An Inspiring Journey in Nursing

 

When Simon Ntumba Makubudi arrived in Canada, he dreamed of pursuing a health care career. What he did not foresee was that his academic and professional journey would ultimately lead him to the University of Regina, Faculty of Nursing as an instructor, inspiring the next generation of nurses to follow their passions in the field.

Ntumba Makubudi’s connection to the University of Regina began in 2007 when he enrolled in the Faculty of Science after completing a year of English as a Second Language. “I began my academic journey as a science student, aiming to move into a professional program in health care” he said.

Ntumba Makubudi earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2012, but his growing interest in patient care and community service drew him toward nursing. “I had been working as a research assistant and at the blood bank,” he said. “I realized that nursing offered the kind of direct human connection and holistic impact that I was seeking.”

That decision led Ntumba Makubudi to the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program, a joint initiative between the University of Regiina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic that prepares graduates to become registered nurses.

When the SCBScN program opened, Ntumba Makubudi saw it as the perfect opportunity for a new beginning. The program provided the balance of academic rigor and clinical experience that allowed him to thrive.

Transitioning from science to nursing was not easy. As a newcomer and English-language learner, he faced the dual challenge of mastering complex scientific concepts in a second language while maintaining high academic standards.

“Every moment was precious,” he said. “I spent countless hours studying and revising my work to make sure it met the required standards. Pursuing a science degree in a second language was challenging.”

His persistence became a defining strength. He made education his greatest hobby and main focus. He was able to succeed through discipline, dedication, and hard work.

From his very first week in the SCBScN program, Ntumba Makubudi began to imagine a future in graduate studies. A visit from the dean, who was a PhD-prepared registered nurse, inspired him to set high goals.

After completing the SCBScN program, Ntumba Makubudi began preparing for his next step: completing a Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner degree from the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program, an online graduate-level program jointly offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina. 

As a bilingual registered nurse and nurse practitioner, Ntumba Makubudi now divides his time between teaching in the Faculty of Nursing and providing primary care with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. His experiences across multiple areas, including internal medicine, surgery, neurosciences, and home care, have given him a broad clinical foundation and empathy for both patients and students.

Becoming a faculty member was the fulfillment of a long-standing dream. “Teaching nursing became a dream — during my final year of the SCBScN program,” he said. “Working alongside my instructors in the same rooms and buildings where I once studied is both humbling and a privilege.”

Ntumba Makubudi’s research focuses on language and communication barriers in health care, particularly in the context of French-speaking minorities in the Prairies. “I’m interested in establishing the benefits of nursing education in French and understanding how language impacts the quality of care patients receive,” he explained.

Ntumba Makubudi’s ultimate goal is to pursue a doctorate and build a career in research. His professional aspirations include promoting primary nursing care in both of Canada’s national languages. Since 2021, he has also served as a Lexicon member with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, contributing to the development and publication of a Canadian French lexicon for the NCLEX exam.

Ntumba Makubudi urges new nursing students, especially those coming from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to believe in their dreams. “Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, work hard, and be persistent,” he said. “There are no shortcuts to true success. Take pleasure in learning and stay current in your field.”

Reflecting on his own path, he is grateful for the mentors who guided him through challenging times. “Their encouragement shaped who I am today,” he said. “They taught me that perseverance and purpose can transform challenges into opportunities, and dreams into reality.”