and equitably. Becoming a nurse has been a deep and fulfilling journey, as a little girl growing up in Ghana I witnessed firsthand the impact of healthcare disparities, especially among women and children. Since 2014, I have worked as a Registered Nurse at IWK Health, primarily with women and newborns.
I actively advocate for health services, particularly for Black Women. I am committed to advancing my skills and knowledge in nursing, staying current with healthcare advancements, and studying quality improvement to support meaningful change. My goal is to implement effective, timely, equitable and safe care while upholding empathy and commitment to patient well-being. I also aim to contribute to innovative solutions that streamline processes and reduce waste in healthcare. I chose nursing because it embodies the principles of empathy, advocacy, and continuous learning. As a nurse, I have the unique opportunity to provide direct patient care, support individuals through some of their most vulnerable moments, and advocate for equitable health services. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies, advance my skills, and contribute more effectively. I am grateful to the donors and humbled to call myself a CNF scholar.
