August 2025 Employee of the Month Nominees: Honoring Nurses

At Health Carousel International, we celebrate the journeys of our international healthcare professionals—nurses who have embraced challenges, pursued growth, and brought compassion to every patient encounter. This month’s nominees remind us that behind every uniform is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and heart.

Dorothy Joyce H., RN

Current State: North Carolina
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: L&D, Oncology

Dorothy has more than five years of clinical experience, including three years in Mother-Baby care in the Philippines and over a year in hematology and oncology in the United Kingdom. Today in North Carolina, she applies her expertise across both Labor & Delivery and Oncology, offering care that is both technically skilled and deeply compassionate.

She first connected with HCI after seeing an ad online, not realizing it would open the door not only for herself but for her brother as well. Both pursued their American dreams through HCI, with Dorothy describing the opportunity as a blessing she will always be grateful for. She highlights the support of her International Employee Supervisor, who provided encouragement during the challenges of adapting to a new country and system.

“When we go through challenges, we sometimes fail to see the beauty of what we are currently blessed with.”

For Dorothy, this nomination means her effort and dedication have been recognized. She continues to give her best to patients, families, and colleagues, knowing that every act of service reflects the gratitude she feels for her journey.

Gherell Mae R., RN

Current State: Maryland
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: ER, L&D, MS, Pediatrics

With more than four years of experience in Emergency, Labor & Delivery, and Medical-Surgical care, Gherell Mae has built her career on compassion and continuous learning. She is currently expanding her skills in Pediatrics, driven by enthusiasm and a strong desire to grow as both a nurse and an individual.

Her journey with HCI began through the recommendation of a friend. Since then, she has valued the agency’s support and guidance through every stage of her professional transition. In the US, Gherell has learned independence and confidence, discovering how much resilience she carries when stepping outside her comfort zone.

“Working away from my comfort zone has made me more independent and confident in myself than ever before.”

For her, winning this award would be a milestone in her career, motivating her to keep pushing forward and striving for excellence in patient care.

Ginger S., RN

Current State: Maine
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: MS, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics

Ginger has four years of solid experience across Medical-Surgical and Pediatrics, with specialized skills in tracheostomy care, ostomy management, pediatric medication, and emergency response. Her technical expertise is matched by her compassion, making her a vital member of any care team.

She chose HCI because of its commitment to supporting healthcare professionals from recruitment to long-term career development. Her US experience has taught her that excellent nursing goes beyond clinical knowledge—it requires communication, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and personal resilience.

“When I take care of myself, I am able to provide better care for my patients.”

For Ginger, this nomination represents recognition of the dedication she brings to her work. It motivates her to continue giving her best and to strengthen her contributions to her team.

Dyna O., RN

Current State: Maine
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: MS, Dialysis

Dyna’s journey to the US is one of persistence and faith. First encouraged by a friend to apply with HCI in 2017, she faced doubts from others but trusted the process. Her visa journey was marked by delays and difficult choices, but with the support of her family, HCI, and her facility, she finally arrived in 2024 and began working within a month.

Her US nursing experience has taught her the importance of humility, continuous learning, and asking for help when needed. She believes respect and teamwork are essential in building a healthy unit environment.

“Seeking assistance when overwhelmed is not a weakness—it is part of continuous learning.”

For Dyna, the nomination itself is already a source of pride. Whether or not she wins, she remains committed to serving patients with excellence and supporting her coworkers with positivity and care.

Nicole G., RN

Current State: Illinois
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: OR, ER, MS

Nicole has built her career through four years of work in Emergency, Medical-Surgical, Operating Room, and Psychiatric nursing. Her broad experience has equipped her to adapt to complex environments while maintaining compassion for her patients.

She was introduced to HCI by a friend early in her career and has remained grateful for the trust and opportunities the program has provided. Her time in the US has taught her that adaptability and teamwork are the foundation of success, especially in diverse workplaces where cultural respect is vital.

“Teamwork is essential, because no nurse is an island.”

Nicole sees her nomination as a recognition of both her resilience and the support of those who believed in her. She says it motivates her to continue growing as a professional and offering high-quality care to her patients.

Kimberly Ann B., RN

Current State: Oregon
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: MS

With four years of experience in a government hospital, Kimberly Ann has cared for patients in surgical and high-risk obstetric wards. She is skilled in assessment, planning, and coordination of care, bringing steady professionalism to her role in Oregon.

She chose HCI because of its mission to improve lives and its dedication to supporting clinicians, a vision that aligned with her own passion for nursing. The transition from the Philippines to the US taught her adaptability and flexibility, strengthening her role as both patient advocate and caregiver.

“Adaptability and openness to continuous learning are essential for excellent patient care.”

For Kimberly Ann, winning would be both recognition of her hard work and a source of motivation to continue giving her best to her patients and her team.

Ian D., RN

Current State: Ohio
Country of Origin: Philippines
Specialty: OR

Ian brings 16 years of experience in perioperative care and critical settings. He built a career in Belgium before deciding to pursue his USRN, and with HCI’s support, he passed his NCLEX and reignited his American dream.

Transitioning to the US was not easy, but Ian learned that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is often the path to growth. Though it meant starting over, it also brought him increased confidence, new opportunities, and personal fulfillment.

“Stepping into unfamiliar situations leads to growth, confidence, and new opportunities.”

For Ian, winning Employee of the Month would be a simple but meaningful affirmation of his passion for helping patients and his love for the profession.

Dorcas B., RN

Current State: Virginia
Country of Origin: Kenya
Specialty: MS

Dorcas has 16 years of experience across Medical-Surgical, Long-Term Care, and Home Health, along with roles as Charge Nurse and Nurse Preceptor. She is known for her steady leadership and ability to mentor colleagues while delivering high-quality patient care.

She was introduced to HCI by a friend and was impressed by the agency’s communication and support. Her US journey has taught her the importance of humility, asking questions, and teamwork as the foundation for professional growth.

“Being a positive team player, even when it is not convenient, makes all the difference.”

For Dorcas, this nomination is an encouragement to continue giving her best. She views it as an affirmation that every contribution, no matter how small, has a meaningful impact on patients and colleagues alike.

Honoring Our Nominees

This month’s nominees—Dorothy, Gherell, Ginger, Dyna, Nicole, Kimberly Ann, Ian, and Dorcas—show us the resilience and heart that international healthcare professionals bring to the US. At HCI, we are proud to celebrate their journeys, their contributions, and the powerful impact they have on the lives of their patients and communities.