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