diff --git a/tractor/_trionics.py b/tractor/_trionics.py
index 3c58102..a03c679 100644
--- a/tractor/_trionics.py
+++ b/tractor/_trionics.py
@@ -383,8 +383,7 @@ async def open_nursery(
                         log.warning(
                             "Root has errored but pdb is active..waiting "
                             "on debug lock")
-                        with trio.CancelScope(shield=True):
-                            await _debug._pdb_complete.wait()
+                        await _debug._pdb_complete.wait()
 
                     raise