A Journey of Resilience

Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been accepted as a refugee in Belgium, a country that has provided me with a second chance and better opportunities. As part of the small Tibetan community here, I’ve always felt a deep sense of gratitude for the support and warmth I’ve received. It has been my dream to give back to the Belgian community, especially through its healthcare system, and to use my skills and experiences to contribute in a meaningful way. This project is a direct reflection of that desire to help and make a difference.

From Struggles to Success: My Personal Journey

I was born and raised in India, but my parents fled Tibet in the 1960s and settled in India as Tibetan refugees. My mother, an Indian military nurse, was my greatest inspiration. Growing up, I witnessed her dedication, compassion, and commitment to healthcare, which sparked my own passion for nursing. I followed in her footsteps and graduated as a nurse, working in some of the most demanding and high-pressure environments. I worked in the MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit) at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Max Hospital in New Delhi, and as the head nurse in the emergency department at Synergy Hospital in Dehradun, India. These roles taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, critical care, and the importance of teamwork in healthcare.

However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I moved to Belgium in 2013.

When I arrived, I faced numerous challenges. For five long years, I lived without official papers, unable to pursue my career as a nurse or even work legally. It was a difficult and uncertain time, but I never gave up. I took matters into my own hands and began learning Dutch by reading free newspapers like Metro and watching local television programs like Thuis. I immersed myself in the language and culture, teaching myself not just to communicate but to fully adapt to a new environment.

Despite these obstacles, I never stopped pushing forward. I navigated the complex and lengthy process of diploma recognition through NARIC and eventually earned my nursing diploma in Belgium from HIVSET in Turnhout. This process wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of never giving up on my dreams.

A Vision for the Future of Healthcare in Belgium

Since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of working in elderly care homes and as a freelance nurse, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the Belgian healthcare system. Over the years, I have worked as a nursing assistant and nurse in various esteemed institutions across Belgium, including:

• AZ Monica Ziekenhuis Antwerpen
• WZC Regenboog Zwijndrecht
• WZC Huizeken van Nazareth Antwerpen
• Clinical Trial Nurse at SGS Pharmaceuticals, Edegem
• Stuivenberg Ziekenhuis
• Sint Augustinus Ziekenhuis
• Middelheim Ziekenhuis
• Jan Palfijn Ziekenhuis
• And over 15+ elderly care homes in the Antwerp province as a freelance nurse.

During this time, I realized how urgently Belgium needs skilled nurses who not only have the necessary qualifications but also the passion and dedication to their work. I also saw the potential of nurses from India, who are deeply committed and ready to bring their skills to Belgium.

This project was born from my own experiences. I understand the challenges international nurses face when relocating to a new country, and I want to help them succeed. I know how to identify the right nurses who can adapt to new challenges, navigate different healthcare systems, and thrive in a foreign environment. Through iNurse, I aim to recruit highly skilled nurses from India and provide them with tailored preparation—language skills, cultural integration, and professional training—to ensure they are fully equipped to meet Belgian healthcare standards from day one.

Why This Project is Personal and Important to Me

This initiative is personal. It is built on my own journey of overcoming struggles, learning new systems, and finding a way to make my dreams a reality. I know what it feels like to start over in a foreign country, to navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system, and to face seemingly insurmountable challenges. But I also know that with perseverance, the right support, and a clear vision, success is possible.

I believe that I am the best person to lead this initiative because I have lived both the challenges and the opportunities in both the Indian and Belgian healthcare systems. I understand what it takes to identify the right people for these roles—nurses who are not only qualified but ready to face the challenges of working in a new country. I want to give fellow Tibetans the same opportunities I have had in Belgium. I’m passionate about supporting my community and helping them achieve the same success I’ve experienced.

Proven Resilience

My journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also shown me the power of resilience. I have lived the experience that many of the nurses I recruit will face, and I can guide them with empathy and understanding.

Firsthand Experience

With my background as a nurse in both India and Belgium, I have a deep understanding of the needs, expectations, and challenges within both healthcare systems. This insight allows me to prepare nurses effectively and ensure their successful integration into the Belgian workforce.

Commitment to Quality

This project isn’t just about recruitment—it’s about setting nurses up for success. From language and cultural training to hands-on support, I ensure that every nurse is ready to contribute and make an impact from day one.