UK nurse moving to Vernon looks forward to new chapter

Originally from Nigeria, Phina spent 16 years living and working abroad before eventually settling in England. 

She didn’t dive into nursing right away. She began her health-care career as a clinical support worker, where she began to fully realize her passion for patient care and advocacy. 

“Seeing the positive difference I could make, even in a supportive role, inspired me to really pursue nursing,” she says. “As a nurse, I knew I could provide a higher level of clinical care—and that’s what I wanted to do.” 

During her years with the UK's National Health Service (NHS), Phina’s passion for nursing grew alongside her experience. 

In 2025, she qualified as a Professional Nurse Advocate and received her NHS Trust’s ‘Making a Difference Award’, an honour recognizing staff who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional patient care. 

Despite building a very rewarding nursing career in the UK, the idea of moving to Canada never left Phina’s mind. 

As she explored opportunities across B.C., IH quickly stood out as a top contender. 

“I was really impressed by Interior Health’s commitment to supporting both patients and staff,” Phina says. “That strong sense of support, inclusivity and commitment to staff well-being really resonated with me.” 

“I could tell there was a genuine focus on helping internationally educated nurses feel supported throughout the transition process, and that’s a big part of what I was looking for.” 

Now, with an offer letter signed and a new job waiting for her, Phina’s preparing to make Vernon her new home, saying that the community itself played a big role in her decision.

“Vernon felt like the right place for me,” she explains. “I loved that it offered a balance between professional growth, an outdoor lifestyle and a welcoming community. I could see myself and my family there.” 

Like many internationally educated nurses, Phina says the idea of relocating to another country initially felt overwhelming. But throughout the process, she says the communication and guidance she received from Health Match BC and IH helped make the journey feel much more manageable. 

From constructive feedback during the application process to onboarding resources and introductions to transitional support teams, Phina says she consistently felt encouraged and supported every step of the way. Now, she says she feels far more excited than nervous about the move ahead. 

Now, as she prepares for this next chapter, Phina says she’s taking things one step at a time. 

“Relocating to another country with a family is no small feat,” she laughs. “But I know I’m supported and I’m excited for the journey ahead.” 

“I’m looking forward to making Vernon my new home, embracing a new environment with my family, expanding my clinical skills and continuing to grow both as a nurse and as an individual,” she says. 

For other internationally educated nurses considering a similar path, her message is simple: 

“Don’t feel alone. There are amazing people and supportive teams available to guide you throughout the process.”

Determine your eligibility to work in Canada, learn the steps to apply, and understand the assessments needed to practice your profession.

Visit our Information for International Applicants page

Visit our Stories@IH blog homepage 

Sign up to receive the Stories@IH email digest twice a week to your inbox