When Laila Souto Rodrigues arrived in Canada in 2017, she was filled with hope and dreams but faced the daunting challenge of not speaking English. She turned to Manitoba Start, a government program dedicated to assisting newcomers. A counsellor there provided her with a structured plan, outlining steps such as immersing herself in English, securing employment to initiate the permanent residency process, and volunteering in the healthcare sector to gain relevant experience.  

Embracing this guidance, Laila adjusted her daily life to facilitate language learning, including changing all her devices’ language settings to English and attending online classes. She began volunteering with public health nurses at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), which offered her valuable insights into Manitoba’s healthcare system and improved her language proficiency. She also took on housekeeping and cooking jobs to support her family and advance her journey, aiding in her permanent residency application.  

In the spring of 2021, Laila enrolled part-time at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), progressing through various English language courses. She culminated her studies with the Communication for Health Professionals (CHP) program, which provided her with essential knowledge about Manitoba’s healthcare system, cultural nuances, and effective communication strategies.  

Reflecting on her experience, Laila noted, “Red River College has played an important role in my academic development and professional growth, whether through the healthcare communication programs or the Nursing Re-entry Program (NREP).”  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Laila contributed to public health efforts by administering vaccines to the community as an immunizer for Shared Health. Her hands-on experience during this critical period honed her clinical skills and deepened her understanding of public health initiatives.  

By 2022, Laila achieved the required English proficiency to begin the nursing credential validation process with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM). She diligently gathered and submitted all necessary documents, a process she found both time-consuming and stressful.  

In 2023, after her credentials were assessed, she was referred to take the Clinical Competence Assessment (CCA). This assessment was pivotal, reinforcing her confidence in her nursing abilities and highlighting areas for adaptation to the Canadian context.  

Following her CCA, she was instructed which courses to take through RRC Polytech’s Nursing Re-entry Program (NREP) in 2024. This program further enhanced her confidence and prepared her for the Canadian healthcare environment. On January 31, 2025, Laila reached a significant milestone by receiving her Registered Nurse (RN) license in Manitoba.  

She delivered a presentation on Feb. 5, 2025, to CNI health students, sharing her journey and offering guidance to those pursuing similar paths. Her story serves as a source of inspiration, demonstrating the impact of resilience and the importance of a supportive community.  

Throughout her journey, Laila faced challenges such as language barriers, a lack of information about the credentialing process, and limited support networks. She immersed herself in English to overcome these obstacles, sought volunteer opportunities, and connected with others in similar situations. She even created a WhatsApp group for Brazilian nurses in Manitoba, fostering a community of support and shared experiences.  

Laila’s story shows us perseverance, resilience, and the significance of community support. She emphasizes that “success is not a coincidence. It is the result of discipline, resilience, and persistence in following a purpose, of course, surrounded by people who support you.”