The Journey to Nursing: No Two Paths Are the Same

Celebrating Nurses Week by honoring where it all began

‍

Every nurse has a beginning. For some, it was a childhood dream. For others, a second chance. And for many, it was a decision shaped by challenge, loss, or love.

This Nurses Week, we’re celebrating more than just what nurses do — we’re honoring the journey it took to get there. From silent sacrifices to bold leaps of faith, nurses carry with them stories of strength, purpose, and transformation. These are just a few of those stories.

A Calling Forged in Challenge

Rose Lyn D. began her U.S. journey full of gratitude — grateful to be mentioned by her head nurse for her positivity, and even more touched when a patient's family sent a letter with her name in it. But shortly after her orientation ended, she faced bullying and a work-related injury. The spark she once had dimmed into fear, anxiety, and burnout.

"I didn’t want to work anymore," she shared.

With courage, therapy, faith, and the support of her husband, family, and coworkers, Rose Lyn rebuilt herself. Today, she reminds us that even the strongest nurses can break — and rise again.

‍

Another nurse, I Chia H., found her calling during her own childhood surgeries. Born with a cleft lip and palate, she spent long periods alone in hospitals. The nurses who cared for her left a deep impression.

"I told myself I want to be a nurse to help people."

From Fear to Purpose

Some people say, "Don’t move to another country if you’re not confident or if you’re scared." But for Kristel Ezra B., a psychiatric nurse, that wasn’t true.

"I get scared easily. I get discouraged. I overthink a lot. But I realized it’s not about being fearless — it’s about showing up even when you’re scared."

Now a psych nurse, she cares for patients with compassion, empathy, and strength.

"We don’t just take care of bodies — we take care of hearts and minds."

From Grief to Compassion

For Christine Joy C., nursing is a deeply personal promise. She lost both her parents young — her father to pancreatic cancer and her mother to a brain tumor.

"I wasn’t able to take care of them… but now I care for every patient like I would have cared for them."

‍

Jennyrose M., 35 weeks pregnant and managing gestational diabetes, continues to show up every day for her patients.

"We named him Moon. He’s been my light through everything."

The Journey to Confidence

Adjusting to a new culture can be overwhelming. Sandra N. recalls feeling unsure — not of her clinical skills, but of how to connect with patients.

"Where I come from, people don’t open up to strangers. I didn’t know how to just… start talking."

She built confidence in speaking up. One patient told her:

"You helped me feel like myself again. Like my life still matters."

Redefining What It Means to Grow

Nursing isn’t just a profession — it’s a lifetime of learning.

Gershom R. had lost his motivation until restarting in the U.S. reignited his passion. With support from Health Carousel International, he pursued certifications, mentored others, and began his MSN.

John Ronald N., a retired police staff sergeant, joined nursing after more than a decade in law enforcement. His experience taught him leadership and calm under pressure — traits that now serve him at the bedside.

More Journeys, More Heart: Voices From the Field

While no two stories are alike, the spirit of compassion and resilience runs through them all:

"We are the 'I can' to their 'I cannot.' That’s what makes nursing soulful."

"Age should never hinder a dream. I became a nurse at 52."

"Being there for patients during their most vulnerable moments — that’s what I’m proud of."

"My son almost aged out — but we made it. Our dream came true in God’s time."

"We are Filipino nurses working night shift together — sharing food, stories, and strength."

"Every day, I care for patients like they’re my own. That’s my greatest reward."

Wherever You Started, You Belong Here

Whether your journey began in childhood or later in life, in another country or after another career — your story matters. Every nurse has faced moments of doubt, challenge, and growth. And every story adds something powerful to the profession.

This Nurses Week, we honor not just the work nurses do — but the roads they traveled to get here.

At Health Carousel International, we’re proud to walk alongside you on that journey. Whether you're just beginning your U.S. nursing career or ready to take the next step, we’re here to support your growth — through clinical career coaching, professional development programs, flexible career paths, and a full circle of support.

Your story isn’t over. In fact, it’s just getting started.

Happy Nurses Week. We celebrate your story, your purpose, and your future.  

‍