My Journey as a New Cardiology Nurse in Canada: From Ukraine to a Small Community Hospital
Two years ago, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: leaving my home in Ukraine to start a new chapter as a registered nurse (RN) in Canada. As a trained cardiology nurse, I was excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and passion for patient care to a new country. However, nothing could have fully prepared me for the mix of challenges, learning experiences, and rewarding moments that came with practicing in a smaller community hospital and cardiac care clinic. Now, two years into this journey, I’d love to share some of what I’ve learned—both professionally and personally—about working in cardiac care in Canada.
Starting Over in a New Country
When I first arrived in Canada, I felt a mix of emotions. I was excited to start fresh in such a welcoming country, but I was also nervous about adapting to a new healthcare system. Canada’s healthcare structure is different from what I was used to in Ukraine, especially in terms of its focus on accessibility and collaboration. Moving to a smaller community hospital rather than a big urban center felt like a leap of faith, but it turned out to be exactly where I was meant to be. The warmth and support of my colleagues and patients made it easier to adjust, and the smaller setting allowed me to develop closer connections with my team and the people we serve.
Learning to Navigate Cardiac Care in Canada
Cardiology is such a dynamic and rewarding field, and I’ve always loved how important this specialty is to people’s overall health. In my first few months on the job, I quickly realized that cardiac care in Canada is highly patient-centered. Whether it’s providing education on lifestyle changes or managing chronic conditions like heart failure and arrhythmias, the emphasis here is on empowering patients to take an active role in their care. This was slightly different from my previous experience, but I found it incredibly refreshing.
The hospital and clinic where I work see a wide range of cardiac cases. From routine stress tests and follow-ups after heart surgery to emergent situations like heart attacks, every day brings something new. I’ve had the chance to learn about cutting-edge technologies, like advanced imaging tools and implantable devices, which weren’t as widely accessible in my home country. The opportunity to expand my knowledge has been invaluable and has strengthened my confidence as a nurse.
The Joys and Challenges of Small-Community Nursing
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate the most is the sense of community in a smaller hospital. Unlike in larger cities, where patients might feel like just another number, here I’ve built lasting relationships with many of the individuals I care for. I’ve watched patients recover, return for follow-ups, and even share life updates during appointments. It’s heartwarming and deeply fulfilling to feel like I’m making a real difference in their lives.
That said, working in a smaller community does come with its own set of challenges. We don’t always have the resources of a bigger hospital, which means we need to get creative sometimes. For instance, there have been times when we’ve had to work closely with larger center's in nearby cities to arrange for specialized procedures or consultations. It’s taught me the importance of teamwork, resourcefulness, and staying calm under pressure.
From Ukraine to Canada: Bridging Cultures in Nursing
One unexpected but beautiful part of my journey has been bringing my cultural background into my practice. Ukrainian culture places a strong emphasis on compassion and resilience—qualities that I’ve found resonate deeply with my Canadian colleagues and patients. While I’ve had to adapt to new standards and protocols, I’ve been able to draw on my experiences back home to offer a unique perspective, especially when it comes to communicating with patients and their families.
At the same time, I’ve learned so much from Canadian culture, particularly the emphasis on work-life balance and mental health. Nursing can be demanding, especially in a high-stakes field like cardiology, but taking time to recharge has helped me provide better care for my patients and be kinder to myself.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my first two years as a cardiology nurse in Canada, I feel an immense sense of gratitude. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow. I’ve found a home in this small community hospital, where the work is meaningful, the people are kind, and the pace, while busy, allows for genuine connections.
To other international nurses considering a similar path, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to embrace change. It’s scary at first, but the rewards are worth it. Seek out mentorship, never stop learning, and most importantly, remember why you started this journey in the first place. For me, it’s always been about helping people, and that hasn’t changed—no matter where in the world I call home.
Here’s to many more years of learning, growing, and caring for hearts—both literally and figuratively.