ARRIVAL LOUNGE
FOREIGN-TRAINED NURSE CHECKS CANADA’S PULSE
“I came to Canada to join my husband Shijo Jose who was already here. Shijo did a lot of research and assisted me in applying and earning my Canadian nursing licence,” says Rini Jacob.
By LOVINA D’SOUZA
It was a lovely summer day when I first saw a young girl with a backpack in our neighbourhood and my first impression was that she was returning from school, but I was wrong.
As we exchanged greetings, I learnt that her name was Rini Jacob and she was new to Canada.
“My journey began from my place of birth, Kollam in Kerala, India, where I was working as a nurse,” said Rini. “I came to Canada to join my husband Shijo Jose who was already here. Shijo did a lot of research and assisted me in applying and earning my Canadian nursing licence. It was a long process to meet the eligibility criteria. I thought it would be difficult to make a life in Canada but we both were lucky to get jobs and start our life comfortably. I was getting many job offers as they needed nurses, especially during COVID19. I give credit to Shijo for success in my Canadian journey. Now I work as a registered nurse (RN) at a hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“I am an internationally-educated nurse and though I worked in India before coming to Canada, it is a different experience as a nurse in Canada. I faced a few challenges initially with electronic systems and documentation that were new to me, but clinical nursing scholars in Toronto provided support to learn the Canadian nursing system. I love the people I work with and around me who are very thoughtful and helpful. I love meeting beautiful souls through my daily interactions with patients and others.”
The Canadian healthcare system is often in the news and I was interested in her observations and thoughts from the fresh perspective of a newcomer.
“I get the most joy in having a balanced and peaceful life.” Rini Jacob with her husband Shijo.
“Canada has good medical facilities and is trying to meet everyone’s needs,” says Rini. “However, it is hard to get family doctors and appointments when needed. There is long wait time and delay to get necessary care even at the ER. There is a no easy access to healthcare and services especially in remote areas. For newcomers, specially, without OHIP and/or medical insurance, it can be very difficult initially. There is also a shortage of staff that leads to workload and stress for medical staff. Education on preventative healthcare, healthy eating and lifestyle, indoor facilities and services for exercise and wellness, adherence to medicare are necessary.”
With such a positive and mature attitude to life, what brings her the most joy in life?
“I get the most joy in having a balanced and peaceful life. I love being in the arms of my husband whom I lovingly call Seeeeejo my love. I enjoy talking to my family and friends. I am a social butterfly and I like making many friends.”
• If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.