Tinu and Sijo’s Story: Embracing Nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador

Meet Tinu and Sijo, a couple from the Middle East with 13 years of nursing experience. A year ago, they landed in Newfoundland and Labrador with their children, embracing their new roles as Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) at Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services. 

Like many IENs, Tinu and Sijo began their journey as personal care attendants in long-term care, caring for seniors at Pleasant View Towers in St. John’s and have since become licensed practical nurses at the same site.  

“Tinu and I sought employment with NL Health Services because it would allow us to make a big difference in people’s lives. Little did we know that NL Health Services would have a profound impact on our lives as well,” Sijo reflects on his experience.  

“Staff and the IENs Program have supported us and our family through both our educational and professional journey, encouraging us and providing opportunities for growth along the way,” Sijo adds. 

[Left photo] Tinu (Left) and Sijo (Right) enjoying Newfoundland and Labrador, 2023
[Right photo] Tinu and Siju with their children Edwin (left) and Dennis (right), 2023

“Internationally educated nurses have not only filled a critical staff shortage in long-term care but they have created wide-reaching benefits,” says Melvin Layden, long-term care director for NL Health Services, Eastern Urban zone. “Diversity enriches our workforce, fosters innovation, and enables us to better meet the unique health needs of our communities.” 

With recent updated provincial nursing regulations and a streamlined licensure path, Tinu and Sijo are working toward their dream of becoming registered nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador. While some IENs continue to work in long-term care, others move to acute care, specializing in areas such as medicine, surgery or tending to patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Over 200 IENs have been recruited since 2022, and more than 600 additional IENs are being recruited through ongoing initiatives. 

Thank you, Tinu and Sijo, and all IENs for choosing NL Health Services.