Brianna Armsworthy

Annual General Meeting 2025

Annual General Meeting 2025

On September 25th, 2025, the RK MacDonald Nursing Home Corporation hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM). Presentations were given by Karrie Spears (Project Manager, Collier’s Project Leaders) and Elyse Reid.

Karrie Spears’ presentation focused on the progress to date of the new RK build happening on Church Street Ext. Elyse Reid (CPA, CA, MNP) reviewed the corporation’s financial statement.

Pictured above is Karrie Spears (Project Manager, Collier’s Project Leaders) with Camilla Benoit (Board Chair).

Pictured above is Rozalyn Boddy-Tobin (Chair, Board Finance Committee), Elyse Reid (MNP), and Danielle MacDougall (Director of Finance, RK MacDonald Nursing Home Corporation).

To view the 2024-2025 Annual Progress Report, please click here.

General Worker (Maintenance)

General Worker (Maintenance)

Please note: This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

POSITION: General Worker (Maintenance)
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Environmental & Food Services

Scope of Position:

Reporting to the Director of Environmental & Food Services, the Maintenance Worker provides the general maintenance and repair for the facility. As an employee of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home, they have a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents.

We are committed to upholding the Human Rights of all RK MacDonald employees, including the right of all people to enjoy a physically and psychologically safe work environment; the right of all people to just and favorable terms of employment; and the right of all people to be respected and valued for their differences with equitable opportunities and outcomes in an inclusive environment where all can thrive.

In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values, and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Maintenance Worker serves as a positive role model; as a partner in the provision of care and support of our residents, and represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

 

Functions And Responsibilities:

  1. Understand that the Residents / Families are central to all departmental activities, services and decisions.
  2. Establishes and maintains working relationships and performs all work in keeping with the Mission, Vision, Core Values and our Philosophy of Resident Centered Care of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home.
  3. To promote and maintain the safety of Residents, staff and visitors as a strategic priority for the home at all times.
  4. Work as a team with other departments in the Home.
  5. Attend monthly Departmental meetings and serve on other committees as required.
  6. Assist in orientation of new staff.
  7. Ability to organize and complete assigned workloads.
  8. Work under constant interruptions in daily work routines.
  9. Knowledge & practice of the safe use and care of all department equipment as per established procedure.
  10. Report necessary home / equipment repairs to Department Manager or Supervisor.
  11. Assist Director or Supervisor in evaluating new equipment and chemical products.
  12. Attend and participate in education in-service, workshops, seminars, etc.
  13. Complete assigned duties that pertain to the successful completion of a yearly Preventive Maintenance Program.
  14. Maintains all systems and auxiliary equipment such as boilers, generators, motors, ventilation, oxygen, hot water tanks, etc. thru Preventative Maintenance Program.
  15. Perform carpentry duties as deemed necessary by the Director and use of equipment; i.e., table saw, skill saw.
  16. Perform work around walk-in freezers and fridges in the building.
  17. Ability to hook up resident’s phone lines and cable in rooms.
  18. Complete all necessary repairs and follow up as assigned by Director or Supervisor through written repair/hazard requisitions, supply requisitions, or replacement parts for equipment as needed.
  19. Ability to perform various plumbing duties such as pipe replacement, valve replacement, toilet and sink replacement, replacing drain lines, etc.
  20. Keep walkways clear from litter/debris, snow, etc. (R.K. & Ant. Manor).
  21. Transport Lab work to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital and provide other transportation and pickup services as requested with Nursing Home vehicle.
  22. Conduct or assist with Fire Drills / Mock Exercises of Emergency Codes as per Director’s request.
  23. Paint areas of the home upon request.
  24. Current certification in Transportation of Dangerous Goods, and NCVI.
  25. Maintains storage in shed and resident storage.
  26. Set up and store outdoor furniture.
  27. Snow removal and salt maintenance in all areas for the R.K. & Antigonish Manor via shovel (manual) and facility tractor.
  28. On call for maintenance through use of cell phone
  29. Familiar with Departmental Policy and Procedure Manual.
  30. Access or attend required in-service training for staff provided on-site & via on-line Surge Learning tool provided by the RK.
  31. Keep Fire Protection Maintenance Log up to date.
  32. Perform other related duties as requested by the Director or Supervisor.

 

Education, Training, And Experience:

Must have a valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License.

Good physical health, ability to work independently and with others, ability to follow verbal and written instructions, ability to learn the operation of equipment, ability to perform repetitive tasks, and ability to work in a warm congested area, ability to operate and run computerized maintenance monitoring system (Honeywell). Must be willing to be on call for maintenance issues after hours. Grade 12 Education.

 

Work Experience / Training :

Experience in some of the following trades; plumbing, carpentry, painting, boiler maintenance, refrigeration, electronics, and phone and cable hook up with a recognized employer. Any certificates in these areas considered an asset. Minimum 2-5 years’ experience in a large building complex required.

Annual Progress Report 2024-2025

Annual Progress Report 2024-2025

Our staff, family and friends, and community make our work possible!…

It seems like no time since we were preparing our 2022-2023 Annual Board report.

2024-2025 has brought changes to our Board of Directors, and I would like to thank our outgoing directors Diane Roberts, Sean Cameron, and Willie Cormier who have dedicated many years of service to the RK MacDonald Board. The Board also extended a welcome to new members, Rozalyn Body Tobin, Juanita Pelly, Andrew Murray, and Patrick McKenna.

In review of our past year below, I share with you highlights of the Board continuing to support several initiatives:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Infrasturcture Renewal Project
  • Groundbreaking Event
  • Development and Service Agreement with SLTC
  • Board of Directors Education
  • Risk Manager Register
  • Staffing Compliment
  • Information Technology updates
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Accreditation
  • Enhancing the RK MacDonald website
  • Collaborating with the RK Foundation
  • Foster Resident and Family Council and Community Volunteer Partnership

I would like to thank the members of the Board who continue to give their dedication, passion, and time. Their drive to support the organization is evident through committee meetings and monthly board meetings. Education sessions are hosted for the Directors throughout the year. KPMG hosted virtual sessions such as Board Governance, Risk Management, Cyber Security, and Financial Risk Management. Nova Scotia Health and Wellness roles in Senior and Long-Term Care, Palliative Care, and Policy Development.

To view the entire message and the 2024-2025 Annual Progress Report, click here.

The New RK, Getting Started

The New RK, Getting Started

We’re very excited to share these pictures of the new and upcoming RK MacDonald Nursing Home’s land being cleared. This vacant land will soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art long-term care amenity, a place where residents become neighbours and friends, and where future memories, achievements, and connections are made.

Pet Policy

Pet Policy

The RK welcomes pet visits for your loved ones. Prior to and during your visit, there are just a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of your visit.

Here are things we recommend you tackle to help prepare your pet for their visit:

  • Clean, well-groomed, and in good health for their visit.
  • Please check your pet for ticks prior to visiting.
  • Ensure nails are short and that there are no rough edges.
  • Exercise or walk your pet outside the facility before visits.
  • Stop feeding pets at least 2 hours before visits.
  • Bring your poo bags.

During a pet visit, please:

  • Ensure your pet is on a leash.
  • Discourage your pet from jumping and / or licking people.
  • Avoid feeding your pet during the visit.
  • Ensure your pet has adequate breaks for water and bathroom needs.
  • Clean up after pet uses the bathroom and if indoors, notify a staff member to secure sanitization services.
  • Avoid placing your pet on a residents’ bed.
    If the resident wishes to have the pet on their bed, it is recommended to put a barrier (e.g., soaker pad) between your pet and the residents’ bed linen.
General Worker (Maintenance)

Main Entrance Door and Visitor Access

We are aware visitors are experiencing challenges accessing our main entrance at various times of the day due to doors being locked. In brief, we have residents who are at high risk of elopement and to keep them safe, we apply a wander guard bracelet that automatically locks an exit door or a doorway to a stairwell, as the resident approaches those doors. Once a wander guard alarm is activated, an alarm rings at various wander guard computers, and the alarm can only be deactivated once we know the resident is safe. We are looking at alternative methods to address this scenario, especially at the main entrance, and we thank you for your patience.

Thanks everyone,
– Terry MacIntyre, CEO
RK MacDonald Nursing Home Corporation

Celebrating 125 Years of Congregation

Celebrating 125 Years of Congregation

On July 29th, 2025, the Church joyfully celebrated the Feast of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. For the Sisters of St. Martha, this day has always been marked with a special Mass and a festive meal. This year, however, held extraordinary significance. Along with honouring their Patroness, St. Martha, they also celebrated the 125th Anniversary of their Congregation!

The Sisters of St. Martha, Antigonish opened their celebration of their 125th anniversary as a Congregation on July 29, 2025 with a mass and outdoor luncheon. Joining Sr. Brendalee, Congregation Leader, are Camilla Benoit (Chair of the RK Board of Directors) and Terry MacIntyre (CEO).

On this day, they officially began their year-long journey of gratitude and celebration, and they are delighted to share this milestone with their associates, collaborators, friends, and the larger Antigonish community. They were grateful for everyone who walked with them as the began another year of living their Martha mission with hope and joy.

Below, please find some pictures they took to celebrate their feast and year-long journey.

Music Is My Heart

Music Is My Heart

Last year, the RK Songwriters’ Circle (led by Laura Teasdale) met weekly for three months. Each week, the group of residents would choose a theme that was on their minds, then together they would craft a song and choose the chords. Local musicians volunteered their time and Bryan Murphy recorded the album. Music Is My Heart is the joyful result of all their work. Cover painting of the album is by Wanda Grace, one of the songwriters.

On July 30th, 2025, an album launch and concert was hosted in the RK MacDonald Nursing Home’s Dining Room. During this event held to celebrate everyone’s hard work, the senior songwriters were busy signing copies of their album. The following guest musicians also showed up in attendance to show their support: Mike Arless, Barbara MacLean, Mike Melchin, Bryan Murphy, and Justin Gregg.

Thank you to the RK MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation, who made this project possible through their generous funding. And, thank you to everyone who showed up for the launch of Music Is My Heart.

To listen to or download the album, please visit here.

General Worker (Maintenance)

Family Council: Recruiting New Members

The RK MacDonald Nursing Home’s Family Council is recruiting new members, and their next meeting is set for Thursday, September 10th at 6:00pm in the Roost Conference Room here at the RK. In brief, the Council is an organized, autonomous group of family members of residents to be a collective voice in a collaborative relationship with the RK Administration.

For example, the Family Council has been recruited to provide feedback on the structure and content of our annual Resident & Family Satisfaction Surveys, ensuring the voice of residents and families is captured in this survey. Our RK community is often enriched by the feedback we receive from the Family Council, so please know you are welcome to join the Council. If you are interested and / or would like more information, please let me know by either a phone call, an e-mail, or drop into my office and we can chat.

Thanks everyone,
– Terry MacIntyre, CEO

General Worker (Maintenance)

Environmental & Food Services Supervisor

Please note: This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

POSITION: Environmental & Food Services Supervisor 
DEPARTMENT: Environmental & Food Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Environmental & Food Services

Scope of Position:

Reporting to the Director of Environmental & Food Services, the Supervisor assists the Director in the day-to-day supervision of staff, including assignment and replacement of staff. The Supervisor coordinates and supports all relevant activities of Environmental & Food Service Departments. The Supervisor provides ongoing support to the Director and acts as a first point of contact for Environmental and Food Services staff. As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home, they have a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Supervisor serves as a positive role model; as a partner in the provision of care and support of our residents, and represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

 

Functions And Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

  • Liaison between Environmental & Food Services Staff and the Director.
  • Attends Department meetings and records minutes / shared duty with Admin Assistant.
  • Oversees Laundry / Housekeeping, Maintenance and Food Service scheduling.
  • Assists with hiring, interviews, and onboarding process.
  • Provides first point of contact with new hires in the onboarding process.
  • Oversees all scheduled functions in the Main Dining Room as it pertains to Food Services.
  • Assigns monthly OH&S Inspection checklists to Environmental & Food Services Staff.
  • First report to addressing staff conflict.
  • Inventory management-of Departments.
  • Conducts Resident housekeeping room audits.
  • Purchases supplies for Environmental & Food Services (i.e., coordinates P.O. / or visa purchases, for food, linen, etc.) and assists with reconciliation of any invoice discrepancies to statements with Director and Finance.
  • Coordinates resident room changes with Housekeeping Staff, Maintenance and Clinical Services.
  • Partners with the IPAC Nurse to oversee both Departments response in an infectious outbreak.
  • Oversees linen supplies for all Care Areas.
  • Oversees staff meal ticket plan.
  • Observe staff performance, coach and reports concerns and or issues to the Director in real time.
  • Participates in performance reviews as well as disciplinary meetings.
  • Committee participation: Resident council, OH&S, and others as needed.

 

Education, Training, And Experience:

Grade 12 Education minimum, College Diploma or certificates in Business administration, Office Administration and / or Secretarial are considered assets, 2-5 years experience in housekeeping, laundry, and / or food services in a health care facility setting. Experience in supervision in a health care facility preferred but not required. Experience with Microsoft office Suite, online ordering systems, inventory management preferred.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others in a professional and confidential manner, while promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive work environment for all.

 

Key Competencies:

Attention to detail, resident- and staff-focused, reliability, listing skills, adaptability, planning and organizing, team work, integrity, honest, and high energy levels.