Celestine’s Story

Celestine grew up on Australia’s Gold Coast. Her mother was a healthcare worker who found great satisfaction in the security and reliability of her profession. When it was time for Celestine to pick a career of her own, she was encouraged to do the same.   She decided to pursue nursing – a high-in-demand profession worldwide. After spending a few years living in England and completing three years of nursing back in Australia, Celestine began considering a move to Canada. She had no family there and had never visited Vancouver, but the mountains, the outdoor lifestyle, and the opportunity for a fresh start in British Columbia was compelling. “I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t try,” she said.

The process of becoming registered in British Columbia was clear thanks to Health Match BC’s guidance. Celestine completed her credential verification and is currently in the process of preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. She shares the support she’s received throughout her transition to the Canadian healthcare system: “They made everything feel manageable.” She goes on to say that thanks to Health Match BC, “I wasn’t navigating it alone.”

It was through Health Match BC that she submitted her preferences for location and was connected to Providence Health Care. Her interview for a position in the Emergency Department went smoothly. “It didn’t even feel like an interview,” she remembers, “I felt supported right from the start.” Soon after her interview, she was offered a position.

Celestine arrived in Vancouver in August 2025. Transitioning from Australia’s standard 8-hour shifts to British Columbia’s 12-hour, four-on-five-off rotation was a welcome change. Her new schedule provides her with longer stretches of time off, allowing her to explore Vancouver, take weekend road trips, and enjoy the outdoors. “It feels like I’m on a long-term break, but I still get to do what I love,” she shared.

Financially, the move has been reassuring, too. Here in Canada, they recognized her work experience, placing her appropriately on the pay scale, and offering her specialty and shift premiums. Providence also provided relocation assistance, making the transition smoother than she imagined. She has also discovered that night shifts suit her lifestyle, offering her additional flexibility. “I’ve built a schedule that really works for me,” she said.

As for Vancouver’s famous rainy weather? Celestine doesn’t mind it. “After the heat back home, it’s refreshing,” she said. Only a few months in, Celestine is already thinking about permanent residency. Her advice to other nurses considering the leap is simple: “There’s a reason that you keep having that thought of wanting to do it. It’s because you want to do it. So just do it.”