Meet Doris:
The KMTC Nurse Who Proved Everything Is Possible
“My name is Doris Timina, and I’m a proud nurse trained at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). My journey into nursing began quietly but meaningfully inspired by my guardian, who was a nurse herself. Watching her care for others planted a deep desire in me to follow the same path. I think that’s where my passion began.”
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For Doris, nursing was not just a course; it was a calling. After completing her studies, she began practicing in Kenya a country she loves deeply but acknowledges as a tough space for young healthcare workers. “Kenya is home, but the truth is, nursing here is not very lucrative. I wanted to grow, experience new systems, and see the world. I love traveling, and the opportunity to work abroad gave me both professional and personal growth.”
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She first learned about the Austria nursing opportunity through KMTC’s website after TYE Pathways had visited. “That’s when I decided I’ll go for it,” she recalls.
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Preparing for the journey wasn’t easy. Professionally, Doris worked in different hospital settings, often interacting with patients with disabilities. “That really helped me understand caregiving on a deeper level,” she says. “I also spent time researching Austria, its healthcare system, and what life would be like there.”
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But the biggest challenge came with learning German.
“I was nervous because I don’t even speak my mother tongue fluently only English and Swahili,” she laughs. “So I wondered, how will I manage a foreign language?” Still, she pushed herself and achieved her German certification in just five months. “Now I proudly say I speak English, Swahili, and German!”
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Emotionally, she prepared herself by connecting with other nurses already in Austria. “They told me life there is good, the people are friendly, and the system is well-organized. That really encouraged me,” she says with a smile. “I’m also the first in my family to travel abroad, so everyone is excited for me.”
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When asked about her expectations, Doris shares, “I hope for a warm welcome and teamwork. From what I hear, the Austrian nursing culture is more caregiving oriented, and I’m eager to learn from that.”
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Her face lights up when she talks about what she’s most looking forward to: “The food, the culture, the snow and, of course, growing as a nurse.” She chuckles, “Though I’ll still miss my rice and beans!”
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Reflecting on her journey, Doris says the experience has taught her one powerful lesson:
“Everything is possible. If I can learn German when I couldn’t even speak my mother tongue then anyone can achieve anything.”
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Her message to other Kenyan nurses dreaming of working abroad is simple and heartfelt:
“Opportunity comes once. Don’t wait too long to decide. If you’re willing to learn, the world is open for you.”
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And her advice for those just starting out?
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“Patience. Patience. Patience. The process takes time, but eventually, patience pays.”
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Finally, she adds with emotion, “I really thank TYE Pathways, Rose and Georg especially for making this journey smoother for us. If it wasn’t for their support and encouragement, I don’t think I’d have taken this opportunity so seriously.”
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Doris’s journey is one of courage, gratitude, and growth a reminder that with the right mindset, even the boldest dreams can take flight.
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