Unlock Your Future: Filipino Nurses Take the First Step Toward U.S. Careers with Health Carousel International

Opening Doors to Global Opportunities

On March 11, 2025, aspiring Filipino nurses gathered in Manila for a transformative event hosted by Health Carousel International. Titled "Unlock Your Future: Expand Your Career with Health Carousel," the event offered an educational opportunity for attendees to meet healthcare leaders face-to-face, gain insights into the realities of international nursing, and begin charting their path toward a U.S. nursing career.

This exclusive gathering featured dynamic presentations from two distinguished speakers—Donita Ross, Vice President and Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Health Carousel International, and Guada Morales, a celebrated Health Carousel International alumnus and U.S.-based nurse. Together, they provided expert knowledge, heartfelt inspiration, and real-world advice that resonated deeply with the audience.

Expert Voices at the Forefront

Donita Ross

Vice President & Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Health Carousel International

With over 29 years of clinical and hospital leadership experience, Donita Ross brought unparalleled expertise to the stage. She formerly managed perioperative, medical surgical, and oncology services at a 320-bed acute care facility in the Tri-Health Hospital System and now serves as a strategic clinical leader at Health Carousel International.

Donita is a certified Global Nurse Consultant and has received numerous accolades for her leadership, including the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Health Care Hero Award and the American Staffing Association’s Women in Leadership Scholarship. Most recently, she was admitted to the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy’s Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship Program.

At the event, Donita walked the audience through the clinical, logistical, and emotional aspects of transitioning to a U.S. nursing career. She emphasized the importance of professional certifications, clinical preparedness, and adaptability in achieving long-term success abroad.

"What struck me most was the passion in the room. Filipino nurses bring heart and skill to everything they do, and helping them unlock new opportunities in the U.S. is both a privilege and a responsibility I hold dear."
— Donita Ross

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Guada Morales

Health Carousel International Alumnus, MSN, RN, DAISY Award Recipient

Guada Morales is a living example of what perseverance, compassion, and lifelong learning can achieve. Her journey from the Philippines to becoming a licensed nurse in the U.S. is one marked by resilience, excellence, and deep community involvement.

Holding a Master of Science in Nursing Education, Guada has served as a preceptor, informal mentor, and clinical educator in her U.S. workplace. She is a member of the Preceptor Development Team and a DAISY Award honoree—recognition reserved for nurses who deliver exceptional patient care. Beyond the hospital walls, she remains engaged with Health Carousel International, mentoring incoming international nurses and serving as an Ambassador for the PassportUSA program.

One of the defining moments of her personal journey came when she signed her official U.S. citizenship documents using a PassportUSA pen, symbolizing the full-circle impact of her partnership with Health Carousel International.

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The Power of In-Person Connection

The event also marked a milestone for the Health Carousel Philippines team, whose recruitment and marketing leaders helped bring the experience to life.

“Filipino nurses are among the best in the world, and we are proud to be part of their journey. Events like these reaffirm our commitment to guiding them every step of the way as they transform their careers and lives.”
— Marwin Dennis Galvez, President, Health Carousel Philippines, Inc.

“Seeing nurses engage with our speakers, ask thoughtful questions, and gain clarity about their next steps made all the work behind this event worth it. It was empowering, uplifting, and truly unforgettable.”
— Belle Mendiola, Marketing and Recruitment Supervisor

Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, connect directly with mentors, and gain a deeper understanding of the processes behind U.S. licensure, certification, and job placement. The atmosphere was one of shared purpose—nurses empowering one another to take bold steps toward a better future.

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Beyond the Event: A Lasting Impact

For Health Carousel International, "Unlock Your Future" was more than just a one-day event. It served as a launchpad for continued engagement, mentorship, and career development. The event reinforced the organization’s long-standing mission: to improve lives and make healthcare work better by empowering internationally educated nurses to thrive in the United States.

As the event concluded, it left behind a room full of nurses with new goals, new questions, and, most importantly, renewed confidence.

Looking Ahead

The success of Unlock Your Future underscores the growing importance of in-person engagement in the international recruitment process. It also highlights the vital role that support, mentorship, and trusted partnerships play in turning career aspirations into reality.

Health Carousel International looks forward to hosting more events like this—events where futures are unlocked, one story at a time.