Talladega Healthcare Center shared the following story as part of ANHA’s 75 Stories of Care initiative.
For Aliphaxard Ochic Onchangu—better known as “Chi” to the residents of Talladega Healthcare Center—the path to Alabama began thousands of miles away in Kenya.
After graduating from nursing school in 2017, Chi worked in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit at one of Mombasa’s largest hospitals. While he found fulfillment in caring for patients, he also dreamed of advancing his career in the United States.
That dream began taking shape in 2020 when he met Rehab Select’s international recruiter, Dr. Lombo, at an international recruitment fair. What followed was nearly four years of perseverance, including multiple flights, passing the NCLEX, completing Department of Homeland Security screenings, and interviewing at the U.S. Embassy before finally arriving in America.
Today, Chi is proud to serve as a nurse at Talladega Healthcare Center, where he says one of the biggest differences is the opportunity to truly build relationships with residents. “In Kenya, you may care for 40 or more patients and not always have the resources you need,” Chi shared. “Here, everything is available, and the nurse-to-patient ratios allow me to really get to know my residents.”
When he’s not caring for residents, Chi enjoys exploring his new home. In just two years, he has visited 11 states, experienced his first winter, learned to drive on the opposite side of the road, and adapted to Alabama life with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure.
His favorite part of working at Talladega Healthcare Center? “We take great care of our residents and still have fun doing it.”
One more interesting fact about Chi: he speaks five languages, allowing him to connect with people from many different backgrounds.
We’re grateful to the facilities who have already shared their stories — keep them coming!
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