Elizabeth Duom Deng
Current city: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Year arrived in Canada: 2015
School(s): University of Saskatchewan/Lakehead University
Academic program: BScN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Occupation: Registered Nurse
1. What inspired you to pursue your studies in Nursing of all the academic programs that were available to you?
Growing up in Kakuma Refugee camp, I noticed how much quality health care services were a dream. Many individuals relied on humanitarian care services provided by IRC which were mostly basic. The drive to have a deep understanding of the pathophysiology regarding different diseases and their symptoms was also fascinating to me. Therefore, I wanted to study either Medicine or Nursing. I am also a very empathetic person and always loved to stand with people during their difficult times. Nursing is based on aspects of empathy and care; therefore, I went for it. Another external factor was the fact that Nursing pays and it has endless opportunities.
2. What are your main success factors in your academic and professional journey? Inherent intellectual aptitude goes without saying.
I am an outgoing person therefore therapeutic communication in Nursing is something that I enjoy. Nursing school also has hands-on learning in form of labs and clinical practices. This makes for an easy transition to the work force upon completion of the program.
3. Can you tell me a bit about your career path and what led you to your current role?
Upon arrival in Canada, I consulted an academic advisor who informed me that my program is a non-direct entry into Nursing. That I needed to do about 1-2 years of academic course work in the Arts and Science department and meet a specific GPA to quality for entry into the program. The program was competitive, I had to study hard to met the requirements. It took me 2 years to successfully complete my prerequisite courses. Luckily, I applied and got into 3-year compressed Bachelor of science in Nursing program. After the completion of their degree, aspiring Nursing graduates must write an exam called the NCLEX to get their license to practice in their designated province. After completion of the program, I was able to secure a job at a local hospital in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Nursing has endless opportunities thus getting a job is never a problem.
4. What are the challenges you faced trying to get to where you are today, if any?
Mentorship - when I was in Nursing school, there weren’t a lot of SRP students in Nursing, therefore it was challenging to get someone to walk the journey with.
Childcare - I was a mother to two little ones going to school (there are probably students who fall within this group). Childcare/daycare services in Canada are very expensive, therefore working part-time during my study period was mandatory, my partner and I had to be very supportive of each other along the journey. We were also lucky to get a supportive social network in our city.
5. What does your average workday look like?
When I arrive at the hospital, the first thing I do is collecting my assignment which is a record of patients that I will be caring for and also getting a report from the previous nurse. After that, I would log into a computer and retrieve more information to analyze. Finally, I perform Nursing interventions throughout the day.
6. What’s something about your line of work that would surprise the average street Joe?
Most Nursing full-time jobs are made up of three 12-hour shifts per week, therefore you do get about 4 days off each week. Also, by the time you are retiring you will have the opportunity to work in various diverse sectors, including public health, acute care Nursing, long-term care, youth and drug addictions services, street Nursing etc.
7. What’s your favorite thing about your job or industry? In other words, what fuels your enthusiasm and helps you get out of bed on a winter Monday morning?
The drive to save more lives and making a difference in my patients’ lives is a great motivation.
8. Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they helped you in your academic or professional career?
I didn’t have a mentor, but I met supportive friends in Nursing school that provided a shoulder to lean on.
9. Is your racial profile helping or hindering your professional growth? That is, if race is a factor?
Race is an unavoidable factor that we all encounter everywhere. We can't hide who we visibly are. I have always learned to be resilient if faced by any and know that my career aspirations are greater than any stumbling block in front of me. I do not let it stop me.
10. What do you know now that you wished you had known before you enrolled in first year of university?
I wished I had learned to be patient with myself. Moving to a new country and especially being separated from your entire family and kin is a hard circumstance, therefore do not put a lot of pressure on yourself. Your mental health matters, take good care of yourself. Career success will follow if you are flourishing mentally and physically.
11. If you can reflect on your personal journey, were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?
My career aspirations were met the day I got my second career option which was Nursing. Regarding things to do differently, I wished I learned to trust the process and stress less when I first arrived. I was too focused on getting admitted into my program of study instead of taking it easy and trusting the process.
Finance. Learn to save money. Upon finishing your undergraduate program, you might not get a job right away. Your savings will keep you going as you look for a job.
12.From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new students?
Career development. Never turn down an internship or any form of work opportunity related to your career. Landing a job after school is not dependent on your multiple degrees but on how much work experience you have.
Self development. When we come to Canada, our families have these high expectations that we will change their lives the moment we land here. This is not realistic, you need to adapt, transition, navigate and grow to be able to help someone else. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Life in Canada gives you different hats to wear e.g., you are a new immigrant, a student, and a young professional. It is important to let your family members know about your circumstances and to lower their expectations. Prioritize your own financial well-being first. It is fundamental.
Take your vitamin D during the winter and have annual medical check-ups (I am a nurse, so I am doing some health promotion here lol). The Canadian winters are very cold which means less sun light exposure and low moods. Therefore, taking vitamin D during the winter is the only way to make up for the lack of sunshine. Make an appointment for annual medical checkups on campus even if you are not sick. It is important to have a healthcare provider assess your health and overall physical wellbeing.
