For many, life’s most challenging moments become the catalyst for change and growth. This was the case for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Ekaterina, who made a major life change after surviving cancer. Read on to learn how this magnetic CNA from Moscow, Russia, found her way to the healthcare industry and Providence in Polson, Montana.

Ekaterina’s unexpected path to healthcare

Ekaterina moved from Moscow to the United States to study at the University of Southern California. She got married, traveled the country and enjoyed life as a stay-at-home mom of four children, eventually settling in Flathead Lake in Montana. She made it through a trying divorce—but her perspective on life changed completely when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was the care she received that drew her to healthcare. Says Ekaterina, “I wanted to care for people like they did. When you go through this kind of journey, you realize that every day has to have a meaning and a purpose. You realize you can’t waste it.”

Finding a place at Providence

When she was finished with treatment, Ekaterina completed CNA training and found a position with Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in nearby Polson. Ekaterina says she quickly felt at home. “This is totally where I belong because everybody here matches my vibe,” she says.

Knowing that each day is precious, Ekaterina appreciates that her coworkers are like family. She says, “We get together after work. We’re concerned for each other, we help each other. If somebody’s in trouble, we’re all trying to pitch in to support that person. It’s nice.”

Ekaterina says the challenges she’s faced have been easier to navigate with the help of her co-workers, who have stood by her through it all. “I was going through hard times emotionally and financially, and they were there for me.”

Ekaterina also appreciates the diversity she found at Providence, saying, “Everybody here, they’re all from different backgrounds. They all have different expertise. And the knowledge is just a total inspiration for me. I really want to be like them some day. I feel absolutely privileged to be part of it.”

Continuing to grow with Providence’s help

Ekaterina coworkers inspired her to return to school and pursue a degree in nursing with help from Providence’s tuition assistance program. “I’m very grateful to Providence for helping financially because I’m a single mom. So, for me, it’s a huge help to make my dreams go forward,” she says.

In addition to educational support, Providence offers excellent health benefits that provide security for Ekaterina and her family. “The health insurance is absolutely stunning,” she notes, reflecting on the many ways Providence has supported her journey.

Serving the community as she was served

Ekaterina says she finds that meaning and purpose she was looking for every day at work when she gets to help patients through hard times of their own. “People are afraid, frustrated and they don’t understand what’s happening to them,” she says. “A lot of times the family may not be here and they’re alone. For me, the biggest reward at the end of the day is being able to say, ‘I held his hand or her hand. I looked in their eyes and told them everything will be okay.’”

She says that because Polson is on the Flathead Reservation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, part of caring for patients means respecting rich cultural traditions she hadn’t been exposed to previously. “Providence welcomes everyone’s cultural traditions,” she says. “It’s fascinating, and it’s really exciting to be part of it.”

Because Ekaterina believes that remaining upbeat during trying times is half the battle, she always tries to stay upbeat for the patients. “You’re there for that emotional support. You say, ‘You can do it. We can do it.’ All of us are scared in moments like that. Helping them through gives me a purpose to my life and I think I’m absolutely lucky to be where I am.”

For Ekaterina, working at Providence is more than just a job. It’s a place where she has found purpose, support and a future filled with possibility. If you’re interested in joining our team, view all roles, or to keep in touch about new opportunities, sign up for our Talent Network.