Our students will be employed: Ralph’s Journey in Finnish Healthcare

A fresh start in Satakunta

Ralph Rabang first came to Finland in 2016, encouraged by a recruitment agency offering free Finnish language training for nurses. After arriving, he began working as a hoiva-avustaja (care assistant) in an elderly home in Ulvila. But he knew he wanted to take the next step.

– Since we were given the freedom to decide how we wanted our career in Finland to move forward, I chose to study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (English) at SAMK. I wanted to move out of the elderly care environment and into something more aligned with my previous professional experience, Ralph explains.

Practical training that made a difference

One of the most impactful parts of Ralph’s studies was the simulation-based learning.

Ralph also highlights the importance of internships, especially for international students.

– Being exposed to different workplaces gave me a grasp of how the Finnish healthcare system works. I wouldn’t have known about home care services, rehabilitation centres or the surgical workflow in Finland without them.

A special interest in surgery

Ralph was able to secure an internship in the surgical ward at Satasairaala, the central hospital in Pori. Over 15 weeks of surgical training – first general, and then intensive – confirmed that he had found his place.

In 2020, Ralph started working as a nurse in the surgical ward and soon began training as an anaesthesia nurse.

– As an anesthesia nurse, I ensure that the patient is kept safe during the surgery by following the orders and instructions of our anethesiologist. I monitor continuously and religiously the vital signs of the patient in surgery. As an anesthesia nurse, I trained to know how to react in case of changes in the situation or vital signs of the patient during the surgery. It is also my responsibility to check the anesthesia machine and make sure that it is working before, during and after the surgery. An anesthesia nurse will also give the patient the medicines needed on different situations, as ordered by the anesthesiologist. I also assist the anesthesilogist in the medical procedures that they need to do to the patient. The Recovery Room/ Post Anestesia Care Unit (Heräämö) is also a part of our duties as an anesthesia nurse. This is were we monitor the patients after the procedure, and look out for any acute surgical complications, Ralph explains.

Opportunities after graduation

In Finland, there is an ongoing need for qualified nurses, and completing a degree at SAMK equips graduates with the practical skills and clinical experience that employers value.

He emphasises the importance of learning Finnish to communicate safely and effectively with patients but also highlights that the degree creates possibilities beyond national borders. The degree is also recognised across the European Union, which makes it easier for graduates to pursue career opportunities in other countries as well.

Recommendation and gratitude

Ralph looks back on his time at SAMK with genuine appreciation. He highlights the learning environment, well-planned facilities, and the supportive staff as key elements of his positive experience.

– I would definitely recommend SAMK to others interested in healthcare studies, he says.

He also expresses his thanks on behalf of his class:
– I would like to thank SAMK for opening up the English curriculum for the Bachelors degree in Nursing. It made it possible for us immigrants to realize our dreams of working as a nurse in this beautiful country. Especially to our advisers, Minna Kahala and Eija Tuliniemi for your guidance.

Ralph Rabang

• From Philippines
• Graduated with the bachelor’s degree in Nursing
• Now works as an anaesthesia nurse at Pori central hospital