In this episode of Rural Roots: A Road Less Travelled, we sit down with Tammy Berthiaume, MSN, RN, System Director of Emergency Services at North Country Healthcare, to talk about leadership in one of the most high-pressure areas of healthcare.

With nearly three decades in emergency nursing and leadership at Androscoggin Valley Hospital, Tammy shares how emergency care has evolved over the years and what it takes to lead teams through both routine demands and unexpected crises. We explore the realities of rural emergency services, the balance between preparation and adaptability, and the importance of staying steady when the stakes are high.

Tammy also reflects on lessons learned through COVID, what strong emergency department leadership looks like in practice, and why teamwork across departments is essential to delivering safe, responsive care.

Whether you work in clinical care or support services, this episode offers insight into the discipline, resilience, and leadership required to keep emergency services strong across the System.