MELFORT — Nadine Mevel-Degerness, a longtime health-care leader in northeastern Saskatchewan, will retire after a 31-year career at Melfort Hospital with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) at the end of January.
Mevel-Degerness served as manager of clinical services at Melfort Hospital, where she was widely known for her leadership, dedication and advocacy for patients, staff and the community.
Tributes and messages of appreciation poured in from colleagues and community organizations following news of her retirement.
Among those paying tribute was Shawn Phaneuf, executive director of acute care for Integrated Northern Health – Northeast.
“Throughout her career, Nadine has been a steadfast and reliable presence, consistently stepping up when needed, advocating for her community and ensuring the delivery of high-quality health care in Melfort for almost 31 years. Her strong work ethic, steady leadership and willingness to go above and beyond have made a meaningful difference to her patients, their families and her colleagues. She set a standard for what it truly means to serve. We thank Nadine for her unwavering commitment to care and recognize the legacy of clinical excellence, trust and respect she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed, and her contributions will be remembered for years to come.”
In an interview with SaskToday, Amber Barrie, director of acute care NE 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, said Nadine led by example and was never afraid to do what was required for Melfort Hospital.
“Today we are here to celebrate an incredible milestone and an extraordinary career as we honour Nadine on her retirement,” Barrie said at Nadine’s retirement. “For 31 years, Nadine has been an integral part of Melfort Hospital and our organization.”
Barrie outlined Mevel-Degerness’ early career, noting she began working at Melfort Hospital in May 1995 as a casual registered nurse on the medicine unit.
In 1996, Mevel-Degerness moved into a part-time public health role, where she worked until 2000 while continuing casual hospital shifts and raising a young family.
“Somehow, Nadine balanced nursing, multiple roles, and motherhood with the grace and determination she’s always been known for.”
Mevel-Degerness secured her first full-time hospital position in 2000 and went on to work in medicine, maternity, day surgery and emergency care, “becoming one of those nurses who truly could do it all,” Barrie said.
In 2002, Mevel-Degerness stepped into a supervisory role, followed by a nurse manager position in 2008. In 2012, she became facility administrator, a role she held until her retirement, Barrie said.
“In this position, she guided the facility with professionalism, compassion and a steady hand—always keeping patients, staff and community at the heart of every decision.”
Barrie said Mevel-Degerness’s influence extends far beyond her job titles.
“You have not only contributed your skills and expertise, but also your dedication, integrity and commitment to your community, your hospital and most importantly to your people.”
Jodi Romanow, nurse manager at Melfort Hospital, worked alongside Mevel-Degerness for 13 years and described her as a hands-on leader with an unmatched work ethic.
“Most days Nadine is putting in 10+ hours. She has always allowed herself to be on-call 24/7, rushing to the hospital during times of crisis or when her team needs her support.”
Romanow said Mevel-Degerness’ leadership was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When fear and uncertainty filled our halls, Nadine showed up every single day, even on weekends, putting in long hours, exhausted and overwhelmed, carrying the weight of the entire hospital on her shoulders while still maintaining the calm and reassuring presence that she always brings.”
She noted Mevel-Degerness did not lead from behind a desk.
“She stood at screening stations, worked test sites and supported frontline staff while simultaneously managing the endless operational crises that came with the pandemic.”
Romanow described her as a leader defined by compassion and responsibility.
“She makes sure that patients are looked after, systems function, and staff feel seen and supported – often at the expense of her own rest and well-being … She is kind and selfless and truly a local hero to our community.”
As Mevel-Degerness steps into retirement, colleagues said her legacy at Melfort Hospital will endure through the people she mentored, the systems she strengthened and the care she championed for more than three decades.
