What inspired you to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse?
Nursing was something I was surrounded by growing up, so it felt like a natural path. Many of the women in my life – my mom, my aunt, and close family friends – were nurses. Inspired by them, I’m proud to be a second-generation Filipino nurse.
What’s your journey looked like so far? How did you become interested in working in Medevac?
My nursing journey initially started in Victoria, BC, where I was on the waitlist for the diploma nursing program for two years. My boyfriend, at that time, had been accepted into veterinary medicine in Saskatoon, which led me to apply to the University of Saskatchewan. I ended up becoming the university’s first out-of-province student in their Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
After graduation, I returned home to Winnipeg to work at Victoria General Hospital. I started on a medical floor and switched to Labour and Delivery, where I worked for eight years until the hospital decided to close the ward. While looking for a new opportunity, my coworker, who was already flying for Perimeter, told me I should give it a try. That was almost 23 years ago now.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your job?
It’s incredibly rewarding when patients express gratitude for the care I provide and thank me for helping them reach their destination, whether it be to HSC for further treatment or back to their community facility to be closer to home and family.
Looking back on your career, which moment stands out as one you are most proud of?
There’s no one moment that stands out above the rest. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of amazing people, and that’s something I cherish deeply.
What advice would you offer to Registered Nurses who are interested in pursuing Medevac work?
Every day is different. You meet a lot of people, get the opportunity to see different places, and have a wide variety of experiences that you won’t get in a hospital setting.
