The holiday season is a time of warmth, connection, and traditions. For many international nurses working in the United States, this season brings a mix of emotions as they navigate spending cherished holidays away from home while embracing new cultural experiences. Here are some heartfelt stories from our international nurses, sharing moments that showcase resilience, gratitude, and the beauty of cultural exchange.
Bijaya, Nepal: A Heartwarming Christmas in Scrubs
For Bijaya, a Nepalese RN, her first Christmas in the United States was not spent unwrapping presents but caring for patients in the hospital. While it was difficult to be away from family, she found profound meaning in her work that day.
“One poignant moment stood out,” Bijaya recalls. “A patient was in tears, missing her family and the joyous festivities. I held her hand, reassuring her that there would be many more Christmases to cherish with her loved ones. Her smile amidst the tears was priceless.”
Bijaya went the extra mile to bring joy to her patients, escorting them in wheelchairs to admire the unit’s decorated Christmas tree and sharing stories of holiday traditions. The gratitude and smiles she received in return reminded her of the universal spirit of the season: love and compassion.
“Though I missed my loved ones, being part of my patients’ healing journey was the greatest gift I could give. That day, I truly understood the depth of joy that transcends boundaries—even in scrubs.”
Edilcar, Philippines: A Season of Firsts
Edilcar’s first few months in the U.S. were a whirlwind of “firsts,” including Thanksgiving and Christmas. “Thanksgiving was festive and full of delicious food, with turkey as the highlight,” she says. “Potluck gatherings were the go-to, creating a wonderful sense of community.”
As the Christmas season approached, she found a particular fascination with the dazzling light displays adorning homes. “It’s a bit different from Christmas in the Philippines, but it’s still beautiful in its own way,” she adds. On New Year’s Eve, she joined fellow international nurses for a celebration filled with food, desserts, and karaoke—a beloved Filipino tradition that brought a sense of home to her new environment.
Jovijean, Philippines: Creating New Traditions
Thanksgiving was an entirely new tradition for Jovijean and her family, but they embraced it wholeheartedly in their new Kentucky home.
“We decided to make it a family affair,” she shares. “My daughters helped me prepare our favorite dishes, and my husband took charge of washing the dishes. After dinner, we played parlor games like charades and guess-the-emoji, creating a simple yet memorable celebration.”
Jovijean expresses gratitude not just for her family’s health and happiness but also for the support of Epic International Staffing. “We have so much to be thankful for, and that includes the incredible team who helped make our transition seamless.”
Patricia, Zimbabwe: A Warm Welcome
For Patricia and her husband, their first Thanksgiving in the United States was a heartwarming experience of community and connection. Invited by a colleague and her husband—empty nesters missing their children—they found comfort and joy in spending the holiday together.
“They welcomed us with open arms,” Patricia recalls. “We shared stories, laughter, and delicious food. It was a day that reminded us of the power of friendship and the importance of being there for one another.”
For the couple hosting Patricia, the presence of their new friends brought life and warmth to their holiday. The gathering became a beautiful example of how holidays can be a time for building new bonds and finding family in unexpected places.
Shanti, Nepal: Keeping Traditions Alive
Thanksgiving and Christmas are not major holidays in Nepal, but Shanti and her husband found joy in continuing their own traditions after moving to the U.S.
“We celebrated Dashain and Tihar, the major festivals for Nepalese, by decorating our apartment with lights and creating a baby footprint of Goddess Laxmi at our doorstep,” Shanti shares. “One of our neighbors even misunderstood and congratulated us on a new baby—it was hilarious!”
Though far from home, Shanti found that distance didn’t mean disconnection. These traditions brought a sense of home to their new environment and created opportunities to share their culture with others. “It reminded us that even though we’re far away, our roots and celebrations can still thrive.”
Kristian, Philippines: Recreating Festive Vibes
For Kristian, celebrating the holidays in the United States felt both familiar and different. Back home in the Philippines, the holidays are a time for family and friends to come together, whether at home or in the bustling streets of their neighborhoods. Though the ambiance in the U.S. was different, Kristian and his family found ways to recreate the festive spirit of home.
“One thing we did was visit Universal Studios Orlando during the holidays, creating new memories in a new place” Kristian shares. At home, they embraced their traditions by cooking a variety of Filipino delicacies, filling their home with the aromas and flavors of their culture.
“Even though we’re far away, the essence of the holidays—family, food, and joy—remains the same,” Kristian reflects. “We’ve found a way to create a ‘home away from home,’ and that has made all the difference.”
Magdaline, Kenya: Quiet Beginnings with Hopeful Tomorrows
Magdaline spent her first Thanksgiving in North Carolina quietly indoors, seeking warmth from the chilly November air. While the day lacked the bustling celebrations she had seen in movies or heard about from colleagues, it offered her a unique moment of peace and introspection.
“There’s something comforting about a quiet holiday,” Magdaline reflects. Her simple celebration served as a reminder that holidays don’t always need grand gestures or big gatherings to be meaningful. Sometimes, taking a step back to recharge is equally significant.
“Next year, I’ll have a story to tell,” she says with hope and determination. But for now, her quiet beginning stands as a testament to the beauty of embracing each stage of the journey with patience and grace.
International Nurses Celebrate a Season of Gratitude and Growth
These stories from our international nurses reflect the essence of the holiday season: gratitude, kindness, and the courage to embrace new experiences. While being away from family and familiar traditions is never easy, these nurses demonstrate the resilience and adaptability that make them exceptional caregivers.
At Epic International Staffing, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and stories of our nurses, who enrich not only the lives of their patients but also their new-found communities. This holiday season, we honor their dedication, compassion, and the sacrifices they make to bring comfort and care to others.
Start your nursing journey in the U.S. with Epic International Staffing. We understand the challenges of moving far from home, especially during the holidays, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. From navigating visa applications to helping you adjust to a new culture, our dedicated team ensures a smooth transition. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you!