Alex Northcott Career Spotlight
Alex is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse working within the Integrated Mental Health and Corrections program at Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.
What area of health care do you work in, and where is your workplace located?
I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and hold a position within the Integrated Mental Health and Corrections program at Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford. I have the opportunity to work across multiple units throughout the hospital. This role allows me to support a diverse client population, ranging from young adults to older adults, with a wide variety of mental health diagnoses.
What are your responsibilities as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse?
Since I work on a different unit almost every day, it’s difficult to define a “typical” shift. In general, my role centers on supporting patients’ mental health and overall well-being. This involves ongoing observation and assessment, providing one-on-one support, administering medications, responding to crises, and monitoring progress. Clear documentation and effective communication with the interdisciplinary team are essential. No two days are the same, which makes the work both challenging and rewarding.
How would you describe your work-life balance as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse?
I would describe my work-life balance as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse as manageable, but it does require intentional effort. The shifts can be long and often include nights and weekends, so it’s important to plan personal time. On my days off, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog and my fiancé. Prioritizing self-care is essential, as the work involves navigating complex human experiences.
Have you always wanted to be a Registered Psychiatric Nurse? Please share your career path.
I’ve always been interested in mental health and supporting people through challenging times, though I didn’t start out knowing I’d become a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. I was initially interested in the Registered Nursing program at a young age, but I found myself drawn to psychiatric care as time went on—the opportunity to build therapeutic relationships and see people make real progress is really fulfilling. I’m the third generation of my family to work in the Integrated Mental Health and Corrections units at Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.
What career advancement opportunities exist for Registered Psychiatric Nurses?
There’s a lot of room to grow as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. I’m able to work in a variety of areas like child and youth, long-term care, acute mental health, etc. Registered Psychiatric Nurses are able to work in the Emergency Room as a liaison and with the RCMP on the Police and Crisis Team.
Do you have any advice for nursing students or recent graduates pursuing this career?
My advice would be to prioritize strong communication and therapeutic skills—active listening and empathy are just as important as clinical knowledge. Many patients cannot fully advocate for themselves, so it’s important that we take on that responsibility and look out for their best interests. It’s also essential to prioritize self-care early on, as this work can be emotionally demanding—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
What is the number one thing you enjoy most about working as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse?
The part I value most about being a Registered Psychiatric Nurse is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. While I know I won’t be able to impact every patient, even something as simple as helping one person smile makes the work worthwhile. Watching patients develop coping strategies, regain independence, and move forward in their recovery is incredibly rewarding—it’s what makes the challenges of the role worthwhile.
