Login Members Only2021 Escape Contest Photo Gallery
In late February of this year, the NSNU launched the Escape Photo Contest asking members to share pictures and commentary of their favourite pastimes, and ways to escape the more social and emotional side effects of the pandemic.
In total, the NSNU received close to 200 entries! We received beautiful photos and thoughtful messages, all depicting the hobbies and selfcare activities members have been engaging in.
The winner – Lisa Jackson – was selected by random draw. Lisa, who works at Colchester Regional Hospital, loves to go riding on ATVs and feels fortunate to have access to trails from her own backyard.
Thank you to all who entered the draw. We loved hearing from you and seeing your inspiring submissions
ESCAPE CONTEST WINNER!
Lisa Jackson LPN
I love getting out riding on the ATVs. We are very fortunate to be able to get onto a lot of the trails right from our back yard.
Tammy Hatcher, RN
One of Tammy’s hobbies is painting custom folk art frames.
Marcey Olender, LPN
I recently took up beekeeping! I’m in my second year and have four colonies at this time. It’s been a big learning experience for me and my family, but we’ve loved every minute of it thus far.
Tammy Hatcher, RN
Tammy loves spending time with her puppies.
Peggy Blair, RN
Hiking the shores of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Allison Jewers, RN
Nothing better than relaxing on the water with a cold drink & fishing rod. This is at the beautiful Canso Causeway!
Charlene Snow, RN
My favourite way to decompress is to get out in nature, and it’s even more enjoyable with my family by my side.
Karen Roberts, RN
I love to escape with my family and go hiking or biking. Pictured is my daughter and I stopped for a quick break during our bike ride along the LaHave River.
Rhonda Jacquard, LPN
I love painting my fingernails, it’s so relaxing and creative.
Jayne Greene, RN
One of my all-time favorite pastimes is fishing. So relaxing and peaceful-a great way to de-stress!
Theresa Ring, RN
I’ve found hiking on the many trails throughout this beautiful province a way to escape!
Alison Fredericks, RN
It’s been a great year to ride the trails in Nova Scotia.
Holly Blake, LPN
Since this pandemic started, I found hiking as a way to de-stress when everything else started to escalate. It’s been a crazy year and more, but because of the extra time focusing on the outside and becoming more in tune with mind, body and soul, I realized hiking became one of my favorite hobbies to pursue.
Jill Sanford, RN
My favourite pastime is spending time with my family creating lasting memories, now more than ever since we have had extended periods of time where we couldn’t be with them in person. This photo is of myself and my father floating over the Valley in a hot air balloon. Highly recommended!
Tammy Hatcher, RN
Tammy’s art is inspired by time spent in her garden.
Susmy Thomas, RN
I am a very adventurous person. I recently took a chance to do a 26 km canoeing backcountry camping trip with my friend.
Joyce Dobbin, RN
Here I am enjoying my favourite pastime, which is walking and hiking. This was taken in Ingonish on the beautiful Franey Trail.
Melissa Humphrey, LPN
I enjoy hiking with my dog Henry and my son Owen, getting outside and enjoying our beautiful province.
Peggy Blair, RN
I love daycations in Nova Scotia.
Lisa Hardy, RN and Tresia Brown, RN
Two NSNU members enjoying one of our favourite pastimes, bicycling the rail trail!
Amy Ward, RN
Amy loves to escape with her pets.
Kimberly Shaw, RN
My escape is definitely taking photos. I am an amateur - just love photos in nature of birds and flowers, etc.
Deanna Doucette, RN
My favorite go to hobby is running. I run with no music. I listen to the noises of the trail I run on (the river and birds). It's a great de-stressor of the daily demands of life both at work and at home.
Leanne Haley, RN
Lucky enough to spend lockdown with my grandson.
Marcy Dwyer, RN
Enjoying the beautiful gardens at The Mira nursing home in Truro.
Susmy Thomas, RN
Susmy enjoys a biking trip.
Chantal Hamilton, LPN
My favourite go-to activity is hiking with my 11-month-old golden retriever, Remi; he is my favourite adventure pal. This day we hiked the Rogart Mountain trail to Jane’s falls in Earltown!
Susmy Thomas, RN
I love going for hikes. I am very outdoorsy and love being in the nature as much as I can.
Robert Burrows, NP
This is me spending time with my family at the strawberry field.
Peggy Blair, RN
Hiking the shores of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Jill Sanford, RN
My favourite pastime is spending time with my family, especially these two. This is me with my kids, Brady and Charlie.
Catherine Sorrey, RN (Ret)
I am retired now since 2019 and having a hip replacement this December 2020. I wanted to share these photos. Never say never it can’t be done. Biking is a great escape; just completed my first ride this June! This is for sharing not for contest entry! Good luck to the most deserving member. #besafebekind
Allison Jewers, RN
My favourite way to unwind, 40 feet below the ocean! This day we explored the SS Arrow shipwreck near Chedabucto Bay!
Lisa Hardy, RN
Always a great escape to go to the Arctic and work for 6 weeks and spend time with my daughter!!
Carlee Bryson, RN
My self care activity is getting out in nature. This reminds me of the expansiveness of our planet and its truly divine design. Here is a photo of me canoeing in Kejimkujik.
Amy Ward, RN
I like to hike at the beach, lay on the beach, reflect, and let ocean therapy wash over me. I end up going to the ocean anywhere between 1-4 times a week. It is scientifically proven that the ocean, waves, smell has a positive outcome to heal. The ocean is my escape.
Joan Conrad, LPN and Katheryne-Anne Mills, RN
Here we are Celebrating Canada Day.
Laurie Gove, RN
Cross fit always helps me unwind.
Yvonne Vanderzanden-Megens, RN
My escape is running, to clear my head. I see it as a form of meditation, it’s just me and the sound of nature and my mind.
Heidi Fairbanks-Smith, NP
Hiking in search of waterfalls.
Carlee Bryson, RN
Carlee enjoys some relaxing time in a hammock on a trip to Keji Park.
Brenda Etheridge, RN
My favourite pass time is hiking. No matter what time of year, it always reboots me.
Crystal-Anne LeBlanc, LPN
My go-to form of relaxation is going to the campground enjoying a nice campfire.
Karen Fowler, RN
I love kayaking. I feel so at peace just floating on the water. This picture is after my last race with the Shubenacadie Canoe to the Sea.
Maggie McInnis, RN
While most activities were shut down at the beginning of the pandemic, hiking with friends and family was and still is a great way to get outside inexpensively.
Mennie Alba, RN
Strawberry picking.
Rhonda Jacquard, LPN
My friends and I enjoy time outside together.
Paula Nickerson, RN
Taking a hike with my nephew.
Magen Martin, LPN
Fishing with my family and going on adventures all around our beautiful province.
Robin Whooten, RN
Robin enjoys running. Here she is doing a half marathon distance – taking another minute off her best time. Her goal is to try to run this distance once per month.
Marlene Murphy, RN
Marlene loves to make decorations out of shells she finds on the beach.
Marlene Murphy, RN
Marlene loves to watch the beautiful sunset.
Joanah Sigue-Bernal, RN
Love spending time with work friends even on our day off, whether visiting a park, a staycation at hotel or walking the Halifax Harbour.
Susan Savage, NP
My favourite moment of February 2021 was getting my vaccine.
Kailee McCarron, NP
This is my son. Our pastime during the pandemic has been baking! It is fun, occupies our time and, bonus, we get something yummy to eat!
Kat Mills, RN
Joan Conrad, LPN
Mom and daughter travel partners.
Lesley Fraser, RN
I learned how to golf last summer. It has been a great pandemic activity with friends!
Lesley Fraser, RN
Walks with an unhappy model.
Emma Fuller, RN
Looking out to Antigonish Harbour on Christmas Eve
Diana Kendall, RN
Taking some time out for kayaking.
Vicki Royles, RN
Hanging out and antique shopping with my son, John Snyder, LPN
Tiah Skutnik, RN
My favorite hobby these days is fishing in the canoe on the lake in my backyard with my favorite person, my husband.
Emma Fuller, RN
Ocean swimming with my pooch Arya (Arisag Provincial Park)
Sara MacLeod, RN
Out for a walk with my dog after a day shift!
Emma Fuller, RN
Cross-country skiing (Ski Tuonela, Cape Breton)
Elizabeth Enserink, NP
My favourite escape is taking my dog, Zeiss, and going hiking. I love exploring all the beauty Nova Scotia has to offer and disconnecting from the world for a bit.
Emma Fuller, RN
Loving every minute of gardening at our rental in Antigonish
Jenna Macphail, RN
One of my favourite pastimes - spending time outside and exploring beautiful Cape Breton! This is Cape Clear.
Emma Fuller, RN
Going for a walk in the sunshine and enjoying a good podcast
Michelle Grosvenor, LPN
My go-to hobby is hiking!
Emma Fuller, RN
Biking on the Ceilidh Coastal Trail, Cape Breton
Leona Wilneff, RN
I have been enjoying snow mobility since I was a little girl. I’ve been a Nurse for 25 years and still love winter days in my snow mobile.
Jenna Macphail, RN
Snuggling my niece in cozy PJs after a busy set at work is so relaxing.
Elaine Nicholson, NP
My favourite escape... Cape Breton Island!
Crystal Francis, LPN
The best views in Cape Breton come from the mountain tops. Hiking is my favorite way to destress.
Carolyn Adams, LPN
Flying through the air on beautiful ribbons keeps me happy and fit.
Lisa Dorion, RN
Another friendly face from Lisa’s farm is this goat – one of eight!
Audra McNeil, LPN
Audra enjoys a weekend getaway with her husband.
Julie Buchanan, LPN
Self care is hanging out with my kids, building forts and such! Here I am with my youngest daughter, Camryn. This is good for the soul!
Melissa Theriault, LPN
Spending quality time outside on a beautiful day with your children is great way to release any negative energy and stress you may be holding inside.
Melissa Theriault, LPN
I’ve never had much of a green thumb, so now whenever I go to the grocery store I make sure I pick up fresh flowers. It’s the little things that make me happy!
Venus Sorizo, RN
One benefit of walking around the trails, besides being active, is an opportunity to see and capture cute little decorations made by the community. This photo was taken at Goat Island, Eskasoni.
Fatima Cribby, RN,
Fatima unwinds by entertaining with family and friends.
Erin Thibault, RN
Sitting on the rocks at Peggy’s Cove, breathing in the salty air and listening to the waves is my way of turning off the world and concentrating on me.
Maggie McInnis, RN
My new-found love for mountain biking began all thanks to the pandemic. This shows that not only bad things have come from the pandemic. As gyms were shutting down, I decided to try out mountain biking and fell in love with the sport instantly. I now mountain bike 3-4 times a week in the fall and summer.
Maggie McInnis, RN
Canoeing with my partner and our Bernese mountain dog has always been a tradition with us. During the pandemic we truly enjoyed our stay-cations by canoeing out to beaches and camping out at night.
Lorianne Peach, RN
My go to hobby is hiking. I go at least once a day with my dog. The silence of the woods or the sound of water is very calming. Sometimes we are alone and other times we may have a group of people and dogs. I always feel refreshed and destressed.
Martina Cejpova, RN
Enjoying some downhill skiing!
Rhonda Jacquard, LPN
Having a peaceful walk with my family.
Samantha Nickerson, LPN
Samantha enjoys golfing as a stress reliever.
Rhonda Jacquard, LPN
Taking a peaceful walk by the river.
Crystal Francis, LPN
Spending time in nature is my go-to hobby.
Perry King, RN
When able, my favourite hobby is exploring zoos. This is my last experience traveling to Toronto Zoo.
Dorothy Smith, LPN
To unwind and relax, I love to spend time walking my puppy. I rescued her from a shelter in Texas last year. I like to say we rescued each other! Here I am on a walk with Miss Arabella.
Nelli Zatserkovna, RN
My favourite activity is spending time with my family and I love spending time with them outdoors - hiking, biking, swimming in the lake. For my birthday this year my family gave me a gift of going to Ontree Park where this picture was taken.
Amy MacDonald, LPN
My favourite pastime or escape from work is doing anything with my son Jase. He keeps me going and always puts a smile on my face!
Stephanie Hudson, LPN
To escape and destress I enjoy going on my paddle board. I love the scenery of different lakes and hidden treasures. I do yoga and exercising on it! My son and I enjoy endless hours doing this and it distresses me and re-grounds my energy. The water is a healing place for me especially when I get burnt out after all the overtime VON nurses complete.
Jennifer Rose, LPN
This is a picture of me in my second home – the gym! Burbines in Amherst Nova Scotia; a great place release tension and the stress we face daily.
Mennie Alba, RN
Therapeutic planting! Gardening is one of my stress relievers.
Mennie Alba, RN
Reading a book!
Holly Rafuse, NP
Glenna Gallant, NP
Hiking the bunny trail in Oxford NS.
Gerly Enriquez, RN
Gerly enjoys spending time with her family.
Diana Kendall, RN
Enjoying a hike and a beautiful view.
Jenilee Parker, RN
My favourite thing is hiking with my buddy Jerry-Lee!
Emma Fuller, RN
Back-country camping in Pollett's Cove, Cape Breton
Marie-Pier Dion, RN
My favourite self-care activity: hiking the highlands with my puppy, Madeline. We’ve seen bald eagles, beaver, so many birds, and moose so far this spring!
Laurie Gove, RN
Riding on my bike, so relaxing and peaceful
Emma Fuller, RN
My favourite music companion
Sarah MacLeod, RN
I’m sending this picture of me “escaping” to enter your contest - kayaking is my favourite way to escape in the summer.
Emma Fuller, RN
Heading out for a hike to Sugarloaf Mountain via the Bethany Trails (Antigonish)
Mary Fast, RN
During this pandemic, my go-to hobby is paddle boarding on a lake or on the ocean – anywhere.
Emma Fuller, RN
Always find a river to swim in (Cutie's Hollow Falls, James River)
Emma Fuller, RN
Go for a hike. Take some friends (Cape Split Provincial Park)
Jenna Macphail, RN
I love hiking as a pastime. This is a waterfall in River Denys.
Jenna Macphail, RN
Spending the day at the beach listening to the waves is very relaxing.
Laurie Gardiner, LPN
My family and I enjoy walking the trails at Two Rivers Wildlife Park to visit with the animals and get some fresh air.
Carol Kirby, RN
One of my go-to activities for self care is skiing. I go with my grandkids, friends or alone (in which case I often make new friends on the hill). In this picture I am skiing with my 10 year old grandson, Micah.
Lisa Dorion, RN
Here is a photo of me with my *biggest* stress relievers on my funny farm - Shaggy Aggie and Norma Jean, two 11-month-old Highland cattle. They, and the rest of my menagerie, keep me super active, super busy and provide lots of nature and animal therapy to keep me going.
Wendy Beaton, RN
Wendy loves exploring hiking trails in Cape Breton with her granddaughter Faye and husband Donnie.
Venus Sorizo, RN
Went for a group Snowshoeing at Ski Ben Eion as a last winter appreciation and to welcome spring.
Laurie Gardiner, LPN
My children and I took some time to help out our local community food cupboards. With the help of family and friends we raised $300 and placed Sobeys gift cards in three different food cupboards. It really gave us all a sense of community and felt great to help others.
Lisa Jackson LPN
I enjoy relaxing in the hot tub.
Laurie Gardiner, LPN
My children and I entered a last-minute snowman building competition. We came up with the VON nurse snow woman. We won the prize for most Creative Snowman. Pictured is myself and 2 of my 3 children Cooper and Zoe. Our entry was a hit!
Yvette Muise, LPN
For her New Year’s resolution, Yvette wanted to hike and walk in different places. Here she is looking at seals at the Keji Adjunct.
Lenora Brace, NP
Hiking through the woods every day is my go-to mindful wellness activity. Why? I can breathe better with the trees. I absolutely must have nature around me to have peace. Do you feel the smile on my face and the strength in years of growth from this tall tree on my property?
Venus Sorizo, RN
Venus’s go-to hobby is hiking. Here she is with her partner at Humes River Falls in Cape Breton. She says, “Getting out into nature benefits me physically and is also great for my mental well-being.”
Maggie McInnis, RN
Throughout the pandemic getting outside in the winter has helped incredibly. Being able to snowboard with a friend helps bring joy back into life after such a harsh year.
Kyla Neary Griffiths, RN
Kyla enjoys snowshoeing with her son, Lucas.
Debbie Morris, RN
Debbie loves to be out in the wilderness. Here she is hiking the woods in Cape Breton.
Sue Atkinson, LPN
This is me and my golden retriever Tater enjoying a walk on the beach at Spencer’s Island. We both loves our walks there, so peaceful and relaxing! We always feel great after a good walk.
Rhonda Jacquard, LPN
Enjoying a boat ride with my family.
Mennie Alba, RN
Cooking a Filipino delicacy, Valenciana, for the family.
Rhonda Jacquard, LPN
My friends and I drinking tea at the camp.
Sue Ellen Morrison, RN
Doing some long overdue self care spa time!
Maggie McInnis, RN
Kayaking with friends in the summer is a great way to get outside and spend some time on the water while getting some vitamin D from the sun.
Marge Ancliffe, NP
This is Ollie, my 6 month old goldendoodle. We brought Ollie home in November and he's been the best walking/hiking buddy during the pandemic!
Robin Whooten, RN
Running is my favourite pastime which has really helped me to cope with this pandemic. This are my three friends who I ran a half marathon distance with.
Marlene Murphy, RN
Marlene loves to collect shells and turn them into jewelry and decorations!
Dorothy Smith, LPN
Dorothy enjoys playing with her rescue pup, Arabella.
Tracy Gates, LPN
My Escape on my time off is spent with my two beautiful granddaughters exploring beautiful places of Nova Scotia and beyond.
Julie Sutherland-Jotcham, RN
While maybe not always “relaxing”, capturing memories of my boys and their teammates during their hockey games through photography this past year has been one of the things I’ve looked forward to the most on the weekends when they were able to play. The boys loved to see the action shots after the game and I enjoyed being able to share the photos with family and friends who could not attend the games in person.
Joanah Sigue-Bernal, RN
Went to Wentworth Falls and what a view. After a busy long day at work, nice to find some time to rejuvenate and relax with nature.
Jessica Gillis, RN
I love to escape to Chipman’s Brook on the Annapolis Valley’s Bay of Fundy for bonfires and sunsets enjoyed with family.
Janet Purdy, RN
Reading is one of my favourite pastimes.
Gerly Enriquez, RN
Enjoying family time at Luckett’s Vineyard, Wolfville, NS.
Lesley Fraser, RN
Working shift work means a quiet ski hill during the week. Took the opportunity to hit the slopes at Martock with friends and family this winter. Wearing my NSNU mask as well!
Marlene Murphy, RN
My go to hobby is going for walks on the beach. I now get to do so with my new grandson, daughter and grandpuppy.
Vicki Royles, RN
Two wheels that move my soul!
Diana Kendall, RN
Hitting the trails.
Emma Fuller, RN
Exploring Nova Scotia's many wonderful waterfalls (East Moose River Falls, Five Islands)
Ashley Potter, RN
Horses and horseback riding have been my passion for as long as I can remember. No matter what is going on in my day to day, this is my escape. A time to focus on something that I truly love and just be in the moment
Suzanne Sheppard-Jackman, RN
Hello. My go-to hobby is fitness. I love exercising. I run on my treadmill and do BeachBody workouts too. I make sure to do a combination of cardio and strength training. I turned 40 last year and I make my fitness a priority for me. I need to be strong for my children, my husband, and my patients.
Emma Fuller, RN
Curled up with a book on a winter's day
Laurie Gardiner, LPN
My family loves the beach. A nice beach walk, regardless of the weather, helps to clear our minds and makes our hearts happy.
Emma Fuller, RN
Evenings with a book on Lochaber Lake
Jenna Macphail, RN
I can’t think of something more relaxing than a walk on the beach at sunset during the summer!
Emma Fuller, RN
A cup of coffee and meditation by the ocean on a quiet morning
Judith Rudderham, RN
Judith enjoys horseback riding and horse therapy.
Emma Fuller, RN
Snowshoeing in the Highlands of Cape Breton
Andrea Casey, LPN
Andrea enjoys hiking with her dog.
Jenna Macphail, RN
Enjoying a favourite pastime of mine, hiking, with my mom! This is Salt Mountain.
Joan Conrad, LPN
I am pictured here with my daughter Katheryne-Anne Mills, RN. We love family trips away and swimming in the Cuban waters. I love volleyball, dancing and games on the beach. As soon as its safe, we will plan a trip back.
Crystal Francis, LPN
On my days off you can find me in the woods on a trail no matter what the season.
Jennifer Kirk, RN
Jennifer’s go-to stress reliever is her horses, enjoying them all year-round.
Cindy Howard, RN
My hobbies include sports! Here I am pictured, coaching both my kids’ hockey. My husband, Carl, coaches with me. He is an advanced care paramedic who works in the ER at Cobequid Health Community Centre.
Lisa Dorion, RN
Lisa enjoys kayaking with her husband and in the Annapolis basin.
Shelby Davis, LPN
I love to adventure in the woods on anything that will get me through, whether it be a snowmobile, a four-wheeler or my own two feet. I spend time outside when I’m not working to fill my sense of adventure. Being in the woods gives me that feeling of being totally separate from my “real life” and makes me feel so refreshed.
This is a picture of me four wheeling on a beautiful sunny day.
Venus Sorizo, RN
The pandemic has made me rediscover, appreciate and practice making art again. This is a painting that I made on a canvas for the first time.
Becky O'Connell, LPN
My go to hobby is camping and fishing with my family. Enjoying my kids while I can.
Jessica Gillis, RN
Jessica enjoys running year-round and snowshoeing in the winter.
Dawn Lowe, NP
The outdoor hot tub and a glass of wine is a favourite and relaxing pastime. The palm trees may not be in the Caribbean, but we’re making it work!
Lisa Rockey, LPN
Lisa embraced her wild side, hopping on the 4-wheeler with her son. She says he sure enjoyed scaring the wits out of her!
