An internationally educated nurse shares her journey to Nova Scotia Health

Sony Rozario and her husband migrated to Canada from India in 2019 to provide a better future for their two boys and to pursue better opportunities in their careers. Rozario graduated from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science with a Bachelor of Nursing degree, starting as a bedside nurse and later transitioning to the role of educator.

Today, Rozario is one of the hundreds of internationally educated nurses (IEN) to join Nova Scotia Health. Here is more about her journey, in her own words:

“After my marriage [in India], we moved to the United States where I had the opportunity to work as an RN in Oklahoma and in Florida. After a year's stay in the U.S., I moved back to India and worked for a health and wellness company where my nursing role was expanded into a broader perspective of health promotion and prevention. 

In 2019, I migrated to Canada with great hopes of working as a nurse. This endeavour lasted approximately four years to be fully licensed in Canada through the fast-track IEN process. During this process, I worked as a CCA where I gained much experience while making ends meet.

I currently work at the QEII on unit 8.2 as a registered nurse (RN). I love having the opportunity to positively impact patients’ lives through care, support and education. My unit cares for patients with complex diagnoses, hence I get to learn a wide variety of disease processes, treatment plans and nursing skills. I am very happy and thankful for the amount of support and encouragement given to me by my manager, preceptor and clinical educator. My coworkers are very helpful, and we work as a team supporting each other. 

[The IEN program] is a well-structured, comprehensive program that provides opportunities for international nurses to successfully transition and assimilate to Canadian culture and the healthcare system, thereby, preparing IENs to succeed in their new role. Nova Scotia Health went above and beyond to provide more than just basic orientation and felt like I was already part of the NS Health family.

My first week started with meeting people from different departments such as leadership, benefits, [nurses’] union, IT, etc. The following two weeks consisted of completing online LMS modules and virtual training. The clinical educators provided me with additional resources, support, and training that included hands-on skills training to help me better prepare and where much of the nursing knowledge and skills were addressed. All these additional sessions empowered me with the knowledge and confidence that I needed to carry out my duties as a nurse.

I understand that the nursing shortage across Canada is quite dire. I am glad that I can help to alleviate this shortage and I really appreciate Nova Scotia Health for trusting me to join their healthcare team. The steps the hospital and the nursing board have taken, I believe are a giant leap to further alleviate this nursing shortage as they ease the process for international nurses like me to get their license and be a part of the nursing force.

In short, my experience as part of the IEN orientation process was great and I believe that this program will be beneficial for all internationally educated nurses as we strive to provide optimal patient-centered care.”