Name: Kelly Monks (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Registered Nurse, Emergency
Length of Service: Six months
Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: syilx
Born in South Africa, raised in Florida and England, and now serving as a registered nurse (RN) at Kelowna General Hospital’s (KGH) emergency department, Kelly Monks’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
“Growing up across South Africa, Florida and England, I never developed a strong sense of identity tied to a specific place,” she shares. “Rather, repeatedly feeling out of place made me adaptable and perceptive of others.”
In her work, Kelly emphasizes the importance of human connection. She believes that building relationships with colleagues and patients reminds us that we all have something in common.
“As health-care workers, we’re familiar with the clinical environment and its language; however, it can be alienating for patients. Communication is key and I try to ensure that those I care for have what they need to feel heard and understand what is going on.”
For Kelly, reconciliation is recognizing that everyone has past experiences that inform who they are today and being aware that we, too, carry our own experiences with us daily.
“It’s finding a common respect and working in partnership for better care and better futures,” she says.
Learn more about Kelly’s journey with IH
In 2019, Kelly had created her own small business. Just one year later, she had to unexpectedly close it with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. What came next was the start of a journey that would change her life: a doorway into health care.
Two years later, she graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing (Adult) and stepped into the fast-paced world of a busy medical emergency department as a new graduate RN.
It was during this time that Kelly learned about Health Match BC through a union newsletter. She reached out, and with their assistance, she began working towards getting her nursing licence in B.C.
“For 15 years, it had been my dream to live in Canada,” she says.
She kept pursuing her dream. In 2024, Kelly completed the required online learning and successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)—the licensing exam every nurse must take to practise in B.C.
After receiving Provisional Registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), Kelly accepted a position with Interior Health in September 2024.
“I moved to B.C. with my partner in spring 2025 and began my employment with Kelowna General Hospital. After practising for a few months on a Provisional Registration, I completed the required 250 hours of supervised practice,” she says. “I am proud and grateful to say I am a fully registered nurse in British Columbia.”
Watching news stories and witnessing health-care workers standing united to face the unknown together inspired me to join the health-care sector. I felt a pull to help not only patients, but other health-care workers during what was a really difficult time.
Practising as an RN in Canada
As a nurse in the emergency department (ED), no two days are the same. “You never know what is going to come through the door,” says Kelly.
What remains constant, however, are the challenges and emotions that come with the work. Kelly is quick to recognize the team around her that give her the confidence to keep showing up for patients.
“I enjoy the team dynamics and am proud of how colleagues work together to flex and accommodate ever-changing conditions while always prioritizing patient safety. No matter what comes through the door, I know I am never alone, and my colleagues have my back.”
Within the fast pace of the ED, Kelly looks for ways to bring warmth and comfort to patients.
“My proudest moments are when I am able to elicit a laugh and make someone feel a little less anxious—even if just for a few minutes—during their visit.”
Learning and growing
Since moving to B.C. last spring, Kelly has been rediscovering the beauty of the outdoors. With her new mountain bike, she enjoys exploring trails throughout the Okanagan and taking in the amazing views. She is looking forward to her first Christmas in B.C. and trying out winter activities.
Professionally, Kelly is excited to advance her skills through trauma training and achieving a Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification in 2026.
We are thrilled for Kelly, who has not only realized her dream of working in Canada but continues dedicating herself to provide exceptional care in KGH’s emergency department.
Explore registered nurse Careers@IH
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