SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - Janet Badung knew she wanted to be a nurse since she was very young. When her father had some health challenges, she saw how difficult it was to care for him and she wanted to help. Now, Badung’s passion for caring for others has taken her across the world – from Nigeria to Winchester.
Badung is one of the newest members of the Dundas Manor team and says it’s an opportunity and a privilege.
“From the very beginning, I knew this was the place for me. I did a lot of Googling and asked a lot of questions. For me, this is a divine experience. Everything fell into place and I feel at home. Everyone has been so welcoming," said Badung.
Currently working as a personal support worker at Dundas Manor, Badung has degrees in nursing, midwifery and public health from Nigeria. She chose to move to Canada for her career and her family.
“Canada is safe and a good place to grow my career and my family,” said Badung. “It will be a long process but I hope my husband and children can join me soon. Thank you to everyone for your incredible support.”
Badung was the first of more than two dozen internationally-educated health professionals who have been recruited to work at the new Dundas Manor, which will be more than double the size of the current home.
“We are so excited to welcome these amazing caregivers to our team,” said administrator Susan Poirier. “The resiliency shown by our internationally-educated nurses in moving to Canada for a better life and opportunities is impressive. It is really the ultimate sacrifice to plan for a better life for their own future and to make all the preparations for their families to join them in Canada. We welcome them fully as part of the Dundas Manor team.”
Despite best efforts and significant advertising for several years, recruiting local personal support workers and registered staff at Dundas Manor has been challenging. Dundas Manor remains committed to hiring locally whenever possible. All staff receive the same compensation and are Dundas Manor employees. There are no additional incentives or subsidies for hiring internationally.
To learn more about the new Dundas Manor, visit www.dundasmanordream.ca. This website includes resident and donor profiles as well as photos of the new home.