Tavistock LTC home hires international nurses: Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
The following story by Local Journalism Initiatives Reporter Lee Griffi was published in the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette, Oct 17, 2024.
peopleCare has introduced eight internationally educated nurses in Tavistock to work as personal support workers in the company’s new building, which is expecting to welcome its first residents at the end of the month.
The company utilizes a federal-government process to hire temporary foreign workers to help with Canada’s health human-resource challenges.
“Whenever someone wants to tap into this program, we always say don’t go it alone. Some federal partners know the ins and outs and are ready to help,” said peopleCare vice president of communications and engagement Sheena Campbell.
“peopleCare works with an international immigration recruitment specialist who handles important steps like pre-screening candidates based on experience, English proficiency and background checks, as well as completing the labour-market-impact assessment required by the program. While we cover some of the fees, each candidate takes care of most of the associated costs themselves.”
Campbell added the nurses are talented and driven individuals who are investing in their future by joining this program.
“They’re committed to building a life here in Canada and we’re here to help them achieve that. Every nurse we hire goes through the same process as anyone else –interviews around their experience, skills and fit with peopleCare’s values-based culture of care and excellence.”
The company arranges temporary housing and helps newcomers with essentials like getting a social insurance number. After that, they’re responsible for their housing, transportation and registration.
“We’re also looking to connect them with local landlords, and we’re hearing some of the nurses have already posted on the Tavistock Community Facebook page to find housing. If anyone knows of a rental, we’d love for them to reach out to us at the home,” said Campbell.
The Gazette was invited to a meet and greet with six of the new employees and peopleCare’s staffing manager Mariana de Macedo Boz who said her role is to welcome the newcomers to Canada and support them in their transition.
“My job is to make sure they settle in and get the necessary training. peopleCare as a company has already done this process with our home in Meaford and it was very successful as that home transitioned into a new building as well. It’s been working very well.”
She added they are asking for the community’s help to find the new employees a place to call home.
“We are looking for accommodations, we are looking for support in making them feel comfortable and learning about the culture of Tavistock and area. We do have employees from the Philippines who are very eager to make them feel welcome and support them within their culture.”
de Macedo Boz said the new staff members will be paired with a long-serving employee to assist with providing care and learning Ontario care standards. She added the newcomers are already being made to feel welcome.
“Tavistock is a very small town but is a very strong community. Families and residents are gathering together offering their homes and rooms for rental to make sure everyone has a place to stay. Our staff are very excited and we have also done a lot of work keeping the residents informed.”
Internationally educated nurses have joined peopleCare Tavistock team. Photo: Lee Griffi, Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
Six of the seven international nurses are from the Philippines and the other is from Nigeria, but they all arrived in Canada after last working and living in the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia. They have agreed to a two-year commitment with peopleCare.
Paulina, a Nigerian national, said being able to work in health care around the world has always been her desire and while it was difficult to leave her family behind, she is grateful to be here.
“I have always heard about Canada, how friendly people are and how diverse it is culturally. There is also top-notch education, so it is a privilege and it warms my heart to come here. I want to give residents a happy and full life, to assist them and give them what they cannot give to themselves at this stage of their lives.”
She added while not nervous about living in rural Ontario, she was slightly concerned about being accepted because of the colour of her skin.
“Because I am Nigerian, I didn’t know how I would be received but because of my previous knowledge of Canada, I knew people are welcoming and normally love visitors. When I came and met Mariana, she was so excited to meet us with a warm hug. I felt very relaxed and I had a wonderful sleep despite the stress.”
Cherrylene is from the Philippines and has spent the last nine years nursing in Saudi Arabia. She has family in Alberta which made coming to Canada an easy decision.
“They have very nice things to say about the country. People here are very welcoming with no discrimination or racism. They are very kind and helpful. I was also looking for a new experience, especially taking care of the elderly. Most of my experience was in hospital.”
She added living in a small town like Tavistock also has its benefits.
“There is no pollution. It is very different from the big city I was in. It’s not crowded and the air is so fresh. It’s very safe.”
A consulting company is supporting peopleCare as the new employees begin the process of becoming Registered Nurses or Registered Practical Nurses in Canada, something that can take a long time to complete.
“They will need to go through the process of passing a (College of Nurses) exam. Our home is here to help them with the experience part as PSWs. If they decide to move forward and become nurses, we will continue to support them to reach that goal,” explained De Macedo Boz.
The company, which owns and operates seven long-term care homes and one retirement home, is bringing in a dozen more internationally trained nurses shortly. De Macedo Boz, a native of Brazil, has been in Canada for five years and sympathizes with her new coworkers.
“People helped me when I came so it’s only fair if I help them. I understand what they are going through and it can be a lot. I am more than happy to help. peopleCare is a big family in the sense that people are helping each other. If we have to search for quality nurses in the Philippines or Nigeria, we will do so as long as our residents have the best care possible.”
Read the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette online.
Learn more
Read about the 30 Internationally Education Nurses who are building a new life here in Canada, in a small community off beautiful Georgian Bay, as members of peopleCare’s caring Meaford LTC team.
