At a time when patients have increasingly complex patient needs and the health care workforce is experiencing shortages, internationally educated nurses (IENs) are filling critical gaps. But they are also strengthening care through global experience, cultural understanding and lived resilience. St. Joe’s Nursing Clinical Educator, Smita Upadhaya, is one of the IENs who says her experiences coming to Canada have shaped the nurse she is today.  

A registered nurse (RN) in Nepal, Smita immigrated to Canada in 2006, not as a nurse, but as a live-in caregiver. “I’m proud of that part of my story,” she says. “At that time, I thought that was the easiest path that would lead to being a registered nurse in Canada and to follow the dream of getting global nursing experience.” Once she obtained permanent resident status, Smita attended York University’s bridging program to achieve Canadian RN credentials, all while raising a young child and rebuilding her career.  

“Being an immigrant, starting from scratch and then being able to go back to school, pursue more education, and being an educator now.” Smita smiles and adds, “Looking back, there were a lot of obstacles. I feel proud that I kept going despite many challenges.”  

Smita credits the early support she received at St. Joe’s and now plays a key role in mentoring others walking a similar path. She encourages new IENs to give themselves grace and make use of the robust resources available: “It takes time. St. Joe’s has a lot of support—mentorship, orientation, educators, clinical scholars and many workshops. We need to believe in ourselves, be patient and be open to learning.” 

Now a master's graduate, Smita uses both her academic training and her lived experience to guide IENs and new graduates. “I really relate to them because I witnessed and experienced similar barriers and challenges,” she says. That empathy strengthens her mentoring relationships and supports a more inclusive learning environment. 

Central to Smita’s philosophy is cultural humility. “You don’t know everything, and you should be open to learn from others. I just transitioned to the role of  educator and I am learning,  I always go to the unit with an openness to learn from others and acknowledging that I’m not an expert. Learning is a lifelong two-way process; Let’s learn together.”   

Currently a nurse educator in acute psychiatry at West 5th, Smita admits mental health was not top of mind when beginning her Canadian health care career. Hesitant at first, she says, “as I grew in the role, I found it more meaningful and interesting. I think every nurse needs to have experience in mental health no matter where you work.” 

Smita’s reflections on nursing are deeply rooted in a sense of purpose: “It’s about impacting patients’ lives in a positive way. Sometimes you might not see change right away, especially in mental health, but you’re helping the patient and their family.” 

She also acknowledges the technical and cultural challenges she faced when transitioning to the Canadian healthcare system—language barriers, unfamiliar protocols and a different approach to patient advocacy. “Language for sure. Sometimes people have difficulty understanding me. Also, the language of medicine – the system and protocols are different. Those things really need time to grasp.” 

To other IENs, Smita offers a message of encouragement: “You can do everything if you want to. You can aim high and achieve it. Reach out to resources. And never stop learning.” 

Smita’s journey is a testament to the profound value IENs bring to St. Joe’s and Canadian health care – not just in clinical skill, but in empathy, diversity and determination.  As we celebrate Asian Heritage Month, we recognize how Smita and many IEN educators are not only shaping the future of nursing education, but also redefining what it means to belong.