This Kentucky nurse practitioner is headed to BC in search of support, stability
listen to this article
estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article has been generated by AI-based technology. There may be incorrect pronunciations. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve results.
Cassandra Lee is getting ready to pack up her home and family to move more than 3,200 kilometers across the Canada-US border, in search of more “support” and “stability.”
he is one of more than 400 Health-care professionals from the U.S. have accepted jobs in B.C. since the province launched a targeted recruitment drive south of the border last year.
Lee, a nurse practitioner in Kentucky, had been considering the idea of leaving the United States for several years when one day she saw a video on social media. Todd Maffin – A Nanaimo man who is trying to attract health-care professionals to Canadian communities.
“I don’t believe everything I see on the Internet, but I did some research and BC seemed like the easiest place to get my (nursing) license accredited,” Lee said.
They have many reasons for wanting to come to Canada; She is a former member of the military, and is worried that she may be asked to return to active duty due to the ongoing global conflict – in which she has no interest.
all points west12:15Kentucky nurse practitioner explains why she’s moving to Nanaimo
414 American health care workers have accepted jobs in British Columbia in the past year. This comes after the BC government launched a recruitment drive last March aimed at tapping into American health professionals disaffected by the political climate in the US. Cassandra Lee is one of those who heard the call. She lives in Kentucky but will soon live and work in Nanaimo, where she has accepted a job as a nurse practitioner.
Additionally, Lee’s son is 2SLGBTQ+, and he concerned about his safety In the United States after President Donald Trump signed an executive order US Citizenship and Immigration Services to recognize male and female As only two genders.
Ultimately, the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in communities across the US has made Lee concerned about his safety.
“I was born and raised in America, I’m the whitest person you can meet, and I’ve been stopped on the street (by ICE) for being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” she said.
“I can’t imagine how my patients and friends of color must feel walking down the street every day in fear for their lives. Honestly, those two events have really made me rethink my life here in the United States.”
She said she’s leaving a lot behind – but she’s gaining a lot more, too.
She said, “I’m leaving a very lucrative position with people I love and the life I’ve built here. If you look at it on paper, it doesn’t make financial sense for me to leave.” “But I go to bed every night scared of death. I wake up every morning very worried, not only for myself but for my patients as well.”
“But the peace of mind is priceless and the quality of life is going to be much better.”
Lee said she feels guilty about leaving her patients behind in Kentucky — but knows Vancouver Island is also desperate for health-care workers.
“You know that old saying that on an airplane, you have to put on your own protective mask before anyone else can put it on. I have to take care of myself and my family.”
Lee said she knows her colleagues will take good care of their American patients, though she said she has been talking to her colleagues about the benefits of moving to Canada.
Having visited Vancouver Island several times, she feels Nanaimo would be a great fit for her and her son.
“My son and I are outdoorsy people and we love the environment. He’s never been outside, but I know he’ll love the environment.”
Lee said she will start her new job in Nanaimo in mid-August.
