St. Paul's Hospital Psych Nurse Melissa McGillivray and Social Worker/Researcher Jen Chauinard joined me in the studio to talk about Service Provider Burn Out during Saskatoon's Overdose Crisis.St. Paul's Hospital Psych Nurse Melissa McGillivray and Social Worker/Researcher Jen Chauinard joined me in the studio to talk about Service Provider Burn Out during Saskatoon's Overdose Crisis.
Hard Knox Talks: Sober Stories. Real Talk.
Melissa McGillivray and Jen Chouinard share their experiences of burnout and the mental toll of working on the front lines of Saskatoon's overdose crisis.
50:30•7 Apr 2025
Service Provider Burnout: The Human Toll of Saskatoon's Overdose Crisis
Episode Overview
- Burnout is a significant issue for service providers in Saskatoon.
- Community resources like libraries play a crucial role in supporting individuals.
- The emotional toll on healthcare workers is immense and often overlooked.
- Ethical dilemmas are a common challenge in crisis intervention.
- Better support systems are needed for both service providers and those struggling with substance use.
“Taking away someone's rights is the most severe thing you can do in terms of an intervention”
Ever wondered what it's like to be on the front lines of Saskatoon's overdose crisis? This episode of Hard Knox Talks brings you the raw and real experiences of Melissa McGillivray, a psych nurse at St. Paul's Hospital, and Jen Chouinard, a social worker and researcher. They share their deeply personal stories of burnout and the mental toll of working in such a high-stress environment.
From dealing with the increasing number of overdoses to the emotional exhaustion of supporting individuals in crisis, Melissa and Jen offer an unfiltered look into their daily lives. The episode also explores the critical role of community resources like libraries and outreach programs, which are often the last line of support for many. Melissa and Jen's candid conversation highlights the urgent need for better support systems for both service providers and those struggling with substance use.
If you're interested in understanding the human side of this crisis and the impact on those who work tirelessly to combat it, this episode is a must-listen.

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