Psychiatric nursing gave Andrea a way to combine compassion, science and an interest in how the mind and body work together.
She completed a 4‑year Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing at Brandon University in Manitoba. She chose this field because it looks at mental, physical and emotional health together.
Andrea believes psychiatric nursing is all about relationships. She says the role allows nurses to spend more time with people and really understand what is happening in their lives. In a busy health care system, that time is important. Careful assessments and compassionate support can help reduce repeat emergency visits and lead to better long‑term health. “You’ve got different tools in your kit,” she says, pointing to the value of nurses using their full skills to support the system.
Like many psychiatric nurses, Andrea started her career working in inpatient psychiatry. She later moved into community mental health, working with seniors, children and youth, and in emergency department support roles. These experiences eventually brought her to the Yukon, where she now works as the Manager of Health Services with Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services.
In this role, Andrea oversees many programs. These include a referred care clinic for people with complex needs, early psychosis support, psychiatric outreach, a managed alcohol program, and Car 867. Car 867 is a Yukon‑based mobile crisis team that responds to mental‑health‑related 911 calls with both a nurse and an RCMP officer.
Even in a leadership role, Andrea believes in staying connected to frontline work and learning from staff when shaping programs and policies.
Andrea moved to the Yukon looking for change and adventure. She enjoys the outdoor lifestyle and strong teamwork found in the territory. In a small community, she says positive changes are easier to see, partnerships form quickly, and new programs can make a real difference.
