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Rola El Moubadder is the Program Manager at CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (CARE Centre ), with a career spanning over 27 years in nursing. Her journey commenced when she gained her bachelor’s degree in science and nursing at the American University of Beirut in 1995, after which she served as a bedside nurse from 1995 to 1999, cultivating a deep understanding of the nuances involved in delivering high-quality healthcare. Recognizing the significance of nurturing the next generation of nurses and driven by a profound desire to contribute meaningfully to the quality of patient care, Rola transitioned into educational roles around 1999, when she moved to the UAE to become a nurse educator for the Ministry of Health and Prevention, a position she continued to hold until 2010.
Committed to continuous self-improvement and professional development, Rola pursued and obtained a master’s degree in quality management from the Australian University of Wollongong in Dubai. She went on to work for the Ministry of Health as a quality consultant, leading the nurse informatics team in the nursing department of the ministry. This diverse and enriching journey fueled Rola El Moubadder's passion for elevating the nursing profession. Her commitment lies in delivering exceptional care to patients and shaping the future of nursing through education and innovation.
Nurse by Heart, Educator by Passion
Having made the life-altering decision to move to Canada in 2010, Rola embarked on a journey that was both rewarding and filled with challenges. Being an immigrant and Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN), Rola found herself faced with the intricate process of credentialing upon her arrival in Canada. The hurdles were many and the path to becoming a registered nurse was riddled with complexities. However, Rola's story took a remarkable turn of fortune when she connected with CARE Centre. In a field where the average time for IENs to attain registration ranged from 4 to 6 years, Rola accomplished this feat in less than two.
As an alumnus of CARE Centre and holding the position of Program Manager, Rola recognizes the unique challenges that fellow IENs encounter during their transition to the Canadian healthcare landscape. Her own experience has fueled a passion and a true calling to support others facing similar complex challenges. Beyond personal success, Rola aspires to be recognized as an individual who adds significant value to the Canadian healthcare system.
Rola El Moubadder shares her profound passion for addressing the challenges within the legislation and registration processes for nursing in Canada. For Rola, the hurdles she faced during her own journey served as catalysts for positive change, particularly in the realm of nursing registration. Embracing the challenges rather than succumbing to them, she saw an opportunity to contribute to the modernization of the system.
The Challenges of Credential Recognition
One of the pivotal changes that Rola emphasizes is the recognition of credentials for IENs across multiple provinces. Previously, IENs faced considerable complexities in having their credentials acknowledged, often limiting their mobility within the country. Rola believes that the strides made in this area have not only made the process more efficient but have also opened opportunities for healthcare professionals to practice across Canada with greater ease.
As Rola reflects on her career, she underscores the significance of success stories that are now prominently highlighted on the CARE Centre's website. These narratives, filled with resilience and triumph, inspire others to persevere in the face of challenges, fostering a sense of community and support among IENs.
One compelling tale she shares involves a colleague at CARE Centre who initiated the process even before arriving in Canada through CARE Centre’s Pre-Arrival Supports and Services Program (PASS). Guided by PASS’and post arrival by CARE Centre’s Supports, Training, and Access to Regulated-employment Services program’s (STARS) strategic planning and meticulous execution, this individual obtained nursing registration in an astonishingly short period—less than six months, as a critical care nurse at a large academic health care organization and a part time Case Manager at CARE Centre. The key takeaway from this success story, according to Rola, lies in the importance of starting the process early. Those who begin pre-arrival can benefit significantly, working with organization like CARE Centre, familiar with the process and capable of offering robust guidance and support.
A Bright Future Ahead
"I see a very bright future where the integration of IENs entering the healthcare system is seamless, supportive and efficient," Rola affirms. She emphasizes that this positive trajectory is not limited to regulatory changes but extends to provincial and national levels.
Rola also stresses the importance of networks like N4, which plays a crucial role in integrating and valuing IENs for their diverse experiences and highly specialized skills. "Continue establishing a network like N4 so that IENs aren’t just integrated and welcomed, but also being valued for their diverse experience and highly specialized skills," she affirms.
For IENs, “Your Success is Our Success”. Rola emphasizes the importance of perseverance and adaptability: "Stay determined, flexible, adaptable, and be up for continuous learning and innovation." She encourages them to actively seek opportunities for resources, inclusion and mentorship. In the face of challenges, she urges IENs not to be discouraged and to explore the numerous programs tailored to their unique experiences. To hospitals and organizations, Rola advocates for a re-evaluation of practices, recognizing the diversity and wealth of experience that IENs bring. Collaboration with other centres, she suggests, can facilitate the exchange of best practices and foster an environment that attracts and trains skilled IENs.
Addressing regulatory bodies and institutions, Rola stresses the importance of alignment between education programs and the healthcare system. Clear pathways for IENs should be established, ensuring that the transition into the Canadian healthcare system is seamless and efficient.
Above all, Rola underscores the power of collaboration and shared vision. "Collaboration and shared vision are ideal with our skilled population," she emphasizes. By working together, stakeholders across the spectrum can contribute to creating an environment where internationally educated nurses not only integrate successfully but thrive in their roles, bringing diverse perspectives and enriching the Canadian healthcare landscape.
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