Kitimat’s ‘Nurse of the north’ empowered by union

Name: Edwin Empinado

Occupation: Kitimat General Hospital OR & Recovery Room Post-Op Nursing since 1991

Union: BCNU

Edwin Empinado has come a long way in his 20 years as a nurse and credits the BC Nurses’ Union as a key factor in his success. He was always interested in healthcare realized that nursing was his calling. He obtained his Masters in Nursing in the Philippines, at a time when he was one of only five men in a class of 65 students.

“Nursing is one of those professions that allows you to do lots of things. The quality of education in the Philippines is excellent especially in nursing, so it is possible to practice in Europe and North America,” states Edwin.

After receiving his Masters degree, Edwin worked as a Nursing Clinical Instructor. In 2001 he travelled to Ireland to work as an OR nurse. Here he met his spouse who is also a nurse, and their daughter was born.

They moved to Canada after being hired by Kitimat General Hospital. The nursing licence registration process and took so long that the jobs he and his wife had come for were filled.

The couple eventually landed jobs at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver where Edwin began to learn about BCNU. “A full-time steward took the time to guide me and help me understand the support that a union can provide,” says Edwin.

Edwin and his wife eventually landed nursing jobs in Kitimat where he was soon faced with a difficult work issue and with no union steward. He had to resolve issue on his own. “I felt totally alone and didn’t know who to call. I got in touch with my BCNU Regional Chair and found the help I needed,” remembers Edwin. The experience led him to become a steward so that no one else would have to feel alone and unsupported in his workplace.

Edwin’s colleagues finally had an advocate and a voice with which to address their concerns and problems. “The education the union had given me opened my eyes and mind and heart. There are lots of things out there that I could do to empower myself and others. I fight for the rights of nurses, the rights of patients and for improved healthcare,” says Edwin with pride.

Edwin’s union activism developed skills and encouraged increased local activism. Last November, Edwin took the ultimate political leap and stood for election on Kitimat City Council with a solid 2nd place showing in a close vote.

“My union was a great support during my campaign. Everyone really got behind me! I feel that the success we had is thanks to the BCNU.”