Leading with Humility: Crystal Conrad's Impactful Journey
When Crystal Conrad received a phone call informing her that she would be awarded Nova Scotia Health's Making Waves Award of Distinction, she initially thought it was a prank. This reaction is a testament to her humble nature. After 34 years in healthcare, including 20 as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) in Western Zone, Crystal has built her career on the pillars of teamwork, humility, and service.
In her role within the health protection division of Public Health, Crystal supports individuals and communities affected by communicable diseases, working alongside a dedicated team of colleagues. She is quick to acknowledge their contributions, emphasizing that her success is a collective achievement.
Melissa Legge, the PHN immunization lead who nominated Crystal, believes she deserves more recognition than she gives herself. Melissa praises Crystal's mentorship and friendship, describing her as a true asset to her team and Nova Scotia Health.
Crystal's passion lies in health protection, a field where nursing assessment skills are applied differently. Her work encompasses communicable disease investigations, education, immunization, and partner collaboration, making it complex, evolving, and engaging.
Crystal and her team handle calls daily from healthcare providers seeking advice. They collaborate with long-term care facilities, infection prevention and control teams, and others to prevent illness spread in healthcare and communities. This work often operates behind the scenes, and its importance became evident during the pandemic when it was thrust into the public eye.
During that challenging time, Crystal's focus shifted from supporting her zone to leading the provincial response. She coordinated nurses from across Nova Scotia, many new to health protection, and worked alongside other Public Health team members, including health promoters, dental hygienists, and community home visitors, all united by a shared goal of community safety.
Crystal describes the experience as transformative and affirming, highlighting the diverse skill sets her team brought to the table. She is proud of the collective effort and the lasting impact it had on how Public Health operates provincially.
Crystal's mentorship and guidance are integral to her approach. She credits her success to the women who shaped her career, including Kim Benjamin, Karen McMullin, Carolyn Power, Nadine Saunders, and Kim McGill. These colleagues shared their wisdom, leaving a lasting impression, and Crystal now passes on their mentorship to young nurses entering Public Health.
Crystal offers valuable advice to aspiring nurses: every interaction, whether in-person or over the phone, matters. She encourages openness to change, flexibility, and continuous learning, emphasizing that every experience enhances assessment abilities.
The Making Waves Award of Distinction recognizes Crystal's career built on curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. Her journey reminds us that we can make a lasting impact through daily acts of teamwork, mentorship, and keeping clients at the heart of our work. Crystal is not just a cog in the wheel; she is a leader who inspires and empowers those around her.
