They say you can’t go home again. But Iuliana Popescu did just that – twice.
Iuliana came to Canada from Romania in 2002 and began working in the Human Resources Department at The Ottawa Hospital five years later. Her career at the hospital has spanned Payroll, Labour Relations, and Talent Acquisition. To say she knows the HR department very well would be an understatement.
“I always felt that this is where I belong.”
She and her husband moved back to Romania in 2012 to be with friends and family. But there was always a part of her that missed Ottawa. Although Romania was her original home, she also felt like she was leaving a home behind.
“I always felt that this is where I belong,” said Popescu. “I was away for six years, but I missed my job. I missed the pleasant work environment, the efficient and competent team whose support and guidance was always available to me.”
In June 2018, Iuliana moved back to Canada with her family and reunited with her work family at The Ottawa Hospital. Since returning, She has continued to grow her career, received awards and is taking advantage of opportunities offered through the hospital to grow and continue her education.
“Working at The Ottawa Hospital has been, and currently is, a powerful learning experience for me.”
“My employer is very involved in my wellbeing,” said Popescu. “From the flexibility that I have with my working hours, to time off for personal matters, to encouragement for individual growth – educational conferences, seminars, and courses. I have received a lot of support here.”
The Ottawa Hospital takes great pride in supporting employees like Popescu. In March, the hospital received the Employer Excellence Award from Hire Immigrants Ottawa. The award recognizes local employers for their innovative workplace policies and practices around the recruitment and integration of skilled immigrant employees into their organization.
Iuliana was beaming with pride when she accepted the award as her colleagues looked on.
“Working at The Ottawa Hospital has been, and currently is, a powerful learning experience for me,” she said. “It has shaped who I am today. It has helped me improve my existing skills and gain new ones. My work here increased my confidence in myself and helped me learn how to work effectively in a team environment.”
Iuliana is a prime example of how staff, as well as doctors and volunteers, live The Ottawa Hospital’s values every day. She is part of what makes the hospital a workplace of excellence, not just according to Hire Immigrants Ottawa, but also as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.
