A Nurse’s Calling: Honey Reyes’ Journey to Excellence in the U.S.

When you meet Honey Reyes, ANCC-certified Medical-Surgical Nurse and Gerontology Nurse, it’s easy to see the passion she carries for patient care. With more than a decade of nursing experience, Honey has touched countless lives through her compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication.

A proud graduate of Manila Doctors College of Nursing, Honey trained at Makati Medical Center—one of Asia’s top medical research and training facilities and the Philippines’ premier hospital—where she was awarded both the Nurse Excellence and Shining Star awards. From early on, she was recognized as a rising star in her field.

But Honey’s journey to nursing began long before she donned her first set of scrubs.

“Seeing doctors and nurses in their immaculate whites, saving lives for the greater good, has been a dream of mine since childhood," Honey shares. "As the eldest in my family, nurturing others has always come naturally to me. But I truly believe nursing is my calling, rooted in the deep love I’ve always had for my grandparents. I’m a proud Lola’s girl—‘Lola’ means grandmother in Filipino—and that bond shaped the way I care for others, especially the elderly.”

Honey’s deep-rooted compassion led her to specialize in geriatric care, where she finds fulfillment in building genuine connections with her patients.

"I find real fulfillment in making patients feel safe, seen, and well cared for. There’s no greater joy than seeing a patient smile or hearing a heartfelt ‘thank you.’ Knowing I was able to bring comfort, ease their pain, and play a part in their healing journey is the most rewarding part of what I do."

However, the transition to nursing in the United States was not without challenges. Adjusting to a new healthcare system—with different protocols, communication styles, and a diverse patient population—presented a steep learning curve.

"At first, it was overwhelming, but I made a conscious effort to stay curious, seek mentorship, and listen closely to each patient. Little by little, I built confidence and found my place."

Honey’s perseverance paid off. Today, she serves as a Medical-Surgical Nurse in New Jersey, where her excellence has been recognized not just by her peers and patients, but also through DAISY Award nominations and, most recently, the Nurse Excellence Award for Medical-Surgical Nursing at at one of our prestigious client healthcare facilities. Honey was formally honored on May 7, 2025.

"Receiving the Nurse Excellence Award is an incredible honor. It reflects the support of my family, the dedication of my team, the lessons I’ve learned from my patients, and the guidance of my mentors. This recognition has my name on it, but it belongs to all the nurses who give their all, every shift."

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Honey hopes her journey will inspire fellow nurses who are considering advancing their careers in the U.S.

"To my fellow incredible nurses: The work we do matters. Whether it’s starting an IV, holding a hand, educating a patient, or advocating for their needs—we are changing lives. Keep showing up. Keep caring. Every small act makes a big difference."

Her message to all nurses is a powerful reminder:

"You are the epitome of care because nurses are the calm in the chaos, the steady force in the storm, and the heart of healthcare."