Epic International Staffing is proud to highlight the inspiring journey of one of our dedicated nurses, Mia, who came to the United States from the Philippines. Mia started her career in 2014 as a nurse in various units, including med-surgical, emergency room, labor and delivery, and delivery room. In 2017, she was promoted to head nurse and became a nurse educator and med-surgical/emergency room supervisor by 2020.

While pursuing her master’s degree, an official at her hospital offered Mia the opportunity to work in the U.S., provided she passed her NCLEX exam. Though she initially declined the offer, she ultimately decided to take the NCLEX in 2018. Mia faced challenges in her job search, including waiting for a job offer that never came and dealing with hurdles from other agencies. However, after posting her resume online, she received the call from overseas she had been waiting for and eventually joined Epic International Staffing.

Mia’s determination and perseverance paid off, and she attained her goal of becoming a U.S. nurse. Her story is a testament to the importance of hard work and the impact of having a supportive team like Epic International Staffing. We are proud to support Mia and other international healthcare professionals on their journey to achieving their dreams.

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH EPIC?

My application was smooth– everybody I talked to at Epic was very professional, and they valued their candidates’ time, especially regarding appointments. When I arrived in the U.S., I was scared I would be alone in a new country where I didn’t know anybody. When I got deployed to work in Iowa, I was accompanied by an Epic staff member to help me acclimate to the town I would be residing in. Knowing that I was the first Epic nurse to work in Iowa, this motion brought comfort and peace of mind as they ensured that this place was safe for me to start my American dream. 

Other Epic personnel were accommodating in assisting me in getting me set up for my new life here and ensuring I had everything I needed to be comfortable. I liked the orientation about American culture and meetings for insurance because we needed to be better versed in U.S. health insurance. Our classes were a big help for me, especially in assessing my patients, relearning cardiac rhythms, and reporting to providers. My license endorsement was also smooth because of the support offered, and overall, I’m very appreciative of the team’s comprehensive support in making sure I was succeeding when I was alone. 

 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER NURSES WITH A DREAM TO COME LIVE AND WORK IN THE U.S.?

Focus on the goal and trust the timing. There will be a lot of discouragements and distractions along the way, but keep moving to reach your goal. Practice your communication skills and other life skills. Learn to be independent; the American culture is very different from Filipino culture, so learn to adjust.

 

WHAT ARE YOU ENJOYING MOST ABOUT THE U.S.?

The freedom to buy whatever I want. That is probably not the most profound answer, but my life is now more comfortable than when I was back home. I also enjoy the freedom of traveling and seeing new places.

 

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME CHALLENGES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED SINCE LIVING IN THE U.S.?

First is the language. I thought I was already good with my English skills before I left the Philippines, but when I got here, I was still blown away by the slang people use here. I really made an effort to study the language, especially its slang.

Another thing that challenged me was the cold weather during the winter time, but now that I learned how to layer and wear proper clothing, I am enjoying the outdoor winter activities. Last is the food. I needed to drive an hour from my place to eat good Asian food or get Asian groceries.

 

MIA’S VLOG: INSPIRING TIPS AND EXPERIENCES FOR NURSES PURSUING THE AMERICAN DREAM

As part of Mia’s journey, she has established a vlog that offers valuable insights and tips for nurses who aspire to pursue their dreams in the United States. Her vlog primarily focuses on lifestyle and immigration topics, which she shares on her YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages. 

The decision to start her vlogging journey stemmed from Mia’s pre-existing content creation experience, but in a different niche. Upon arriving in the U.S., Mia received messages from followers on her social media accounts seeking advice on navigating the process of migrating to a new country and other tips for a smooth transition. So, Mia began creating videos to address the advice her followers were seeking.

Mia’s vlog expresses her dedication to supporting others in pursuit of the American dream. She empowers aspiring nurses by sharing her experiences and knowledge and provides valuable guidance throughout their journey.