That was the day Fadheela knew the significance of how a simple language mishap (peas not bees) could act as a barrier for refugees settling into their new world in Dunedin.
Originally from Bahrain, Fadheela is married with two children and has called New Zealand home for 14 years.
“I spent the first two years here learning how to speak English from SpongeBob Squarepants!” she laughs. “Once you overcome the language barrier, the world opens up to you.”
Indeed, the world did open up. After completing a nursing degree at Otago Polytechnic, Fadheela began her career as an Acute Orthopaedic Nurse at Southern DHB.
“My heart has always been in nursing. It gives me such purpose, even more so now, connecting with Muslim patients.”
When the first cohort of refugees came to Dunedin around three years ago, Fadheela was asked to be an Arabic translator for a Muslim patient – a role she now enjoys in partnership with her nursing.
“It can be such an overwhelming experience for someone who isn’t familiar with the New Zealand health system, customs and culture. Everything is different, so to have someone to connect with is crucial.”
When it comes to her culture she encourages people to ask questions, insisting it’s not offensive. “I’d rather people get the full picture than make assumptions about my culture and me.”
Fadheela regularly presents to teams across the organisation on how to treat and support Muslim patients, including information about their faith and customs.
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