For Natalie Spence, RPN (non-practicing), nursing was always close to home, even if she did not initially plan to follow that path.

Growing up in Ottawa, Natalie often found herself at the long-term care home where her late mother, Mabelin, worked as a personal support worker (PSW). Her mother spent more than three decades at the home , and Natalie saw firsthand the dedication, joy and physical demands that came with the role.

“I resisted it for quite some time,” she says with a laugh. “I saw how hard she worked.”

Her mother took immense pride in her work. Natalie remembers her wearing the traditional white uniform and stockings that were once common in nursing homes. That commitment left a lasting impression, even though Natalie initially chose a very different direction.

Before nursing, she studied television broadcasting and began a career in media. She earned a scholarship and had opportunities to work in Chicago and Toronto. Eventually, she returned to Ottawa, where she spent nearly a decade working in the health and wellness sector with GoodLife Fitness.

Still, healthcare kept calling.

A turning point came when someone close to her experienced health challenges. Watching a loved one navigate the healthcare system changed how she saw the profession.

“When someone you love is dealing with complex health issues, it makes you want to understand the system better,” she explains. “I wanted to be able to give back.”

In 2011, Natalie enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at Algonquin College and graduated with honours in 2013. What followed was the start of a career deeply rooted in care, mentorship, and advocacy for long-term care.

Natalie began her nursing career balancing two roles. She worked as a PSW at Hospice Care Ottawa while also starting her nursing career at what is now Bruyère Health in Ottawa. Like many new graduates, she pieced together hours across different organizations.

As a second-career student with a mortgage and bills to pay, flexibility was essential. Eventually, she transitioned into full-time work at Bruyère Health, where she spent about seven years working at the bedside.

During that time, Natalie also took on additional roles that helped shape her professional outlook. She served as a preceptor for nursing students and worked as a clinical instructor with Algonquin College.

Mentorship quickly became an important part of her practice.

“When I was precepting, I always wanted to support the newest nurses,” she says. “Those early experiences are where you build the foundation and begin to understand the why behind the work.”

Natalie credits several mentors along the way, including clinical leaders, experienced nurses and nursing educators who demonstrated compassion and excellence in care.

“Watching exceptional nurses at work inspires you,” she says. “You think, one day I want to care for people the way they do.”

By 2020, Natalie began to feel drawn toward influencing change beyond individual patient interactions. She describes herself as the nurse who frequently asked questions and challenged processes that did not seem to make sense.

Rather than discouraging that curiosity, her leaders encouraged it. They connected her with committees and advisory groups where she could contribute ideas and help improve practice.

That encouragement eventually led her to join the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at Bruyère Health.

Today Natalie’s role is as Regional Engagement Liaison on the Preceptor Resource and Education Program for Long- Term Care, known as PREP LTC. Although not practicing at the bedside, Natalie is still supporting nursing on a broader scale. The program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care and focuses on strengthening placement and preceptorship opportunities for nursing students and new graduates entering the sector.

A key part of the program is providing funding to long- term care homes to support preceptors through backfill or honoraria. This allows experienced nurses the time they need to mentor students effectively.

“Evidence shows that one-on-one mentorship is critical for meaningful learning experiences,” Natalie explains. “We want to make sure both students and the nurses supporting them are set up for success.”

Now entering its sixth year, the program has seen strong engagement across the sector and plays an important role in addressing the ongoing health human resources crisis.

Natalie also contributes to the CLRI at Bruyère Health’s Clinical Nursing Leadership portfolio, which focuses on developing leadership skills within long-term care teams. The program supports new graduates, internationally educated nurses, and those who want to strengthen their leadership capacity.

Through this work, she also teaches courses such as Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: Healthcare, which helps healthcare professionals navigate difficult discussions while maintaining mutual respect.

“Conflict happens in every workplace,” she says. “The key is learning how to have candid conversations while still being respectful.”

From navigating disagreements within care teams to responding to concerns from families, Natalie believes strong communication skills are essential for creating healthy work environments.

One of the messages she emphasizes most strongly is that leadership is not limited to formal titles.

“Everyone’s voice matters,” she says. “You might not have a leadership title, but you are still part of the circle of care.”

She believes that fostering an environment where all team members feel heard creates stronger teams and better outcomes for residents.

Looking ahead, Natalie hopes to see long-term care continue evolving into environments where residents receive person-centered care and staff feel supported in their professional growth.

She also hopes to see greater recognition of the vital role long-term care plays within the healthcare system.

For RPNs considering the sector, her message is simple.

“Long-term care is a place where you can grow as a nurse and as a leader,” she says. “Your voice matters, your skills are valued, and the work you do truly makes a difference.”

And for students just entering the profession, she offers one final piece of encouragement.

“There are so many opportunities as a Registered Practical Nurse,” she says. “Do not put yourself in a box. Your scope is needed, and we are excited to welcome you into the profession.”