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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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!”
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.”
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.”
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!”
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.”
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.”
And her advice for those just starting out?
“Patience. Patience. Patience. The process takes time, but eventually, patience pays.”
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.”
Doris’s journey is one of courage, gratitude, and growth a reminder that with the right mindset, even the boldest dreams can take flight.