Right after our night duty, I and my 2 colleagues braved the rain and flood in the metro to reach the recruitment agency. We responded to their advertisement for nurses needed in USA.
We reached the agency just right after they opened so we were among the first to be entertained. We went through the first interviews and we thought the we went well. My two colleagues were ahead of me and they were put on the call back list to under another interview on August 22. I was the last to be called for the final interview and after a few minutes I was told by the interviewer that I am qualified for the position except that my religion seemed to be a big problem.
She told me that we did not have church in Corpus Christi , Texas and they have had previous experience when some of the employees who belong to the church I am in had serious problems finishing their contracts due to spiritual issue. Their inability to find a church in their area of deployment caused them to breach their contract with the employer there.
I was put on the second priority list. I asked what it meant. I did not get a clear answer.
I told her that since the last time they hired an nurse having the same religion as mine was in 2004, there is a big change that our church administration has found a way to put up a congregation there. So I told her that I will look for one. She said I could try.
I actually did not have a heavy heart leaving their office. I know for a fact that religion should never be an issue. Religion should always come first.
As soon as I got home, I searched the internet and I was not surprised to find out that we have a church in Corpus Christi along with the other states the recruiter have mentioned during our interview.
I texted the interviewer right away about the good news. She replied that she will let the sponsor in America know.
End of conversation. While I am uncertain about the call back, I am certain that I would not trade my faith for anything in this world.

It is my birthday and I am supposed to be chillin’ but since I was given the most difficult task of my life, as yet, I ended up having a pick me up at Figaro. AT 7:00 am I was already there rehearsing my lines while sipping their version of caramel macchiato. Caffeine always gives me a kick as it calms me down.
At 6:30, I received a text from my headnurse reminding me of my hosting duty. I told her that I was already within the hospital premises and that I am already freaking out. I started to calm down when she said that she believed in me that is why she chose me for the job.
The lecture started at 9:00 am with my invocation. At first, I felt like my chest is about to explode as my heart is pounding so hard. I started to take deep breaths and reasonable amount of pauses. I was able to finish the prayer. Next thing I know, everything went smoothly.
I got to seat with the division head and had some chitchats. It really helped me to relax and pull it through the entire program.
Another experience that can be added to my accomplishments…personally

I was too caught up with my hospital duty that I forgot to respond to the job notifications I received on my email. I did my job search a few months ago right after I was hired as a full time nurse. Right now I have a handful of job matches and I am still browsing through the institutions’ requirements. I hope I’d land on a great career.

After a month of being an orientee, I still feel new to the nursing career. I still have not gotten the hang of the job description and as I carry out my duties, I am thinking that nurses are indeed the unsung heroes of the hospital. They are the ones up on their feet 24/7 that translates to being the heartbeat of the hospital and yet they are underpaid. The tasks are physically and intellectually demanding and I am thinking that if the job is the same as the one abroad, I would rather fly out for a greener pasture as the salary is not enough to support he expenses for medications for the illness or injuries that one might develop in performing her duty.
This just crossed my mind as I was at patient’s bedside doing the morning care. I might consider doing the Dallas job search search as suggested by a colleague is who about to test the nursing career in the US.

The only drawback of my resignation from my post, if there would be any, is the insurance coverage that I have lost. I know that there is always affordable life insurance around but still, my faith is stronger than ever and I know that God would be my shield against any danger in this world. He knows that my heart beats for something else and the pulsation of this reality has been trying to escape my chest for the longest.
I have my mindset. I have my dreams. I have my desire. I had to breakaway.

We just had our exam and I had trouble answering the pharmacology part. I was tempted to cheat during the exam but I chose not to. I just told myself to do better next week.
I feel to tired neuroligically.

I have got my scrub suits from the LCP.  I was the last one to claim them noting that the start of immersion in the ward is today.  It is actually my off today and my duty will start tomorrow.

I was really apprehensive in continuing my training program but my strong desire to do what I want is undeniably palpable.

For now, I will take things as they are without disregard to my passion.

I can’t help but smile seeing my name embroidered on the scrub suits with R.N.  at the end of it.