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Gina Dove: A Steady Hand in the Storm
May 14, 2025
RN, Carbonear General Hospital
During a recent visit to the emergency room, a parent found more than just medical attention for their child—they found calm, compassion, and expert care in Registered Nurse Gina Dove.
“Her assessment skills in that moment were exceptional,” they wrote in their nomination. “I know she stayed late after her shift had ended to ensure our child received the prompt care he required. I am forever grateful for her kindness and competence—thank you, Gina.”
Expert Care Rooted in Experience
Gina brings years of experience in emergency medicine across both urban and rural settings. She is confident under pressure, quick to act, and unwavering in her commitment to patient safety.
“I love my profession. I take pride in being a nurse and helping others both on shift and off. I think it comes down to having compassion for others, empathy, and being able to critically think in difficult situations”.
She describes expert care as more than a checklist of tasks. It’s about recognizing patterns, trusting your instincts, and adapting on the fly—all while remaining grounded in evidence-based practice.
“Every shift is an opportunity to learn something new,” she said. “Adaptability is essential.”
Calm in Crisis, Strength Under Pressure
Working in the ER means facing difficult situations every day. Gina meets these moments with professionalism, grit, and clarity.
“Patients and families often feel helpless and out of control,” she said. “Offering timelines, updates, and clear explanations helps them feel supported and seen.”
Since the pandemic, she has witnessed a rise in aggression toward healthcare workers—adding another layer of complexity to already high-pressure environments.
“There’s a noticeable lack of respect and more hostility,” she explained. “We have to manage that assertively to keep staff and patients safe.”
Grit, Resilience, and the Power to Adapt
Working within a strained healthcare system takes more than clinical skill—it demands strength, flexibility, and a deep sense of purpose.
“Working within a broken healthcare system can be tough,” Gina said. “There are provider shortages across the province and the country. But I’m proud of our ability as Registered Nurses to adapt, to meet challenges head-on, and to continue providing compassionate care and positive outcomes.”
“It’s a Privilege to Make a Difference”
For Gina, the real reward lies in the impact she has on the lives of patients and families. As she reflected with her coworkers, emergency nursing has taught her some of life’s most valuable lessons.
“This profession has taught me resilience, adaptability, and compassion,” she said. “Emergency nursing builds thick skin. Every day we face difficult concerns, and the ability to pick someone up at the worst point in their life and help them put the pieces back together—that’s the most rewarding part of my job.
It’s a privilege to make a difference in people’s lives, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
Gina’s story is a powerful reminder that nurses don’t just provide care—they help transform lives.
