As a former refugee who came to America in 1998 from Bosnia, Holston Valley Medical Center’s chief nursing officer, Adnan Brka, wholly understands the importance of going beyond the call of duty to help international nurses familiarize themselves with our region.
Every quarter, Brka contacts all the Ballad Health team members who are international nurses to ensure their needs are being met both at work and at home. He then works alongside Holston Valley’s clinical education team to organize gatherings outside of work with meals and drinks. Through these meetings, he and other nursing leaders can connect with each nurse, speak to them individually and see if there are any resources to help improve their quality of life while living in the United States.
“My ultimate goal is to see what they do when they’re not at work,” he said. “I want to make sure they’re living enjoyable lives and finding what they need outside of work.”
Beginning in late 2020 and early 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballad Health expanded its hiring program for international nurses to help meet the large spike in demand for bedside nursing positions.
Most nurses who join the program have never visited the United States, but they come from countries all across the world full of history and rich culture. These nurses usually sign contracts for two years through their respective nursing agencies, with many getting the option to be part of the Ballad Health team after the contract expires. Some also begin furthering their education while here, in hopes of climbing the leadership ladder and better meeting the specific needs of their patients.
Some nurses relocate their families to the Appalachian Highlands while working under contract; others come to America alone and send funds back to their families to support them. This can be a scary time for these nurses, especially if they do not speak fluent English, don’t have their driver’s license and or are not familiar with local culture.
Brka said the latest nurse to complete her contract as part of the international nursing program accepted a permanent role with Ballad Health. She now serves as a highly respected charge nurse on her floor and is in the process of purchasing her first home in the Appalachian Highlands.
Ballad Health currently contracts with 32 international nurses as part of the program, while 11 more coming once their paperwork is finalized. Brka and his generosity help make programs like these a huge success!
