Meet Tinotenda! A registered nurse who recently relocated to British Columbia (B.C.) from Kansas City, Missouri to join our Intensive Care team at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
“I was looking for a place where I could grow both personally and professionally, and British Columbia really stood out to me. The province’s approach to health care, along with its focus on community and well-being really resonated with me. It felt like the right environment to continue developing my skills while also building a balanced and fulfilling life.
I chose Fraser Health because of its strong reputation, diverse patient population and its commitment to quality care and staff development.
My experience settling into Canada has been very positive. Starting something new always comes with challenges. I’ve felt welcomed and well supported, which has made the transition much smoother. The collaborative workplace and strong support systems have really helped me adapt professionally. It’s been a meaningful experience building a new routine while continuing to grow and develop my skills both personally and professionally.
The orientation process, ongoing training and supportive team environment has really helped me adjust to the new health care system. My colleagues and leadership team were always approachable, which made it easier to ask questions and learn. Personally, having a welcoming community and access to resources made settling into daily life much smoother. With all of these supports together, it made the transition feel manageable and positive.
What I love most about my role so far is how dynamic it is – no two days are the same and it keeps me constantly engaged and learning. I really enjoy the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population and being part of their care in a meaningful way.
The work culture has been very positive and professional and it’s clear that there’s a shared commitment to providing high-quality care. The team has been great to work with. There’s a strong sense of collaboration where everyone brings their own strengths which creates a well-rounded environment. Overall, it’s been a fulfilling experience and I’m really enjoying being part of the team.
My advice if you’re relocating and bringing their practice to Canada is to come with an open mind and be prepared to learn. The health care system may be different, but there are strong support systems in place to help you transition. Take advantage of the orientation, ask questions and don’t hesitate to lean on your colleagues—they’re a great resource. Also, give yourself time to adjust both professionally and personally.
I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my own skills and perspective to the team and continue contributing to the innovative approaches Fraser Health is known for.
