Jan. 26, 2023

When Chris Fernandez graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Central Philippine University in 2005, he didn’t know where his career would take him. After years of work in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Bermuda, he was thrilled to come to Canada in 2018.

“I started thinking about it in 2013,” Mr. Fernandez said. “I had visited family in Canada and liked everything I knew about it.”

Despite being fluent in English and having years of work experience it wasn’t easy for him to practise in Canada. His path forward began with an application to INSCOL — a service that helps internationally educated nurses get the education and permits they need to work in the country.

That application led Mr. Fernandez to Seneca, where he completed the Nursing Leadership & Management graduate certificate program.

Seneca was INSCOL’s first partner in Canada, when it launched in 2009 with 23 students from India. There are now more than 1,300 INSCOL students enrolled at Seneca from India, the Philippines, Africa and the Middle East. And graduate certificates in Nursing Leadership & Management, Chronic Disease Management and Coronary Care Nursing are offered.

While studying at Seneca, Mr. Fernandez began working on-call for Scarborough Health Network — a position he still holds. After graduating, he also volunteered in local non-government agencies serving immigrants and refugees. And he furthered his nursing studies at St. Lawrence College, Humber College and the University of Toronto.

In early 2022, he was back at Seneca as a Clinical Supervisor in the Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing, where he is one of 12 supervisors who oversee student clinical placements at a variety of healthcare agencies.

This winter, Mr. Fernandez is based at Mackenzie Health, Humber River Hospital and Baycrest Care Community. Wherever he is, he always tries to empower students to help others.

“Canada has been a land of opportunity for me,” he said. “Seneca and INSCOL helped me think critically about my role as a citizen and nurse in the Canadian community.”

Mr. Fernandez also works with the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Health Care. On top of that, he’s completing a master’s degree in nursing at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. 

“Mr. Fernandez is a real inspiration,” said Sharon Cassar, Chair, Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing. “He’s a strong voice for nursing, and as with other internationally educated nurses, he has overcome many challenges.”

Pukhraj Singh Gujral, Executive Director of INSCOL, agreed.

“This is a great success story,” he said.

INSCOL also offers assistance with nursing licence applications and has recently started to help students prepare for licence exams, Mr. Gujral said, adding many graduates stay in Canada.

“The INSCOL programs enable nurses to round out their skills so they can integrate into the Canadian workforce,” said Keith Monrose, Executive Director, Seneca International. “It’s always gratifying when graduates like Mr. Fernandez return as part of team Seneca.”

For his part, Mr. Fernandez said he’s happy to give back to students.

“I’m thankful to be able to help new nurses,” he said. “Plus, with this role, I am preparing the nurses who will take care of me one day when I grow old.”