Leading with Humility: Crystal Conrad's Impactful Journey in Healthcare
When Crystal Conrad received a phone call informing her that she would be awarded Nova Scotia Health's prestigious Making Waves Award of Distinction, she initially thought it was a humorous prank. This reaction, however, only highlights her humble and down-to-earth nature, which has been the cornerstone of her 34-year career in healthcare.
Throughout her journey, Crystal has consistently emphasized the importance of teamwork, humility, and service. Her dedication to these values is evident in her work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) in the Western Zone for over two decades. In her current role, she supports individuals and communities affected by communicable diseases, working closely with a talented team of colleagues.
Crystal's approach to her work is characterized by her ability to give credit where it's due. She acknowledges the contributions of her team, understanding that her success is built on the collective efforts of those around her.
Melissa Legge, the PHN immunization lead who nominated Crystal for the award, shares this sentiment. She describes Crystal as a mentor and a dear friend who embodies the qualities of a good nurse, colleague, and community member. Her thorough and thoughtful approach to work, coupled with her ability to handle challenges with grace and humor, make her 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 in unique ways. Her work involves communicable disease investigations, education, immunization, and partner collaboration, making it complex, evolving, and engaging. She and her team are often sought after for advice by healthcare providers, including long-term care facilities and infection prevention and control teams, as they work together to prevent the spread of illness in healthcare facilities and communities.
The pandemic of 2020 brought this previously unseen work into the public spotlight, and Crystal's focus shifted from supporting her zone to leading the provincial response. She served as a team lead for nurses from across Nova Scotia, many of whom were new to health protection. This period was challenging but transformative, as it brought together various Public Health team members, including health promoters, dental hygienists, community home visitors, and more, all working towards a common goal: keeping the community safe.
Crystal describes this experience as both challenging and affirming, with relationships built during that time still influencing how Public Health works together today. She is proud of the collective effort and the diverse skill sets that contributed to the success of the provincial response.
Mentorship is a key aspect of Crystal's career. She credits the women who shaped her career, including Kim Benjamin, Karen McMullin, Carolyn Power, Nadine Saunders, and Kim McGill, for their wisdom and lasting impact. She now passes on this mentorship to young nurses entering Public Health, encouraging them to embrace change, be flexible, and continuously build their capacity. She believes that every interaction, whether in person or over the phone, adds to their assessment abilities.
The Making Waves Award of Distinction recognizes Crystal's career built on curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. Her experiences emphasize the lasting impact that can be achieved through daily acts of teamwork, mentorship, and keeping clients at the center of our work. She is a true leader who understands the power of humility and collective effort.
Crystal Conrad's journey is a testament to the idea that we can make a significant difference through our daily interactions and contributions. Her story inspires us to embrace humility, teamwork, and mentorship, ultimately making a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
