OUR TEAM

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Adam embarked on his journey as an IEN in 2007 upon arriving in Edmonton, Alberta, with his family. Swiftly having his documents assessed by CARNA, now CRNA (Alberta’s RN licensing body), he simultaneously worked as a nursing attendant at the University of Alberta hospital. Undergoing a substantially equivalent competency assessment (a five day assessment) in 2008, he pursued additional courses in the fall of the same year. Upon completion of these courses, he applied for a graduate nurse permit, and in 2009, successfully passed the CRNE (Canadian Registered Nurse Examination). Continuing his RN role in the Neuroscience department at the University of Alberta hospital, he later pursued a Master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization in nursing education. In 2015, Adam transitioned to academia, assuming the role of a nurse educator at Grant MacEwan University. By 2023, he had completed his doctoral degree in healthcare administration from Virginia, USA.

As a Canadian Certified Nurse Educator and CGFNS certified Global Nurse Consultant, Adam is fervently dedicated to community-based education through UCAA. His advocacy encompasses health equity, student-centric learning, and relational leadership, all reflected in his expansive portfolio.

Adam suggests key behaviors for IENs aspiring to become RNs in Alberta, emphasizing incremental effort, discipline, hard work, and seeking support from others. Communicating your need for assistance allows others to reciprocate, and combining discipline and hard work with self-care fosters goal attainment while cultivating resilience. 

Adam is the current chair of IENAA.
 

"Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." -- Ray Kroc. 

 Josette's nursing career spans multiple continents—from Manila, Philippines to Chingola, Zambia, New Jersey, USA, to Alberta, Canada—bringing a wealth of experience as an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines.

Upon immigrating to Canada in October 1989, Josette was hired as a Graduate Nurse at the University of Alberta Hospital's Pulmonary unit. Despite having passed the NCLEX and worked as an ICU RN in the USA, she had to take and pass the first available Canadian Nurse Licensure Exam as a conditional job offer.  She earned her RN license in January 1990.

With decades of experience and certificates in critical care, clinical geriatrics, and research, Josette assumed various roles from 2000 as a clinic nurse/coordinator in the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic and Pulmonary Hypertension Program until her retirement in 2019. Her unwavering passion for supporting patients and families garnered recognition including the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) Nursing Excellence in Clinical Practice (2012), and Cystic Fibrosis Canada Outstanding Healthcare Provider for Western Canada and Prairie Region (2018).

Josette with other members of the Board of Directors of Filipino Nurses Association in Alberta (FNAA) supported IENs during partnership between FNAA and Capital Health 

(now AHS) from 2007 through billeting, settlement and integration. She participated on the round table meetings between FNAA and CARNA on IENs’ challenges and barriers towards licensure.

As founding Member of the Internationally Educated Nurses Association of Alberta (IENAA), and as Chair of Changing Together, A Centre for Immigrant Women, Josette continues to support the integration of IENs to the Canadian health care system, and empowering new immigrants addressing systemic barriers through partnerships and collaboration.

Mary holds a degree from Lourdes College of Nursing, Kerala, India (2005). She demonstrated exceptional skills as a charge nurse at Lourdes hospital's Medical Surgical ICU from 2005 to 2008. Settling in Canada in 2008, Mary dedicated a year to Royal Alexandra Hospital's General Internal Medicine as a graduate nurse. In 2009, she triumphed in the CRNE, marking a pivotal moment in her career. For the next five years, Mary served as a rehab nurse at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, before transitioning to University of Alberta hospital's Internal Medicine unit for an additional five years. From 2019 to June 2020, she took on a temporary role as a credential trainer. Since June 2020, Mary has excelled as a Clinical Nurse Educator within the Medicine program at the University of Alberta hospital, highlighting her expertise and dedication.

Xerxes earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, in 2005. In his homeland, he demonstrated expertise as a cardiovascular ICU nurse for three years. Relocating to Canada, Xerxes initiated his nursing journey as an LPN at the University of Alberta Hospital, while concurrently pursuing RN bridging in 2008. The subsequent year marked the attainment of his RN license in Alberta, leading him to the Neuro ICU at University of Alberta Hospital. In 2015, Xerxes embraced a leadership role for a year, and in 2022, he transitioned into a fulfilling position as a Clinical Nurse Educator at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Medicine Program, aligning with his passion for teaching. Dedicated to aiding fellow Internationally Educated Nurses, Xerxes eagerly anticipates the opportunity to impart his wealth of experience and knowledge.

Milly, holds a BSc in Nursing from India and boasts over a year of ICU experience. In 2000, she embarked on her nursing odyssey in Alberta, commencing at Good Samaritan Southgate Long Term Care. Since 2005, Milly has been an invaluable asset to the Pulmonary Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital. Her enduring commitment and wealth of experience exemplify her significant impact on healthcare in Edmonton. 

Jude, a BSN graduate from Bicol University, is a registered midwife and nurse in the Philippines. He began his career in ER and Hemodialysis at San Juan de Dios Hospital before moving to Canada in 2008. Initially an LPN at the University of Alberta Hospital, he later worked in geriatrics in Halifax. Jude obtained his RN license in 2011 and worked in Medical/Surgical in Lloydminster. Returning to Edmonton in 2013, he focused on Neuroscience. His deep passion for Nephrology Nursing led him to complete a Nephrology Certificate Program. He worked in the Home Peritoneal Dialysis Unit and now thrives in the Hemodialysis Unit at Grey Nuns Hospital. Beyond, he actively volunteers in his local church's Parish nursing initiatives.

Jeff, a 1995 graduate of Dr. Yanga's Colleges in the Philippines, holds a Bachelor's in Nursing. He embarked on his career as a dedicated Medical ICU and Recovery Room Nurse. In 2008, he transitioned into the role of an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) at Capital Health, facilitated by FNAA. Ever since, Jeff has been channeling his expertise as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) focusing on the General Internal Medicine Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital. His steadfast commitment to patient care and clinical excellence serves as a valuable asset to the healthcare community. 

Letty's nursing journey began with pre-nursing studies at St. Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines. Upon immigrating to Canada, she continued her nursing education at the University of Alberta Hospital. Letty's professional path led her to the Grey Nuns Hospital in the Medical & Surgical unit, followed by an impressive 33-year tenure in the cardiology department of UAH/Mazankowski Heart Institute. Concurrently, she devoted time to part-time work in geriatric nursing.

In 2007, when Capital Health Authority, now AHS, sought nurses in the Philippines, Letty, serving as the President of FNAA, was invited to join the hiring team alongside Tessie Oliva, FNAA Founder/Advisor. Their role included orienting newly hired nurses on working in Alberta. FNAA, led by Tessie Oliva, provided crucial support to newly arrived IENs from 2008, offering billeting, housing, a 5-day orientation for settlement and integration, networking with CARNA and CLPNA for licensure, and participating in roundtable meetings with the Minister of Immigration to assist IENs with work visa extensions.

In 2019, Letty concluded her illustrious career in cardiology, leaving behind a legacy of invaluable contributions to healthcare. Post-retirement, she remains active as a volunteer in the community, continuing to make meaningful contributions beyond her distinguished nursing career.

In 2008, Julie arrived in Canada with eight fellow IENs from the Philippines. Holding a US license but lacking American nursing hours, CARNA deemed her qualifications equivalent to an LPN license. The next hurdle was a week-long assessment, including written and practical exams, to gauge the courses required for CARNA licensure. Fortunate to attend Mount Royal College, sponsored by AHS (formerly Capital Health), Julie completed four courses in a year, earned a diploma, and passed the licensure exam.

Post RN licensure, Julie secured a full-time position with AHS under a Work Permit. She promptly initiated family sponsorship, and after 16 months, they arrived in July 2009, with permits. Facing expiration, Julie sought stable employment across Canada. In 2010, AHS opted not to renew her contract, risking non-status. Amid job offers, AHS reconsidered, offering the Provincial Nominee program. In 2010, Julie's family and she were granted permanent residency.

Securing Canadian status requires swift action, a lesson learned through experience. Julie has spent 15 years in Edmonton, Alberta, currently serving as a Credentialed Trainer for Connect Care under AHS. Additionally, she volunteers as a Board of Director for IENAA, grateful for the journey that, with divine grace, has led to a stable life in Canada.

Donna received her BSN degree from Saint Louis University in Baguio City Philippines. She worked as an ER nurse at The Medical City Hospital before arriving in Edmonton in 2008 as an IEN through Capital Health recruitment (now AHS). 

She remembers feeling overwhelmed navigating the unfamiliar downtown streets of Edmonton on a cold -37 November weather trying to catch the bus which will take her to Norquest School as she completes a 2-week pre-requisite course for CLPNA exams. Over one year, she acquired her LPN license, worked a full-time FTE in a pulmonary Medicine unit and took on the challenge of completing the Bridge to Canadian Nursing for her RN license. It was a steep road but FNAA played a crucial role in her Canadian integration, inspiring her to give back through volunteer work with IENAA, where she aspires to mentor and support fellow IENs. Donna’s RN experience and interests include Pulmonary Medicine, Hematology Research, Leadership and Management. 

May earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Davao Doctors College in 1998. Her nursing experience for 9 years was on Maternity and Child, and Operating Room before immigrating to Alberta, Canada, with her husband and 2 children in 2007.

As an I EN, she started as Health Care Aide for 8 months and later as Auxiliary worker for 4 months at Lynnwood Nursing Home.  She passed CRNE in October 2008. 

May was hired as fulltime RN at the University of Alberta Hospital Pulmonary unit in February 2009.  Her quest to expand her knowledge led her to work for a six-month temporary RN position at the Emergency Department in 2023.  May has been working in pulmonary unit for 15 years now, a great asset to the health care team, and to her patients and their families sharing her knowledge and experience in pulmonary nursing.