Made for more with Emanuel Bullert
National Emergency Nurse’s Day

“When you meet someone, who doesn’t like their job, you can tell – and that was me before I made the decision to become a nurse. It was such a big change, and I loved it. I wish I had jumped on this train way earlier.” – Emanuel Bullert, RN, Emergency Department Nurse at Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC)
After years of working in construction-based jobs where he struggled to find his purpose, Emanual Bullert can now say he loves his job. Bullert graduated as a registered nurse earlier this year, after rediscovering his interest in caring for others.
“As a kid, I used to playfully take care of my family. I remember using a first aid kit and bandages to treat their injuries and help relieve pain,” Bullert recalled.
Bullert and his family immigrated to Canada from Germany in 2005 and settled on a farm just outside of Morden, Manitoba. He said it was his sister who saw his potential and encouraged him to pursue a new challenge.
“When you meet someone, who doesn’t like their job, you can tell – and that was me,” said Bullert. “My sister told me ‘you are smarter than this’ and encouraged me to try an anatomy class. That is when everything changed. It opened up a new door for me.”
Every Thursday for four hours, Bullert went to class, listening to lectures and studying his textbooks. After a long, tiring day at work, he would often stand at the back of the classroom to help him stay awake and pay attention so he didn’t miss anything.
“It was like watching my favourite movie. It didn’t feel hard, it was fun and fascinating,” shared Bullert.
One captivating college course lead to another and soon enough, Bullert has his sights set on nursing. To apply, he completed the nursing pre-requisites and repeated some grade 12 courses to improve his chances of getting into the program.
“It was such a big change and I loved it,” shared Bullert of his new-found career path. “I wish I had jumped on this train way earlier.”
With the support of his wife, kids and extended family, Bullert excelled in nursing school. When driving past the Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC), he remembers telling his kids “that is where dad’s future job will be”, setting a new path towards his next goal.
“Without the support of my family I don’t think I could have done it,” shared Bullert, describing how his family respected his dedicated study time and encouraging him to sleep well.
“My kids would tell me to ‘learn good and save lives’,” Bullert added.
One day during his clinical practicum, Bullert received the frightening call that his dad was having a stroke. He met his family at the hospital and his experience in the emergency department that day only further solidified his career choice.
“I was very worried about my dad but at the same time I saw how well the staff worked together and how they cared for our family,” shared Bullert, attributing his dad’s ability to walk and soon get his driver’s license back to the care team’s quick intervention.
“It touched me so much. The work that nurses do changes lives and leaves such a big impression on the people they help. I knew in that moment I wanted to end up working in the emergency department.”
Earlier this year, Bullert’s big audacious dream came true. He graduated as a registered nurse and is now officially working at BTHC in their emergency department, working through enhanced department specific training.
“When you have a good team like ours and have had good training, it is easy to smile and be happy in this role,” explains Bullert, who is known around the unit for his inspiring spirit and smile.
“I am surrounded by amazing staff who are really supportive and help me through early steps on the job, gaining that extra confidence over time. That is what I love about my job, knowing when I come in, there is a team that supports each other to make a difference. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
Submitted by: Shared Health Manitoba