From Caregiver to Global Nurse: Gladys' Journey to Austria
​For Gladys, the path to becoming a nurse was paved not only by passion but by a personal encounter with illness in her family. As she prepares to embark on a new chapter in Austria, she reflects on her story, starting from caring for her mother in Kenya to building a career in critical care abroad.
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An Unexpected Calling
Unlike many who discover their careers in childhood, Gladys grew into nursing during her teenage years. When she was in Form Two, her mother suffered a heart attack. Witnessing the compassion and professionalism of the nurses caring for her mother became a defining moment. “They really took good care of her,” she says. That experience inspired her to pursue nursing, and she has never looked back.
Her journey has since come full circle. While she hasn't always been physically present, Gladys ensures her mother receives proper care, buying medications and monitoring dosages.
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Connecting with TYE
After graduating with the Class of 2019 from Mount Kenya University in 2023, Gladys, who is a former class representative, was introduced to TYE Pathways by her dean and a doctor at the university. This referral led her to join the German language program and begin the process of preparing for an international nursing opportunity in Austria.
“The support from TYE has been amazing,” she shares. “From paperwork to communication, everything has been handled professionally and smoothly.”
Leah and Gladys
A New Chapter Begins
With her flight to Austria now booked, Gladys feels a mix of excitement and nerves. “It’s a new experience, but my dreams are slowly coming to pass,” she says.
She looks forward to advancing her career, growing socially, and embracing adventure, which includes hiking and biking in Austria’s picturesque mountains. “I love adventure,” she smiles. “And Austria has so much to offer.”
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Overcoming Challenges
While Gladys is now at the tail end of her preparation, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Mastering the German language was a significant challenge. “It takes patience, smart work, and resilience,” she explains. The language test includes four modules, and candidates must pass each. “If you fail one, you redo just that one. It’s tough, but doable.”
She strongly advises anyone considering a similar path to start learning a foreign language early: “It makes everything easier.”
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Family Support and Career Aspirations
Though her mother wishes she could stay, Gladys’ family has been supportive and excited about her future. As she prepares to work abroad, she carries with her dreams of professional growth and personal fulfillment.
Her goal? To become a critical care (ICU) nurse. “My mom was once a critical patient, and I want to be able to help those who can’t help themselves,” she shares. She also hopes to one day start her own company, perhaps running a nursing home, and to reunite with her husband abroad.
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Practicing Nursing in Kenya
Gladys has trained and practiced in various institutions across Kenya:
- Thika Level 5 Hospital for clinical rotations
- Mathari Hospital for psychiatric experience
- Kericho Level 5 Hospital for her internship as a qualified nurse
These experiences have prepared her well for the demands of working in a global healthcare environment.
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TYE’s Impact
When asked what surprised her most in the process, Gladys mentions the timeline. “We expected it to be shorter, but patience is key,” she says. Despite this, she gives credit to TYE for their constant support: from paperwork, clear communication, pre-departure preparation, and even financial refunds. “They’ve truly made a difference in my journey,” she concludes.
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Conclusion
Gladys’ story is one of courage, commitment, and compassion to proof that even the most personal experiences can spark powerful professional journeys. At TYE Pathways, we are honored to have played a role in turning her vision into reality.