Health Carousel International’s Employee of the Month Nominees - September 2026

Meet the September 2026 Employee of the Month Nominees

Every healthcare professional brings a unique combination of experience, perspective, and dedication to the work they do. This September, Health Carousel International is proud to recognize nine healthcare professionals nominated for Employee of the Month.

Their stories span different states, professions, and experiences, but several common themes emerge: a commitment to patients, an openness to learning, perseverance through change, and appreciation for the people who support them along the way.

Meet the September 2026 Health Carousel International Employee of the Month nominees.

Faith M.

Current State: North Carolina

When Faith began exploring the possibility of continuing her nursing career in the United States, she carefully researched organizations that could support her journey. Health Carousel International stood out to her because of the guidance and support offered throughout the process.

Since beginning her professional journey in the United States, Faith has embraced continuous learning and adaptation. She has learned the importance of keeping up with changes in nursing, managing time effectively, advocating for patients, maintaining a positive mindset, and working alongside people from different cultures.

For Faith, Employee of the Month recognition would provide even more motivation to keep moving forward in her career and acknowledge the work she contributes to her profession and patients.

Faith has also discovered plenty of American foods she enjoys, including Buffalo wings, hash browns, steak with baked potatoes, apple pie, pancakes, and more.

Jaqueline R.

Current State: Oregon

For Jaqueline, pursuing nursing in the United States was about more than finding a new career opportunity. It was another way to demonstrate the passion for being a nurse.

After two years of working in the United States, one of the biggest lessons has been that nursing isn't simply about showing up for work each day. It's about being present and supporting patients as well as you can.

Jaqueline is especially grateful that the colleagues life brough have recognized the contribution that is made to their team and for the opportunity to be part of it.

Favorite American food? Dry-rub Louisiana ribs!

Allena A.

Current State: Virginia‍

When Allena Jan became a Medical Technologist in the Philippines, she envisioned eventually taking her career overseas to broaden her professional experience and accelerate her growth. She says partnering with Health Carousel International helped bridge the gap between that ambition and practicing in the United States.

Living and working in a new country has also taught Allena Jan lessons extending well beyond technical knowledge. She has learned the importance of direct communication, self-advocacy, initiative, confidence, adaptability, and navigating a new professional culture.

"Working in the U.S. wasn't just a career milestone, it was a personal development. It taught me that growth happens at the very edge of discomfort, and it gave me the confidence to know that I can thrive anywhere in the world."

Being named Employee of the Month would bring Allena Jan both pride and gratitude. She also emphasizes the importance of the people around her, sharing that no one succeeds alone.

Her favorite American food? Chicken and waffles!

Kristine J.

Current State: Oregon

Health Carousel International was the first organization Kristine found when she began researching agencies that could help her become a nurse in the United States. She says the guidance she received helped provide direction as she established her life in Oregon.

Working in a high-acuity environment has reinforced an especially important lesson for Kristine: strong relationships and teamwork matter. She appreciates working with colleagues who rely on and support one another every shift, as well as having an approachable and receptive manager.

For Kristine, simply learning that she was nominated carried special meaning.

"Being nominated is a big deal enough. I'm just trying to do the best I can everyday at work and to be recognized by my manager and appreciated by my colleagues is enough to validate that I am somehow doing alright."

As for American food, Kristine loves fall flavors, including pumpkin-spiced drinks and pastries. She has also learned to love the traditional Thanksgiving spread, including roasted turkey, gravy or cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies.

Jaroline P.

Current State: Delaware

Jaroline says she was drawn to Health Carousel International after learning about the nurses who had pursued career opportunities through the organization. She credits the support she received throughout her application and while settling into her assignment location as meaningful parts of her experience.

Her career as a registered nurse in the United States has reinforced the importance of individualized patient care. Every patient has different needs, she says, and nurses must remain flexible in responding to them.

Jaroline was surprised by her Employee of the Month nomination. She says she wasn't expecting anything in return for the nursing care she gave her patients and appreciates that the recognition reflects the support and care she strives to provide.

Her favorite American foods are cheeseburgers and fresh pancakes from a local diner.

Keith O.

Current State: Virginia

Keith appreciated Health Carousel International's assistance and support throughout her journey, including the regular check-ins she received before arriving in the United States and as she began working at her facility.

Her career has taught her a lesson that extends beyond the workplace: progress isn't always linear. Growth requires humility and a willingness to continue learning, both professionally and personally.

"Coming from a small city in the South of the Philippines to the United States, dreams can be achieved."

For Keith, Employee of the Month recognition would represent hard work, progress, and perseverance.

Her favorite American food is macaroni and cheese.

Yousef A.

Current State: North Carolina

Yousef was drawn to Health Carousel International because of the support and opportunities provided to nurses coming to the United States. He says he felt comfortable with the organization from the beginning and appreciates the support he has received throughout his journey.

Working in a different healthcare system has helped Yousef grow personally and professionally. He has learned the importance of communication and teamwork, asking questions when he's unsure, building confidence, and never stopping learning.

For Yousef, Employee of the Month would recognize the work he has dedicated to his nursing career and journey in the United States. He says it would also motivate him to continue learning, improving, and giving his best every day.

His favorite food is seafood.

Kenneth C.

Current State: Illinois

Kenneth first discovered Health Carousel International through an application he saw on Facebook. After researching the organization further, he became interested enough to encourage his brother to apply alongside him.

One of Kenneth's career lessons is that obstacles are inevitable, but it's important to keep moving forward. He also believes in responding to difficult interactions with even more kindness.

Being recognized as Employee of the Month would be a major accomplishment for Kenneth and something he says would motivate him to work harder.

His favorite American food is ribeye steak.

Crystal B.

Current State: North Carolina

Specialty:

Crystal was drawn to Health Carousel International because of the opportunity to grow professionally while experiencing different healthcare environments. She also appreciated the support and resources available to nurses, which helped make her transition feel welcoming.

Her nursing career has reinforced that caring for patients extends beyond their immediate medical needs.

"It's about compassion, teamwork, communication and treating every patient with dignity and respect."

Crystal's experiences have also taught her to stay adaptable, continue learning, advocate for her patients, and support her coworkers. Most importantly, she says she's learned that even on challenging days, the work nurses do truly matters.

For Crystal, Employee of the Month recognition would be a meaningful acknowledgment of the care, dedication, and effort she brings to her work each day.

After a long shift, her favorite American comfort-food combination is a burger and fries.

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Celebrating Our September Nominees

Faith, Jaqueline, Allena Jan, Kristine, Jaroline, Keith, Yousef, Kenneth, and Crystal each bring their own experiences and perspectives to healthcare. Across their stories, their dedication to learning, teamwork, perseverance, and patient care shines through.

Congratulations to all nine September 2026 Health Carousel International Employee of the Month nominees on this well-deserved recognition.