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In 2021, Nisha Varghese and her family relocated from India to Canada, seeking new opportunities and a brighter future for her triplet sons. With over a decade of experience as a pharmacist in India, Varghese brought a wealth of expertise to her new home. However, with no streamlined pathway for foreign-trained pharmacists to gain licensure in Nova Scotia, Varghese set out in a new direction.
Determined to forge a new path, Varghese enrolled in Cape Breton University’s Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Health Care Management program. She also took on part-time work at a local pharmacy as a cashier. After completing her studies in 2022, Varghese had the chance to work full-time at the pharmacy as a Front Store Supervisor, occasionally taking on extra shifts in the pharmacy to gain hands-on experience. Yet, her passion for hospital pharmacy remained strong.
In April 2024, Varghese and her husband attended Nova Scotia Health's inaugural provincial career fair at Joan Pavilion in Sydney to support a friend who was seeking information for foreign trained physicians. The fair, hosted by Nova Scotia Health Recruitment, featured over 180 booths representing diverse departments and specialties, with more than 780 staff and volunteers showcasing career opportunities to over 3,100 attendees across the province.
During the fair, Varghese spoke with Arlene Grafilo, a Recruitment Consultant. Varghese explained her current role as a pharmacy practice assistant but noted her concern about not being eligible for similar roles within Nova Scotia Health due to her foreign training.
“I wasn’t actively looking for a job,” Varghese said, “but when I spoke to Arlene, I mentioned my dream of working in a hospital setting again.”
Grafilo was intrigued and began asking detailed questions and soon realized that Varghese was eligible for a pharmacy practice assistant role within Nova Scotia Health. As Grafilo explained the process and potential pathways, Varghese’s hope grew. “When I learned there was a possibility to work in a hospital environment, it was incredibly emotional,” Varghese recalled. “It felt like a dream coming true.”
Grafilo, who understands the challenges of starting anew in a different country—having relocated from the Philippines herself—is dedicated to helping newcomers find opportunities to work in health care.
Grafilo took immediate action, introducing Varghese to the pharmacy booth at the fair and by the end of the day, her resume was submitted. Shortly after, she was interviewed and accepted the offer of a permanent part-time Pharmacy Practice Assistant with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Varghese began working on July 22, 2024. Alongside her new role, Varghese is excited that her permanent residency application with Immigration Canada was recently approved.
This new chapter in Varghese’s life represents not just a professional achievement but also a significant personal milestone, marking a successful transition and a promising future in Canada for her and her family.
Explore career opportunities at Nova Scotia Health today at www.nshealth.ca/careers.