We are Niagara Health is a series of stories that celebrates the incredible people working and volunteering in our organization and how they make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers every day.
Kristaline Corpuz is a Registered Nurse at the Fort Erie Site. She is one of 200 internationally educated nurses at Niagara Health.
Kristaline Corpuz’s nursing career has taken her across the globe – from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia to Ontario. She’s found a home at Niagara Health, where nearly 50 per cent of the nursing personnel are internationally educated nurses (IENs).
As an IEN, Corpuz found support and acceptance at Niagara Health, an organization that values diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and actively works to foster belonging.
She took part in Building Bridges, an orientation program at Niagara Health designed to help internationally educated nurses navigate the Canadian healthcare system. Through mentorship, peer support and tailored training, the initiative equipped her with the tools and confidence she needed to thrive.
“It helped me so much,” Corpuz says. “I learned about Canadian documentation standards, the equipment used in the hospital, and how the system works.”
The Building Bridges program focuses on helping IENs transition to acute care and integrate into the Niagara Health workforce. So far, 200 IENs have participated in the initiative.
Beyond technical knowledge, the program offered Corpuz something even more impactful: a sense of community. For many IENs, the transition to a new country means navigating not only a different healthcare system but also unfamiliar workplace relationships and dynamics.
“Having that support made all the difference,” she says. “It was reassuring to know I wasn’t alone in my journey. The program gave me the tools to succeed and the confidence to excel in my role.”
The program also shares essential information on workplace rights and safety, including how to report discrimination.
Corpuz began her nursing career in the Philippines, working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for five years. There, she developed both a strong clinical foundation and a deep compassion for patients and their families. But despite her passion, she knew her opportunities for growth and financial stability were limited back home.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve always dreamed of working abroad,” she says. “I wanted to help my family and build a better life.”
Her first international move was to Saudi Arabia, where she worked for a year. The adjustment was difficult. She didn’t speak Arabic and had to quickly learn the language and adapt to a new culture.
“You find ways to communicate whether it’s with words or combination of gestures. The important thing is your intention to care,” she says.
Her path to Canada began with a caregiver role, allowing her to gain local experience while pursuing her nursing credentials. She worked full-time while studying and fulfilling the registration requirements with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
“I did it all on my own, balancing work, life and studying,” she says. “It wasn’t easy, but I was determined.”
Her dedication paid off. Corpuz passed her Registered Practical Nurse exam and began working at Niagara Health in 2023. After years of persistence and hard work, she achieved her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse in 2024.
Despite her many achievements, she’s faced moments of discrimination. She recalls one experience when a patient expressed discomfort with her diverse background. But rather than becoming discouraged, she chooses to respond with grace.
“I smile and say I’m here to help, and I continue to provide the best care I can,” she shares.
Corpuz’s passion for nursing goes far beyond technical skills. It's rooted in her desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
“I believe nursing is a calling. It’s not just a job – it's about having the heart to make a difference. That’s what keeps me going, whether at the NICU in the Philippines, the hospitals in Saudi Arabia, or here at Niagara Health.”
Her story is just one example of the strength and resilience that internationally educated nurses bring to our healthcare system. Their experiences, perspectives and dedication enrich the care we provide and the culture we continue to build at Niagara Health.
“For me, Diversity Month is a time to celebrate the unique backgrounds that strengthen the healthcare community that makes Niagara Health a place of excellence, empathy, and unity”, Kristaline shares.
April is Celebrate Diversity Month at Niagara Health. Read our other We Are NH stories to learn more about our diverse team members!
