From Military Med Tech to Pediatric Oncology Nurse: Judy's Inspiring US Nursing Journey

At just six years old, Judy dreamed of becoming a meteorologist, imagining warm sunny days and just the right amount of snowfall for Christmas Eve. But life had other plans. What started as a childhood fascination with harmony and care grew into a lifelong mission to serve and heal, first in the Canadian Armed Forces, and now, in a cutting-edge pediatric unit in the southern US.

From Dental Hygiene to Military Service

Judy’s early career path was shaped by her love for children and the human body. She worked with young dental patients at 19, earned a degree in child psychology, and later served as a medical technician in the Canadian Armed Forces.

“It taught me resilience, mental and physical strength, teamwork, and leadership under pressure,” she says. ‍

Motherhood and a Promise to Heal

After becoming a mother, Judy ran her own daycare for 8 years to be present for her children’s milestones. But as they grew, so did her calling. After her son recovered from health challenges, Judy made a promise to devote her life to healing others. That promise brought her to nursing. ‍

Pediatric Nursing in the US

Judy now works in pediatric hematology-oncology and bone marrow transplant care, supporting children as young as a few days old through complex medical journeys. Her patients face respiratory failure, congenital heart defects, and withdrawal syndromes but Judy sees them as “GIANTS, with giganormous hearts and the most powerful strength.”

She works at a high-tech children’s hospital with robotic medication delivery systems and a team that welcomed her like family. “They trained me, supported me, and always set me up for success.” ‍

Supported Every Step of the Way

Judy credits Health Carousel International and PassportUSA with helping her bring her dream to life:

“They are in the business of magic. They gave us the tools and made our dreams come to life. They’re my first American family.” ‍

‍

Life Beyond the Hospital

When she’s not working 12-hour shifts, Judy explores the US with her husband and two children. They enjoy concerts, hikes, beaches, and quality time with their support dog, a French bulldog puppy. ‍

Overcoming Grief and Growing as a Leader

Her transition hasn’t been without hardship. Judy lost her mother to cancer while living abroad and had to adjust to a new healthcare system.

“I had to learn a new medical language, chart electronically, and homeschool my kids the first year,” she says.

But with the help of her team and Ally from PassportUSA, she found her strength.

Today, she serves as a preceptor, Resource Nurse, and APHON-certified specialist. Her accolades include a Shooting Star Award, two Daisy Award nominations, and multiple recognitions from families. ‍

Her Message to New Nurses

“Trust the process. Keep believing in your dreams, and keep fighting even when you feel defeated. The tiny humans with enormous hearts are looking up to us, they believe in us.”