Question:
Dear Donna,
I am a 2007 BSN graduate in the Philippines. I graduated with honors and worked as a private duty nurse for about six months post-graduate. Afterward, I was unable to get a job as nurse so I chose to undergo training in a military hospital for half a year and another training stint for one year in a government hospital. Due to monetary issues, I've worked in a business process outsourcing since then.
I would love to go back to my career in nursing but I don't think anyone would take me in at this point. I am willing to study abroad but given the fees involved, I don't think I can handle it since I'm supporting my family.
I feel like I've wasted a number of years. I don't know what to do anymore. I love nursing and I love helping people even though many nurse I know have left nursing because of its stressful environment.
Wants To Get Back To Nursing
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Wants To Get Back To Nursing,
For starters, become active in the Philippine Nurses Association (www.pna-ph.org/). The more people you meet in the industry, the better your chances of getting a job in nursing. Networking is well known to be a great way find a job. When there's something you want to do it makes sense to rub elbows with those already doing it.
Look for volunteer work as a nurse now while you continue to work toward paid employment as a nurse. I understand you need to make money and support your family, but nursing volunteer work (while you continue to work at your paying job) can often lead to re-entry jobs in the profession. Plus you'll be helping people and doing what you love. Volunteer work also gives you recent relevant experience to put on your resume, helps to hone old skills and learn new ones and expands your professional network. Look for volunteer positions in a setting where you?d ideally like to work.
As far as coming to the U.S., the job market for nurses here is changing and is very competitive. Without any recent nursing experience, it would be very difficult to find a good job. You can connect with other Filipino nurses in the U.S. through the Philippine Nurses Association of America (mypnaa.wix.com/home).
Many nurses before you have gotten off to a rocky start in their careers, but found where there is a will there is always a way.
Best wishes,
Donna
