From Hong Kong to Tampere
Marichu Ebunalo, who is from the Philippines, works in nursing at Mainiokoti Ilonkaari in Tampere. The training programme of Mehiläinen’s subsidiary Healthcare Staffing Solutions allows Ebunalo to fulfil her long-term dream of working in the nursing sector in Finland.
When Marichu Ebunalo saw Healthcare Staffing Solutions’ recruitment advertisement about international educational cooperation on social media, she knew this was her chance. The 30-year-old healthcare professional had worked for a long time in Hong Kong as a nanny in a Finnish family, so the country and its culture in the far north were not entirely foreign.
- I had been thinking about going to Finland for more than 10 years. When I saw the ad, the pieces fell into place. I had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. When it finally came, I just wondered why it took so long! says Ebunalo and laughs.
“The training program brings out the best in us”
In the Healthcare Staffing Solutions educational model, nurses already study the Finnish language and culture as well as the skills required for a practical nurse’s degree in their country of origin with a digital learning platform. The studies required real willpower from Ebunalo, who worked long days in addition to her studies.
The Healthcare Staffing Solutions staff and teachers helped a lot with the challenging studies, weekly exams and discussions that tested what she had learned.
- I knew what I wanted and it motivated me to focus on my studies. The best teachers of HSS knew exactly what kind of support we need and helped us through our studies. The training program brings out the best in us.
Ebunalo had studied nursing in the Philippines before, so she was familiar with many things, but studying the field is not required for the HSS degree programme.
Discovering new things on the way to become a practical nurse
Ebunalo moved to Finland at the end of June: first to Tampere for a month to study nursing at Mainiokoti Ilonkaari, then to Kotka with other Filipino nurses to complete her care assistant training. After the training, Ebunalo returned to Tampere for the same job. At first, the work consisted mainly of monitoring and helping others until the daily tasks of a care assistant, such as accompanying residents and helping them wash, dress, eat, go outdoors and read newspapers became familiar.
- My previous experience with a Finnish family helped me understand the Finnish language, people, values and culture. It was absolutely an advantage for me, Ebunalo says.
Finnish language studies also continued alongside work. Ebunalo's plans are to continue studying to become a practical nurse.
- I'm so happy and grateful to be here doing what I love. The studies are demanding, but good things don't come easily.
Taking care of the elderly is an honour
According to Ebunalo, working at Mainiokoti has been great. Taking care of others comes naturally for her and many other Filipinos.
- In the Philippines, we have our own problems, such as poverty and climate disasters, so we are used to helping each other. I am very privileged to be able to help people at Mainiokoti and to be paid for it.
The residents of Mainiokoti have taught Ebunalo a lot about the history of Finland. They have been involved in wars or waited for their spouse to return home from the front.
- They looked after Finland back then. I'm honoured to be taking care of them now.