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September 23, 2026
“I really love the pace of the emergency department. There's a big learning curve, but I like that I'm working towards something, and I'm gaining knowledge each time I work,” says Trinity Ley Ramos, 22, a fresh University of Lethbridge grad and new RN at Chinook Regional Hospital. Here she’s shown on holiday in Golden, B.C. Supplied.
Story by Gregory Kennedy
LETHBRIDGE — Is there a gene for nursing? Can you inherit a love of the profession? For Trinity Ley Ramos, having a mom, dad, grandma and cousin in nursing definitely put the bug in her ear — and today she’s keeping the family tradition alive for a new generation at Chinook Regional Hospital.
“I always loved the idea, and I kind of grew up around it,” says Ramos, a fresh University of Lethbridge grad and now Registered Nurse who’s chosen to launch her career in the Emergency Department through the Transitional Graduate Nurse (TGN) program, which fast-tracks nurses into independent practice.
“I have quite a few nurses in the family. My parents are both nurses. We're originally from the Philippines. My dad was a nurse back home. And then when we moved here in 2015, he did the bridging, and got his licence here as an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN). My mom has a psychology degree, and did her Bachelor of Nursing After Degree, to become a Registered Nurse in 2024, two years ahead of me.”
Ramos, 22, adds: “I really love the pace of the emergency department. There's a big learning curve, but I like that I'm working towards something, and I'm gaining knowledge each time I work.”
The Transitional Graduate Nurse program supports new nursing graduates entering the workforce, and pairs nursing graduates with a clinical guide and mentor for up to 12 months during their transition to independent practice.
“We’re so grateful for the opportunity to build a program where we promote new graduates to develop and begin their nursing journey with our team,” says Victoria Trautman, CRH Site Manager and Interim Emergency Department Unit Manager. “This program has been a benefit for both our emergency department team and our transitional graduate nurses.
“Providing a safe, supported space for them to integrate into our specialized environment allows them to ask the questions, spend time to comprehend the workflow, and develop mentor/mentee relationships with their mentors, so they don’t feel so isolated.”
The emergency department is an ever-changing environment, and extremely time-sensitive. Entering this setting as a new graduate who’s still learning what kind of nurse they want to be — and how to use the skills they’ve learned so far — can be overwhelming and intimidating.
Ramos recalls her jitters. “I remember being a lot more scared when I first started. But now I feel more confident. I really like how the TGN program introduced me to the unit and staff. My clinical guides gave me more room to develop a rapport, and allowed me to meet and learn from more people.”
“This program facilitates new hires with the opportunity to build their fundamentals in a way that is best for themselves, the patients, and their teams,” says Trautman. “They are provided the gift of time to navigate situations without the fear of failure that solo independent practice new graduates experience without these programs.”
Equally committed to fostering a career-launching environment is Colin Zieber, CRH senior operating officer and South West Corridor lead. “We believe in supporting our new staff to be competent, included in our established team, and confident in their practice. Thank you, Trinity, for choosing nursing and your parents leading by example.”
Ramos’ first exposure to Chinook came in 2025 as an undergraduate student on a medical unit. Her preceptor in the ER later encouraged her to apply for a TGN position. “I was quite lucky. It was a seamless transition.”
For nursing students or new grads, she offers advice: “I would say try to get as much experience as you can, as early as you can. Alberta Health Services (AHS) has lots of opportunities. Shadow different places, so you’ll understand what kind of nursing you want to do, and what interests you the most. It’s always easier to stay in the work if you’re interested in what you do.
“Don’t be afraid to apply. Sometimes it’s a little daunting too, because you're coming out as a baby nurse. But there are quite a few nurses who will help you along — and who will help you feel welcome wherever you land. And everyone has to start somewhere. Starting from wherever you are is just fine — and you’ll learn on the job and build your practice that way.”
Working in Emergency has proven a great fit for Ramos, and gives her a sense of accomplishment.
“The joy of it for me is the sense of satisfaction I get in helping people out on some of their worst days. In the ER, I feel like we're lucky because sometimes we see people get better quickly. Seeing how they come in, then seeing how they get better — and knowing that we had a hand in that — is rewarding for me.”
Trautman heaps praise on the Transitional Graduate Nurse program.
“This program is 100 per cent effective for our team. Both TGN nurses who started their journey with us are already in the independent practice portion of their program and are valuable members of our team. It also highlights and reinforces the nursing culture we promote, creating an environment of support and encouragement for new nurses.
“Our TGNs were able to spend invaluable time with our Clinical Nurse Educator developing a relationship where they feel comfortable to reach out to her with concerns both regarding clinical practices and the unit’s workflow.”
Trinity has come such a long way, Trautman adds proudly.
“She started her journey with us as a preceptor student. It has been such a privilege to see her grow, both in her nursing practice and her confidence with patients and team members. She comes to work with the vigor to be her best self, daily, and she shines the joy of nursing that only nurses who passionately love what they do, can emanate.
“I am so grateful she chose to start her nursing journey with us. Welcome to the team, Trinity!”
Ramos isn’t going anywhere, as she happily follows in her parents’ footsteps.
“I like it here. Part of the wonder of nursing is the challenge of learning new things and gaining experience. One of the things that will glue me to nursing is working with people. I truly love that.”
Resources:
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