Our Stories

"I’ve met so many kind, helpful people — both in the hospital, the community and through the recruitment team. It’s a big move, but I’ve never felt alone in it."

Emily

Nurse

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From Minnesota to Manitoba

with Emily, Registered Nurse

When registered nurse Emily packed up her life in Minnesota to move to Manitoba, she was doing more than crossing a border — she was stepping into a new chapter.

“I fell in love with a Canadian,” she laughed. “My reason for moving north wasn’t nursing-related at first, but it feels like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

After four years at the Mayo Clinic, Emily joined the medicine resource team at St. Boniface Hospital. Within just a couple of months, she says Winnipeg already feels like home.

“It’s funny — people hear ‘you’re moving to Canada’ and think it’s so far. But my parents are only a six-and-a-half-hour drive away. Honestly, it feels like I moved to the Midwest of Canada. It’s familiar — and welcoming.”

Navigating the cross-border transition took time and patience – but once Emily connected in with the Manitoba’s Health Care Retention and Recruitment and Office (HCRRO) everything started to fall into place.

“The nursing license transfer process was completely new to me,” she explained. “It was confusing at first — a lot of paperwork and steps. But once I connected with Shelby and Mohammed at HCRRO everything changed. I finally felt like I could exhale, someone was in my corner.”

“They answered all my questions and were there for me every step of the way. It was more than helpful emails and phone calls, they genuinely wanted to sit down, meet me, and understand my journey.”

Emily now shares the HCRRO’s contact information with her former colleagues in Minnesota who are curious about making the leap.  

“I’ve had friends reach out after seeing ads for nursing in Canada. I tell them — it’s worth it.”

Emily’s experience at Mayo, one of the most well-resourced hospitals in the U.S., gave her a strong foundation — but also opened her eyes to a different way of practicing nursing in Manitoba. 

 “At Mayo, you have every resource imaginable. Teams for everything. But the flip side is that you lose some hands-on skills. Coming here, I’m using more of my nursing license again. It’s challenging — but empowering.”

Emily smiled as she remembered her first day at St. Boniface. “It had been a while, but I had to start three IVs right away. I was nervous, but it reminded me why I love nursing. You’re right there with your patients.”

That connection, she said, feels even stronger in Manitoba. “I’m not just relying on technology. I’m with my patients, talking to them, understanding what they need. It feels good to return to the human side of care.”

Emily shared one of the biggest differences is the health care system itself.

“In the U.S., I used to think about whether a patient could afford their treatment. It was always in the back of my mind. Here, care isn’t tied to someone’s financial situation. That’s huge. It means I can focus entirely on the person in front of me.”

Support for new recruits in Manitoba has also made a meaningful difference for Emily, from relocation assistance to professional development grants through the province’s Nursing Retention and Recruitment programs. As part of her onboarding as an internationally educated nurse, she completed a nurse re-entry course through Red River College Polytechnic — an experience she says has strengthened her confidence and understanding of the Canadian health system.

 “That course was great,” she said. “It helped me understand the Canadian health system, Indigenous health education, and how roles differ here. I feel more confident every week.”

Since Emily first applied with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM), Manitoba has made it even easier for U.S.-board licensed nurses to gain licensure — through an expedited registration pathway for applicants educated and practicing in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Ireland or New Zealand.  

While Emily gets ready for her first full Winnipeg winter, she said the sense of community has been even warmer than she expected.

 “I’ve met so many kind, helpful people — both in the hospital, the community and through the recruitment team. It’s a big move, but I’ve never felt alone in it.”

Her advice to other U.S. nurses thinking about making the move?

 “Do it. Reach out early, connect with the recruitment office, and give yourself time for the licensing process. It’s a lot of change, but it’s so worth it — professionally and personally.”

Explore nursing opportunities in Manitoba and connect with our recruitment team at healthcareersmanitoba.ca.

Two brothers, one dream

I chose Canada because I loved what I heard about it - the respect for human rights, the welcoming people, and the quality of life. Here, we can build our future - and share it with family.

Akram and Abdalla

Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs)

How Akram and Abdalla Built a New Life and Career in The Pas, Manitoba:

When Akram and Abdalla Farwana stepped off the escalator at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, they were met with a moment they’ll never forget – a warm welcome to Canada from a member of Manitoba’s Recruitment and Retention Office (HCRRO) team.

“Meeting us at the airport made us feel like family right away,” Akram recalled. “We had never met them (Pauline Langedock and Mohammed Alkhateeb, Senior Recruiters, HCRRO) before, only over email, but they made us feel at home the second we arrived.”

That simple gesture marked the start of a new chapter, one that had been nearly ten years in the making. Their dream of coming to Canada began in 2013, when Akram started researching countries where they could build a better future for themselves.  

“Meeting us at the airport made us feel like family right away. Sometimes I still can't believe we're really here. It feels like a dream.”

- Akram

“I chose Canada because I loved what I heard about it — the respect for human rights, the welcoming people, and the quality of life,” he said.

The brothers, both Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs), grew up in Saudi Arabia and completed their Bachelor of Radiology in Egypt.

“We’ve always been together — in school, at work, and now here in Manitoba,” Akram said. “Sometimes I still can’t believe we’re really here. It feels like a dream.”

With support from Pauline and Mohammed with HCRRO, the brothers navigated the recruitment and immigration process. Today, the brothers both live and work in The Pas, where they’ve found a sense of belonging. Working together and sharing routines has made the transition easier.

“We cook together, go for walks, watch movies,” Abdalla added. “It helps so much not to feel alone.”

Since arriving, they’ve made a noticeable impact in the community.

“Patients told us how hard it was before, when there weren’t enough technologists,” said Akram. “Now they can get their imaging faster, and they thank us every day. That’s the best part — to feel we’re making a difference.”

Their advice to anyone looking to make the move to Manitoba is to start in a smaller community, like The Pas.

“Small communities make it easier to adjust. You’ll find opportunity and support here,” Abdalla said. “It’s a quiet, safe, and affordable town — surrounded by lakes and rivers. Everyone is so welcoming, especially the Indigenous community. We really feel at home.”

Akram added, “When I talk to friends who want to move, I tell them — come to Manitoba. You’ll be welcomed, and you’ll make a difference.”

Akram and Abdalla continue to grow both professionally and personally. They’re currently pursuing additional certification in MRI technology, with exciting milestones ahead — both are getting married soon and are eagerly awaiting approval of their permanent residency applications. With continued support from HCRRO in extending their immigration status, they hope to buy homes in The Pas and eventually bring the rest of their family to Canada.

“It’s a chance to build a life we couldn’t before,” said Akram. “Here, we can build our future – and share it with family.”

Thinking about building your career in Manitoba?

Make a difference while building a life you love. Explore opportunities across Manitoba’s health system and find your next team in one of our welcoming communities.

Ivy’s Story

Ivy Garcia has been hard at work. A student in Manitoba’s first class of operating room assistants (ORAs), Garcia and 29 peers at facilities across the province have spent the past 12 weeks blazing a new trail, participating in a demanding combination of online and skills lab activities that have prepared them for their new roles in surgical, operating and procedural environments.

It’s a challenging schedule, well-suited to students like Garcia, who has significant experience working as a health-care aide and a perioperative aide and who was recognized for her strong work ethic and motivation. 

“I was approached and encouraged to apply,” said Garcia, who has worked as a perioperative aide in HSC Winnipeg for nine years. “They recognized my motivation and thought that I could be successful in leveling up my skills.”

“The first half of the course was tough, learning the skills that would be one of the requirements to finish this course. My manager told me what to expect and once, I started working in the unit they helped me with everything I might need. I feel so glad that I am able to work in this area and I’m gaining lots of experience,” added Garcia.

Each ORA is training and working alongside a nurse mentor who expressed an interest in participating in the program. The mentors have identified the duties within their day-to-day work that can be completed by someone other than a nurse and have been working with the ORAs throughout their education and training.

It’s a role that Maureen Fudge, Clinical Resource Nurse in HSC’s Plastic Surgery, Reconstruction and Burns Unit, was quick to express an interest in.

“When our manager first asked who would be interested, I put together all the duties that I am responsible for that aren’t nursing roles, and felt that an ORA could really benefit our team,” said Fudge, who is working alongside Garcia. “We do some pretty complex cases here and there’s a lot behind the scenes that I support that is not nursing related, so having somebody to help has been really valuable.”

The connection between Garcia and Fudge is obvious as they talk about the role and the experience, expressing appreciation for each other and even completing each other’s sentences.

“In plastics we are very much a team and everyone works closely together so fitting into that dynamic is important. We knew that Ivy would be a great fit since we’ve worked with her previously,” said Fudge who has worked in the same unit as Garcia for the past nine years. “Ivy has had to learn a lot in a short period of time but she is committed to doing the work required, participating in the skills labs, and learning about the surgeries we are doing, the different equipment they each require, as well as things like how to open sterile supplies and how to turn the room over between surgeries.”

On a day-to-day basis, Fudge said, there may be two or three plastic surgery operating rooms running at the same time. The addition of a dedicated ORA is helping Fudge complete her patient-care duties, while ensuring that the necessary work to prepare for upcoming cases is done, something that she sees as a significant benefit.

“I encourage my co-workers to participate in the program if they have the opportunity,” said Fudge. “The ORAs can only help us. There are so many things that we do as a CRN that takes away from the time we have available for patient care. Having Ivy able to support those roles that don’t need to be completed by a nurse has been so helpful.”

This sense of appreciation for the newest member of the Plastic Surgery, Reconstruction, and Burns team is obvious and has created a welcoming, supportive environment as Garcia starts in her new role. 

“They are so kind to me. I’m so blessed with those people who are around me right now. I love working with them and supporting them,” said Garcia who confirmed that despite the hard work, she would make the decision to apply all over again. 

“Yes, definitely and I encourage my more senior coworkers to consider this opportunity. Come and join the team. You have the ability and the capacity to do well.”

Operating Room Assistants are working in operating and procedure rooms throughout Manitoba. Learn more about this important new role in Manitoba’s health system, or apply for a future intake, here.Edit

Our Stories

The work is fast-paced, exciting, and so satisfying. I know that what we do matters.

Stephanie

Medical Lab Technologist

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Stephanie’s Story

When I was a teenager, I volunteered at a local hospital. My orientation was done by an employee who worked at the hospital as a med-lab technologist. She had a really big impact on me and I remember thinking I wanted to carry myself like she did—with confidence and purpose.

From that moment on, I had a strong interest in working in a lab environment.

My health care journey started off very traditionally. I went to a vocational school here in Manitoba and graduated from the medical laboratory technologist program. I worked in a rural community for several years and did further training, completing my X-ray cross-training. Then I looked at the opportunities available to me and decided to jump at a job out of province.

“ There is so much to explore and I'm close to the people I love, in a community that is so tight-knit.”

I left Manitoba for Saskatchewan and a role that gave me amazing exposure to everything that happens in a lab. It was interesting work. As a generalist, I got to do a bit of everything but microbiology was really calling to me, so I was open to an opportunity that would give me a chance to be more specialized.

I missed my friends and family back home, and my partner and I felt the pull toward small-town life, so there came a point when moving back to Manitoba just made sense.

Our timing was right and I ended up with a position in the microbiology department at Brandon’s Westman Lab. The work is fast-paced, exciting, and so satisfying. I know that what we do matters, and while I might not always see the outcome of a case, our efforts to identify an organism are vital to how a care team is able to respond to a patient’s needs.

I feel so lucky to be surrounded by a lovely and diverse group of people every day. Everyone is so quirky and unique — it really brings us together and I’ve developed some amazing friendships.

Since moving back to Manitoba, I’ve had the best of both worlds. I spend my working hours in a high-energy environment, doing important work that helps people; and I spend my off hours enjoying the peace and quiet of life in a small community. There is so much to explore and I’m close to the people I love, in a community that is so tight-knit.

In Manitoba, I’m living the life I always wanted in a place where I look forward to coming into work every day

-Stephanie

Our Stories

I’m thrilled by how easy it is to navigate both within the city and when leaving city limits, even on a busy weekend.

Laura

Clinical Psychologist

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Laura’s Story

My Manitoba journey has been an adventure from the start.

I’ve seen so much of the province already, taking advantage of how easy it is to get around and making every effort to get to know my new home.

From day one, I’ve taken opportunities to explore. When I first moved to Winnipeg from Toronto, I opted for a road trip, camping along the way in different provincial parks. I started my new job, working as a clinical psychologist at the province’s largest hospital – Health Sciences Centre (HSC) – and on that first weekend after my arrival, I made the journey to Churchill.

"Winnipeg has its own vibrant culture, with lots of new restaurants and bars to try, concerts to attend, and groups
to join."

Churchill is one of the most northern communities in Manitoba, only accessible by train or plane, and known for its incredible and unique natural beauty. While there, I was lucky enough to experience the “Churchill trifecta” – seeing Northern Lights, polar bears and beluga whales in a single weekend.

Living in Winnipeg, I’m thrilled by how easy it is to navigate both within the city and when leaving city limits, even on a busy weekend. One of my favourite things about Winnipeg is the ease with which I can head in any direction for a new experience. Within an hour, I can find a campsite, hiking trail, provincial park, or paddling experience. The accessibility of nature here has really fed my desire to explore!

And when I’m in the city, there’s no shortage of activities, nightlife and entertainment. After living in Toronto and Montreal for the last 15 years, I didn’t know how I would adapt or what to expect from a somewhat smaller city like Winnipeg. But in reality, Winnipeg has its own vibrant culture, with lots of new restaurants and bars to try, concerts to attend, and groups to join.

As a clinical psychologist, Manitoba is a unique place to work, as we are considered both medical staff within the provincial health system and hold an academic appointment with teaching and research responsibilities at the University of Manitoba.

This job has provided me with excellent opportunities for training and professional growth, in a warm work environment that truly values psychologists as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. It is so rewarding to contribute to patient care, providing assessment and intervention to improve individuals’ everyday functioning and quality of life. I’m really happy to be working and living in Manitoba!

-Laura

Our Stories

Our roots are here now and we are proud to be living, working and raising our daughters on
the Prairies.

Jenny

Nurse Practitioner

Jenny and Neil’s Story

Neither of us expected that a short contract in the Canadian prairies would lead to a life and family in a small Manitoba community. It was the warmth of the community that first caught our attention. We had a local nurse colleague who had become a close friend to both of us during our time here. He genuinely seemed to want us to consider staying longer. During the spring after we arrived, he toured us around the community and really gave us a picture of the life we could build.

Owning a large piece of land had always been a dream – but didn’t seem like a possibility in either of our home provinces. When we started looking at properties in Manitoba, we couldn’t believe how affordable they were. We actually thought there were zeroes missing on real estate listings! We were able to purchase an 85-acre property and create the life we always imagined.

"We want for nothing here and we can’t believe more people haven’t discovered that."

We have been in Manitoba almost 14 years now, and over that time, we have built our dream home, started a family, and run a hobby farm. Our two daughters have opportunities here that wouldn’t have been as accessible to us elsewhere. We have this incredible space all around us, room to keep horses and explore on dirt bikes. We even have easy access to downhill skiing (yes, on the Prairies). Adventure is, quite literally, right outside our door.

The community has been so supportive of us, both personally and professionally. Any time that we’ve decided to take steps to advance our careers – like returning to school or pursuing a management role – we’ve been met with overwhelming support from colleagues and community members. This has allowed us to grow as nurses and given us the chance to develop and implement new programs and services that we believe will meet the needs of our community.

When we first decided to settle in Manitoba, we had a 10-year plan. 10 years came and went, and along the way we asked ourselves, ‘Where else would we go? We have amazing friends, family, and community supports, and our girls are born-and-raised Manitobans.’

We want for nothing here and we can’t believe more people haven’t discovered that.

-Jenny and Neil

Our Stories

Working in the North has been an incredibly rewarding experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff in Thompson welcomed me with open arms.

Lolia

Nurse, Provincial Travel Nurse Team

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Lolia’s Story

I spent the first five years of my nursing career at Health Sciences Centre’s Adult Emergency Department, but dreamed of working in northern Manitoba. I pictured a role that would offer flexibility while allowing me to connect with patients and staff in a smaller community where I could see the impact of my work. When I heard about Manitoba’s Travel Nursing Team, it felt like the perfect fit.

Working in the north has been an incredibly rewarding experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff in Thompson welcomed me with open arms. This made it easy for me to settle in and I quickly formed friendships that now extend beyond the hospital walls. We get together outside of work and it almost feels like I’m working with family now, making each return trip feel like I’m coming home.

During my time off, I love being able to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. There are so many peaceful lakes and rivers for fishing and boating adventures, and breathtaking hiking trails. One of my favourite spots to visit is Pisew Falls. There is a gorgeous waterfall where you can just sit, relax and enjoy the views.

As a travel nurse, I have more control over where and when I want to work. This gives me the flexibility to align my schedule with special gatherings with family and friends. Finding this balance has been really important to me. I am able to maintain strong connections with my loved ones while expanding my skillset in new facilities.

“During my time off, I love being able to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. There are so many peaceful lakes and rivers for fishing and boating adventures,
and breathtaking
hiking trails.”

Every site I visit brings with it a new learning opportunity. I enjoy visiting different hospitals and experiencing new environments. Working alongside various health-care teams has not only enhanced my skills and experience in critical care, but also deepened my understanding of how different systems operate. This keeps me engaged and eager to learn more.

Each trip starts with sending my availability to the scheduler. They handle the logistics—booking my flights, arranging transportation, and securing accommodations—making the transition to each new community smooth and hassle-free. Upon arrival, I’m given time to settle in to help me ease into my new surroundings and am provided with lots of information about who to contact if I need any extra support.

It has been such a privilege to be welcomed into different communities and health-care teams to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. Working in smaller facilities and communities, I have the ability to spend more quality time with my patients. It’s so different from fast paced urban facilities and I really cherish the opportunity to have meaningful interactions with patients and their loved ones. Building these relationships is incredibly special; it allows me to provide more personalized care and truly understand their needs.

Beyond these connections, this role has fulfilled my desire for adventure and a challenge. Each community offers new lessons and experiences, allowing me to grow and learn in my career. If you’re looking for the chance to blend your career with exploring Manitoba, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

-Lolia

Our Stories

My wife and I both trained and worked as nurses in India. Over time, we began to talk about what we wanted from our life and for the lives of our future children.

Joel

Internationally Educated Nurse

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Joel’s Story

Canada wasn’t our first thought, but we kept hearing from friends about the opportunities and the lifestyle. I wrote my International Educated Nurse (IEN) application and the possibilities of a life in Canada became much more real.

Moving to a new country wasn’t easy, but we learned so much about the family benefits, affordability and diverse communities in a place called Manitoba, and that made our decision so much easier. We chose Manitoba—and I’m so glad we did.

When we arrived, I worked two jobs to support us. The hours were challenging but they were made easier by the fact that it’s so easy to get around in Winnipeg, without much time spent in traffic. My jobs offered us stability and my wife and I decided the time was right to welcome our first child—a little boy.

Part of my journey was to complete a nursing practicum in a Canadian hospital. My mentor was incredible and made this such a positive learning experience. Like me, she had come to Canada from another country and was able to offer guidance and advice based on her own experiences. She supported me and helped me realize my potential. I regularly think about something she would say when she caught me doubting myself: “you can’t take the nursing out of the nurse.”

The culture here is incredibly rich. Even though I grew up in India, I often tell my parents how much I’ve learned about different Indian cultures since becoming part of the community here.

I’ve met so many people who moved here from different parts of India. I love being constantly exposed to and immersed in different cultures, experiencing different foods, and learning about the various places that my coworkers, community members and friends have come from.

Manitoba has everything we need. We have our friends, church group, and I have a very supportive group of co-workers on my unit, all from different countries and cultures. And there’s so much to do here! I always know how to brighten the mood and find an exciting adventure when my friends claim to be bored. The beaches are a great escape, and I’ve found a real love of hiking.

When people from home or other places look at my photos, they often ask ‘where is that?’ and I’m excited to tell them about my adventures and the places I have visited, right here in Manitoba.

-Joel

Our Stories

I knew I wanted to help people.
Becoming a paramedic was a natural fit, I love knowing that I can make someone’s bad day better by showing up for them.

Danielle

Primary Care Paramedic

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Danielle’s Story

I knew I wanted to help people. Becoming a paramedic was a natural fit, I love knowing that I can make someone’s bad day better by showing up for them.

It was my husband’s job that brought us to Manitoba, and when we arrived, I discovered that there were opportunities here to build on my skills as a primary care paramedic.

Over the past ten years, I have been working out of the local EMS station in a small rural community. The station is just a few blocks from where I live and I love the team I work with; we get along so well. That relationship is so important because we need to be able to trust each other and respond to any kind of emergency.

Working in a rural community means that sometimes paramedics are the closest resource. An Emergency Room is often quite a distance away from our calls, so I’m glad to be able to use the full scope of my skills and interventions to help people until we arrive at a hospital. I also think the diversity of the calls we respond to – from residential to industrial and commercial – brings new challenges that expand our skills and experience.

Knowing I have the skills and ability to help someone is a really rewarding part of my job. And no two days are ever the same.

Manitoba opened many doors for us. We started a family here, found friends that feel like family and became heavily involved in community sports and activities.

With a lake only 20 minutes away in either direction, we have easy access to fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and boating. Our girls keep busy with hockey and baseball, and the cost of activities are affordable here, so it’s manageable to keep them active in extra-curriculars.

We have truly made Manitoba our home.

When you’re a first responder in a small community, people know who you are and appreciate the work you do. I’m really proud that I am able to serve my community. It’s a great honour.

I always dreamed of being a paramedic and watching my family grow up the same way I did—always outdoors with plenty of room for adventure. I feel like we are living that vision in a community that I’m so proud to call home.

-Danielle