29/09/2025
Things I’ve realized after moving from one country to another as a Filipina nurse:
1. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from home is something we shouldn’t take for granted. Some countries have deficiencies in even the most major nursing subjects. So, if you graduated with a BSN and are hoping to work abroad, this is your sign to just do it!
2. Coming from the Philippines, we sometimes assume that everything is already better abroad—things like patient ratio, salary, and working hours. We often have a “Bahala na!” mindset, which leads us to settle for less than what we truly deserve as nurses. But no matter what, we still work hard.
3. Leaving the Philippines is worth it, even if homesickness is real.
4. Your mindset changes.
5. You end up advising the younger generation, family members, or friends’ children to take up nursing if they want to go abroad. This is not for everyone, of course. But I understand now why my cousin advised my dad to send me to nursing school.
6. Filipino nurses are the best to work with: We aren’t lazy, we work hard, we don’t take any nonsense, we are skilled and knowledgeable, we integrate easily, we are sweet and caring, and we treat our patients and workmates like family. And it’s something I’m very proud of!
- Nurse Aurora 👩🏻⚕️♥️
