Workplace Culture

This guide is designed to provide valuable insights into the cultural nuances and workplace dynamics that Filipino nurses may encounter when practicing in Canada. By exploring aspects such as communication styles, hierarchy, teamwork, patient care practices, and professional expectations, this guide aims to help Filipino nurses adapt and succeed in their nursing careers in Canada. Whether you are a Filipino nurse that recently started working in Canada or preparing for your transition, this guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the cultural landscape in nursing, highlighting the similarities and differences between the Philippines and Canada and equipping you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in your nursing practice in the Canadian healthcare system.

See “Your Rights in the Workplace” in the general guide to learn about your labour rights and how to protect them.

Consult The Seeker’s general guide for workplace culture to learn strategies for success in Canadian workplaces.

Here is a table of common workplace characteristics and the differences between them in Canada and the Philippines:

WORKPLACE CHARACTERISTIC	🇵🇭THE PHILIPPINES	🇨🇦CANADA
Scope of Practice and Autonomy	Nurses collaborate within the healthcare hierarchy, working closely with physicians, following orders, and administering treatments and medications while monitoring patients. They consult with physicians and cooperate with other healthcare professionals like pharmacists, physical therapists, and medical technologists to provide comprehensive patient care.	Nurses independently assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care within their scope while participating in care planning and interprofessional meetings. They coordinate care, advocate for patients, and collaborate with various healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient support.
Health System and Resources	In the Philippines, healthcare challenges include resource scarcity and limited accessibility. Nurses must be resourceful and adaptable due to equipment, medications, and facilities shortages. They rely on their clinical expertise and problem-solving skills to use available resources effectively.	Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system that provides universal access to healthcare services. Nurses in Canada typically have access to advanced medical technology and resources to support patient care. Additionally, well-established protocols and guidelines support evidence-based practice, and nurses can rely on a robust healthcare infrastructure, including electronic health records and healthcare networks, to enhance care coordination and collaboration among healthcare providers.
Hierarchy and Power	Nurses in the Philippines respect the expertise of physicians, senior nurses, and administrators, often deferring to their decisions and using formal titles when interacting with higher-ranking healthcare providers. They report to nurse managers and seek permission from immediate supervisors. Experienced nurses are valued as mentors, offering valuable guidance and learning opportunities.	Nurses in collaborative teams value input from all members, actively sharing opinions and reaching decisions through discussion. Patient care responsibility is shared among the team, and nurses take ownership of their practice and patient well-being. Transparency, honesty, and communication with various healthcare professionals are highly valued, and nurses prioritize continuous learning and professional growth.
Communication with Patients	Using a warm and friendly tone when communicating with patients and their families. Engaging in small talk and taking the time to establish rapport and build trust. Addressing patients and their families using polite titles (Tatay or Nanay for senior patients or Auntie, Kuya, or Ate for older patients) or by a courtesy title (Mr., Ms., or Mrs.) followed by their last names. Prioritizing empathy and emotional support in their communication with patients. This may extend to providing emotional encouragement and engaging in personal conversations to address the holistic needs of the patients and their families. Listening attentively, validating patients' concerns, and providing comfort.	Nurses prioritize clear and respectful communication with patients and colleagues, using evidence-based information to empower patients in decision-making. They maintain professional boundaries and actively involve patients in care planning, encouraging questions and respecting preferences to develop individualized, goal-oriented care plans.
Cultural Diversity in the Workplace	The nursing workforce is mainly homogenous in cultural background, which creates a generally shared understanding and familiarity among Filipino nurses. Based on nursing programs offered in the Philippines, nurses are highly skilled at providing care within the local cultural context, with expertise regarding colleagues’ and patients’ traditions, values, and beliefs incorporated into nursing practice and care delivery.	Cultural sensitivity and understanding are important when caring for patients from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Nurses are from various cultural backgrounds, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to the profession, enriching the healthcare system. Canadian nurses undergo cultural sensitivity training to provide culturally sensitive patient care.