Marianna’s inspiring story from war to care, and beyond

When Marianna Kovtun arrived in Canada in 2022 after fleeing the war in Ukraine, she left behind not only her home but her dream of becoming a physician. Still, her passion for healthcare never wavered. Through determination and perseverance, she found a new path—one that led her to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Nova Scotia.

Before the conflict, Marianna was a medical student preparing for a career in medicine. The war forced her to start over in a new country, but she remained determined to stay in the healthcare field. She began researching ways to gain experience in Canada’s medical system.

“I quickly realized how different the Canadian healthcare system was from what I was used to,” Marianna recalls. “I discovered roles such as Personal Care Worker and medical interpretation, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience while adapting to this new environment.”

Eager to advance her career, Marianna enrolled in the LPN program at Nova Scotia Community College. Her previous medical training and clinical placements helped her integrate into the healthcare system. Today, she works as a lead nurse at Coastal Gender Affirming Care, supporting patients with specialized healthcare needs.

The journey was not without obstacles. Adapting to a new country while studying and working full-time was a significant challenge.

“The biggest hurdle was learning medical terminology in English, understanding healthcare policies, and familiarizing myself with Canadian workplace culture,” she explains. “The adjustment was overwhelming, but I stayed focused by setting clear goals and breaking down the process into manageable steps.”

Staying motivated was another challenge.

“It’s easy to feel lost when everything is new,” she reflects. “The licensing process can feel lengthy and discouraging at times, but I made sure to stay engaged by networking, volunteering, and continuously learning.”

ISANS played a crucial role in Marianna’s transition. She participated in multiple language courses, including workplace communication training, which gave her confidence in professional settings.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that nursing is not just about technical skills, it is about communication,” Marianna says. “The Internationally Educated Nursing program at ISANS helped me understand how to communicate effectively with patients, follow medical instructions, and collaborate with healthcare teams.”

Language training was also key to her success.

“I took every English course I could. Learning medical terminology, improving my writing skills, and understanding different accents were essential for my success as a nurse.”

Passing her licensing exam and officially becoming an LPN was a moment of pride and relief.

“All the hard work, sacrifices, and challenges finally paid off,” Marianna says. “But I knew this was just the beginning. I immediately started thinking about my next steps and how I could continue growing in my career.”

Marianna’s aspirations extend beyond her current role. She hopes her story inspires other internationally educated professionals to remain resilient and keep moving forward.

“My ultimate goal is to become a physician,” she shares. “I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Mount Saint Vincent University and preparing to apply to medical school. I want to continue growing in the medical field and making a meaningful contribution to healthcare.”

Marianna’s story is a powerful example of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of building strong networks. Her experience highlights the vital strengths and contributions that newcomers bring to Nova Scotia’s healthcare system. Fueled by a deep sense of belonging, Marianna’s optimism and determination demonstrate that with resilience and an open mind, newcomers can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve their dreams.