At RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), we understand that moving to a new country comes with unique challenges, especially for internationally educated health professionals striving to continue their careers. That’s why we’ve designed our health programs to teach critical communication skills and foster a sense of belonging and confidence. As we celebrate Welcoming Week 2024 from September 13th to 20th, we’re proud to highlight the experiences of students who have navigated these challenges and emerged stronger, ready to contribute to Canada’s healthcare system.

In addition to the continued support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Province of Manitoba recently made it possible for temporary residents, refugee claimants, and Canadian citizens to participate in CNI’s health programming. We want to thank the Manitoba government for their support. We had the pleasure of welcoming Marvin Marcial, policy and program coordinator from Manitoba Labour and Immigration, during Welcoming Week.

Supporting Professional Growth, Fostering Belonging

Welcoming Week is about more than just recognizing newcomers—it’s a reminder of the strength found in diversity and the value of creating spaces where people can thrive. CNI’s health programs embody these values by helping internationally educated nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers overcome communication barriers. 

The programs don’t just teach technical language skills; they help students develop intercultural awareness, improve collaboration with colleagues, and build patient relationships. These are skills that go beyond the classroom and into real-life scenarios, making a difference every day.

For more information, visit the health programs page. 

This year, we’re turning the spotlight on the stories of health program graduates who have transformed their professional paths thanks to CNI’s tailored programs. Their stories show what’s possible when you invest in yourself and the positive ripple effect it has on patient care and healthcare teams across Manitoba.

Success Stories in Health Programs

Take Nagwan Abdellattif, for example. As an Egyptian pharmacist, she knew she had the expertise to excel but struggled with the confidence to express herself fluently in English. “I was always comparing myself to native English speakers,” she admits, reflecting on her journey. “It made me feel like I wasn’t good enough.” 

After completing CNI’s communication courses, her perspective changed. Now a pharmacy manager, Nagwan credits the program with helping her regain her confidence, saying, “These courses didn’t just help me professionally—they helped me feel more comfortable in everyday conversations, too.”

For Fouad Ahmed, another pharmacist, the training was about more than mastering language—it was about mastering difficult interactions. He recalls a particularly challenging day when a patient, frustrated by a prescription delay, took out his anger at the counter. “Using the empathetic communication skills I learned at CNI, I was able to de-escalate the situation and leave the patient satisfied,”

Fouad says. “Before the course, I might have felt overwhelmed by that situation.” His story illustrates how communication isn’t just about words; it’s about building trust in moments of tension.

Iryna Tkachenko, a nurse from Ukraine, highlights another side of CNI’s programs: the cultural learning embedded within the language training. “I used to worry about sounding impolite or misunderstood, especially in stressful situations,” she shares. 

Through CNI’s courses, Iryna learned how to navigate cultural differences and apply nonverbal communication strategies to connect with patients with disabilities. “It’s not just about speaking English—it’s about understanding people,” she says.

Iryna also appreciated the program’s flexibility, which allowed her to balance studying with her job. “It’s especially helpful for those of us living outside of Winnipeg or juggling multiple jobs,” she adds. Her story reflects the reality of many newcomers who manage multiple responsibilities as they work toward their career goals.

For more information on Welcoming Week 2024 and how you can get involved, visit Welcoming Week 2024.