STEM-A_group4-Copy

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VI-Western Visayas
Schools Division of Iloilo
JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
ACADEMIC TRACK
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING and MATHEMATICS STRAND
Janiuay, Iloilo
NURSE DIARIES: THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF FILIPINO
NURSES WORKING ABROAD
A Research Paper
presented to Faculty and Staff of Senior High School
Academic Track, STEM Strand
of Janiuay National Comprehensive High School
in partial fulfillment for the requirements in Practical Research I
Submitted by:
SHAN ANDRE A. ESTANDARTE
KENT NIÑO W. TADLAN
AIRA JELL ZACHYN C. ADELANTAR
DANEILLA GLAD R. ADELANTAR
JAHNELL SHANE L. ALFARO
YVONNE MARIE M. BUÑOL
QUINN ABIGAIL L. LUZARITA
CAROL S. NEPOMUCENO
MA. REIAN JULIA V. NOBLE
LEOPOLDO P. QUIÑON JR.
Research Adviser
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SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS
JANIUAY, ILOILO
Approval Sheet
This research entitled “Nurse Diaries: The Lived Experiences of Filipino Nurses
Working Abroad,” prepared and submitted by Shan Andre Estandarte, Kent Niño Tadlan, Aira
Jell Zachyn Adelantar, Daneilla Glad Adelantar, Jahnell Shane Alfaro, Yvonne Marie Buñol,
Quinn Abigail Luzarita, Carol Nepomuceno and Ma. Reian Julia Noble in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for Practical Research I in the Senior High School – Science Technology
Engineering and Mathematics Strand of Janiuay National Comprehensive High School is
hereby approved and accepted.
LEOPOLDO P. QUIÑON JR.
Research Adviser
_______________________
Date Signed
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NEMIA L. ALERTA
Research Coordinator
_______________________
Date Signed
ERODITA A. FABRIGAS
OIC- Assistant Principal for SHS
_______________________
Date Signed
VICENTE E. SALARDA, Ed. D.
Principal III
_______________________
Date Signed
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Acknowledgment
The researchers express their love and deepest gratitude to the following persons who
have helped in completion of this endeavor:
To GOD ALMIGHTY, the researchers are deeply grateful for the knowledge that the
almighty Father has given them and for divine guidance in fulfilling this investigation. Their faith
for Him made them believe that there is nothing impossible with His presence, and blessings.
To Dr. Vicente E. Salarda and Mrs. Erodita A. Fabrigas, for permitting and supporting the
investigation until completed.
To Mr. Hernando C. Engada Jr. for the guidance, understanding, encouragement and
continuous moral support.
To Classmates and Friends, in making the researchers' task lighter and more fun by kind
aid, support, and caring. They value your cooperation just as much as your willingness to let
them occasionally use your laptops and allow them access to your mobile data if their own runs
out.
The researchers sincerely appreciate everything you did to make the study successful.
To Parents of Researchers, guided and supported the researchers throughout the

journey. Their love, understanding, support and sharing the pain and the joy of the researchers
as they hurled their paper every night and continuously believing that they could make it.
A special mention:
To Mr. Leopoldo P. Quiñon, a research competent adviser for the time and effort beyond
request, assisted the researchers throughout by giving advice, ideas, and skillful editing hand,
during the hours of discussion and sharing his ideas and suggestions, thus, making the
researchers’ work lighter and successful.
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The Researchers
Estandarte, Shan Andre A., Tadlan, Kent Niño W., Adelantar, Aira Jell Zachyn C., Adelantar,
Daneilla Glad R., Alfaro, Jahnell Shane L., Buñol, Yvonne Marie M., Luzarita, Quinn
Abigail L., Nepomuceno, Carol S., Noble, Ma. Reian Julia V., Nurse Diaries: The Lived
Experiences of Filipino Nurses Working Abroad. Unpublished Study in Practical
Research I, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, Janiuay National
Comprehensive High School, Janiuay, Iloilo, March 2023.
Abstract
This descriptive narrative study explored the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) nurses’
experiences working abroad. The research key interview informants were two emergency
nurses and an operating room nurse who are currently employed in Oman, New Zealand,
and the United Kingdom, respectively. Data collection was done by interviewing the
participants through online video conferencing apps like Google Meet and Zoom. The
empirical data extracted from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The
thematic analysis revealed nine main themes: Language creates barriers, Emotional and
cultural bewilderment, Journey to adaptation, Diversity of patients and colleagues, Well
compensated work, Advanced healthcare system, Leaving home for a living, There’s no place
like home and Learned experiences give words of wisdom. These themes answered the
research questions about OFW nurses' experiences, reasons and lessons gained after working
abroad. Their experiences include impediments that make working overseas difficult and
challenging, such as language barriers and cultural alienation. OFW nurses overcame all
obstacles with endurance and drive to fulfill their objectives and desires. The study's findings
emphasize the necessity of acknowledging and valuing others' experiences and insights while
working in other countries.
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Table of Contents
Page
TITLE PAGE i
APPROVAL SHEET ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
CHAPTER
I. INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the Study 1
Research Questions 2
Significance of the Study 2
Scope and Limitations of the Study 3
Definition of Terms 4
II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES 6
Introduction 6
The Migration 6
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Nurses Abroad 7
Experiences of OFWs 8
Language Barrier/Importance of Communication 8
Assessment and Recognition of Credentials 8
Incentives of Being Abroad 9
III. METHODOLOGY 10
Interview Questions 10
Participants 11
Data Gathering Method 13
Data Analysis 13
Ethical Considerations 14
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 15
Language creates barriers 16
Emotional and Cultural Bewilderment 18
Journey to Adaptation 21
Diversity of Patients and Colleagues 25
Well Compensated Work 28
Advance Healthcare System 30
Leaving Home for a Living 31
There's No Place Like Home 33
Learned Experiences Give Word of Wisdom 34

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V. CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 38
Conclusion 38
Implications 39
Recommendations 42
REFERENCES 45
APPENDICES 48
TRANSCRIPTS 48
Interview No. 1: (Part 1 ) 48
DOCUMENTATION 90
CONSENT TO CONDUCT 91
INFORMED CONSENT – PARTICIPANTS 92
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Health workers are vital to the health system and play an important role in improving
access to health services and quality care. The shortage of nurses is a worldwide challenge;
thus, over the past several decades, countries in the global north have strategically recruited
nurses from the global south to establish an adequate nursing workforce (Bautista et al., 2019;
Drennan & Ross, 2019).
According to Marquette University Nursing of 2023, even before the COVID-19 pandemic
shone a spotlight on the incredible impact of nurses across the globe, nationwide demand for
nurses was high. Myriad factors have contributed to this growing demand, including a wave of
coming nurse retirements and a population that is living longer, often with one or more chronic
conditions.
Filipino nurses represent the largest category of health workers migrating, followed by
midwives and doctors. The Philippines is considered as the “World’s main exporter of nurses”
that “by the end of the 20th century, an estimated 250,000 were employed overseas in 31
countries around the world” (Trines, 2018). On account of the dearth of employment
opportunities and inadequate wages, overseas migration results in the loss of millions of skilled
and unskilled Filipino workers to first-world countries.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) nurses are already faced with challenges every day
in terms of communication, finances, and life and work environment, especially because they
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are working away from their country. They worry about their safety while working and at the
same time worry about their families back at home (Pogoy, 2021).
Thus, this study can shed light on understanding the bittersweet experiences of Filipino
nurses working in other countries and give us insights as STEM students who aspire to be
medical practitioners and have a dream of working abroad.
1.2 Research Questions
1) What are the experiences of Filipino nurses working in other countries?
2) Why did Filipino nurses choose to work abroad?
3) What are the advice and lessons gained by Filipino nurses after working abroad?
1.3 Significance of the Study
The main motivation for many Filipinos to work abroad and leave their family behind is
the desire for a "greener pasture." However, not everyone is living a perfect life when everything
is in order. Before realizing every worthwhile goal, there are associated risks and difficulties.
This study was conducted to provide information about the different experiences and insights of
Filipino nurses working in other countries.
This study is also beneficial to the following individuals:
Students. This research will serve as a reference or guide to the students who are planning
to take Nursing as their college course and can provide STEM students with insights into the
various challenges and opportunities of working as a nurse in a foreign country.
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Science Community / Medical Field. This study will provide information about the
experiences and insights of Filipino nurses working overseas, that others in the medical industry
can obtain knowledge and apply it to their preferences.
OFWS. The outcome of this research study will definitely provide essential information
about the experiences of every Overseas Filipino Worker, which might be a great support to the
respondents in understanding themselves and their fellow OFWs who are also facing the same
scenarios.
Families of the OFWs. The results of this study will help them understand their family
member’s situation while working abroad and appreciate their efforts in supporting their families.
SSS, PhilHealth, POEA and OWWA. The results of this study will help these agencies
strengthen their services. It includes workers training, case management, custodial services,
repatriation assistance, and other welfare assistance for all the overseas Filipino workers.
Future Researchers. This study will help the student researchers to be aware and
knowledgeable of the experiences and insight of the Filipino nurses working abroad. This can
also serve as a reference point to the future and aspiring researchers to create pertinent results
to their studies.
1.4 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This research focuses on finding out the lived experiences of OFW nurses as a whole
and will show the relation of each factor with one another. Previous studies and research will be
used as references in finding out the factors that lead them to work abroad. This study will also
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not cover other factors that do not affect OFW nurses who chose to work abroad. Other OFWs
which do not fall as part of the nursing healthcare profession are not within the scope of this
research. This study will be utilized by conducting an interview with the participants via online
video conferencing platforms.
1.5 Definition of Terms
To facilitate the understanding of this study, different terms are defined herein.
Nurses. Promotes healthy lifestyles, advocate for patients, provide health education, and
directly care for many patients. The exact functions of nurses have changed somewhat over the
years; however, their importance in healthcare remains evident. (Paharia, 2022). In this study,
two (2) participants are working as emergency nurses, and the other one (1) is working as an
operating nurse.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Filipinos who are employed in foreign countries
(Sabio and Sabio, 2022). In this study, the term is used for Filipino nurses migrants with Filipino
citizenship who have lived and worked outside the Philippines.
Migration. Commonly understood as movement to and residency in another nation-state
from a previous country of residence, migration refers to the decisions, practices and
movements of scores of people who move and crisscross national dividing lines in various ways
and for various reasons and timespans (Scheel et al., 2019). In this study, the term refers to
growing numbers of Filipino nurses move within countries and across borders, looking for better
employment opportunities and better lifestyles. The three (3) participants migrated to New
Zealand, The United Kingdom and Oman.
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Lived experiences. Personal knowledge about the world gained through direct, first-
hand involvement in everyday events rather than through representations constructed by other
people (Oxford). In this study, it refers to the personal experiences and decisions of Filipino
nurses working abroad, as well as the lessons and knowledge they gained.
Hospitals. A hospital is a crucial part of the health system. It provides outpatient,
inpatient, and emergency medical care for sick and injured people (Mehta, 2022). In this
research, hospitals denote the establishments in which the mentioned nurses work.
CHAPTER II
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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Introduction
This chapter will begin by outlining the rationale behind people's migration, particularly
from developing to developed nations. The focus is then reduced to nurses in the context of
healthcare professionals. The next section of the chapter presents various types of literature on
nurses' choices and experiences with migration and workforce integration. The types of
literature chosen capture the theories and concepts discussed in the previous chapter while also
reflecting earlier research on the subject.
2.1 The Migration
Migration as defined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2019) is “the
movement of persons away from their place of usual residence, either across an international
border or within a State”. Although migration cannot be adequately explained by a single
overarching theory, this is a more concise explanation of a complicated and varied subject. In
line with the topic of the study, the focus is given to international migration, especially the
movement of people from developing countries to developed countries. A common reason for
migration at the individual or microlevel, regardless of geography, is an increase in one's
earning potential. Leaving their current location or place of origin and relocating somewhere
more prosperous economically. Migration is therefore a common alternative, especially for
individuals looking for a better life. High skilled and low skilled labor migrants make up a
significant fraction of the global population of international migrants due, in part, to people's
desire to increase their earning potential. According to International Labor Organization ILO
estimates (2018) 164 million people are migrant workers out of the 258 million international
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migrant population. This explains the high percentage in the distribution of migrant workers to
these parts of the globe.
2.2 Nurses Abroad
The shortage of qualified nurses is a problem of growing concern in many countries.
Recruitment of internationally trained nurses has been used to address this shortage, but
successful integration in the workplace is complex and resource intensive. For effective
recruitment and retention, it is important to identify why nurses migrate and if their expectations
are met to ensure their successful integration and promote a satisfying work climate for the
entire nursing team (Roth et. al, 2021). The rise in global life expectancy plus the need for long-
term care puts definite pressure in the health care sector. This equates to an increasing demand
for health care workers not just in developed countries but in developing countries as well.
According to the World Health Organization’s Global strategic directions for nurses and
midwives (2016), 50% of the entire health care workforce is constituted by nurses and midwives,
an estimated 20.7 million out of the 43.5 million health workers. Despite a large number of
health care workers globally, this supply still does not meet the demand. This need for health
care workers has always been constant in high-income countries as evidenced by the
continuous flow of healthcare workers from source countries belonging to low-income or middle-
income countries (Arguelles, 2019).
2.3 Experiences of OFWs
Language Barrier/Importance of Communication
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Once the migration has taken place the next step of any migrant would be to integrate into the
society of the country. Integration is the two-way process of mutual adaptation between
migrants and the societies in which they live, whereby migrants are incorporated into the social,
economic, cultural and political life of the receiving community IOM (2019). Integration to society
is essential for the continuation of migration, especially for those migrants seeking to remain in
their chosen country of residence permanently. OFW nurses face language difficulties that are
said to cause much stress on their part. Generally, nurses noted like experiences and applied
similar strategies regardless of setting, country, or language. Language barriers complicated
care delivery while increasing stress and workload ( Gerchow et al., 2020). Because of the
language barrier heavily impacts the nurses’ efficiency to work abroad. That’s why it is vital for
them to adjust to their new environment in order to work efficiently.
Assessment and Recognition of Credentials
The assessment and recognition of credentials are another matter OFW nurses must go
through. Each country has its criteria for the credentials to be recognized as equivalent to that of
their host country before they are allowed to practice nursing. Nursing is a regulated profession,
which is the reason for these assessments. That's why some OFW nurses first select countries
with more relaxed standards for nurse registration. More often than not, the road to acquiring
equivalence with the host country's nursing criteria is complicated. The nurses' migration to
South East Asia and the Middle East are due to these countries' lenient language requirements
(SNB, 2019; UAE, 2017). This criterion is dependent on where the nurses are from. The
minimum level for nurses from outside the EU/EEA is Upper Intermediate. This should be
accomplished before they are allowed to register for the assessment of credentials as a nurse or
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health personnel (Helsedirektoratet, 2018, October 31). Nurses are expected to pass the
Intermediate language level as well as the theoretical and practical exams to be a registered
nurse (Mosuela, 2019).
Incentives of Being Abroad
Living abroad gives one the opportunity to explore new surroundings and interact with
other cultures. International work experience can play a key role in enhancing productivity as it
helps to build skills which benefit individuals and society. Working abroad gives them more
opportunities and chances to make a better life. With this they can support their family back in
their native land. They can enhance their living and can help other family members who have
intentions of working abroad as they give advice and insights based on their experience of being
OFW. According to Bhattacharjee (2023), for those who have a love or interest in helping
others, becoming a nurse is a rewarding career. One of the benefits of working as a nurse
overseas is the opportunity to gain fresh experiences and perhaps even explore unorthodox
career options. Working abroad can be a motivating experience and perhaps help you develop
new talents that will advance your career.
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
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3.1 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What are the experiences of Filipino nurses working in other countries?
● Kamusta ang pagtrato sang mga colleagues mo sang 1st year mo ubra
abroad?
● Sa first duty mo abroad, ano ang una mo na face nga problem?
● Agi mo bala naisip mag balik diri sa pilipinas tungod sa homesick?
● Naka experience ka bala sang language barrier sa imo mga pasyente?, Ano
ang imo gin ubra?
● Paano ka ginatrato sang mga ibang lahi nga pasyente mo?
● Paano ka nag adjust sa bag o nga environment, mga new patients kag
colleagues?
2. Why did Filipino nurses choose to work abroad?
● Nga ah sa abroad mo ging pili nga mag ubra kag indi diri saaton?
● Naka agi ka bala ubra diri sa pilipinas antis magpa-abroad?
● Sin o/sanday sin o ang rason kung nga ah ging pili mo magparayo kag mag-ubra
abroad?
● Ano ang kinalain sang sistema dira sang pag ubra kaysa diri saaton sa pilipinas?
● Ano ang kinapareho sang pag-ubra diri saaton sa pilipinas sa dira sa abroad?
● Ano ang mga benepisyo sang pag ubra dira sa abroad?
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● May chansa bala nga mabag o ang imo isip kag diri nalang mag-ubra sa
pilipinas?
● Pila kaw ka years diri Philippines as a nurse kag ngaa nagsaylo ka sa abroad
3.What are the advice and lessons gained by Filipino nurses after working abroad?
● Sa more than 8 years mo nga pag-obra dira sa abroad, ano bala ang mga
natutunan mo nga leksyon hatungod sa imo mga na-experience o naagyan
sa imo kabuhi sa abroad nga pwede mo maishare ?
● Ano ang mga payo o advice nga pwede mo maihatag sa mga gabalak mag
ubra abroad o sa mga pareho saamon nga estudyante nga may handom mag
ubra sa mga hospitals sa ibang bansa?
3.2 PARTICIPANTS
The target population has a criterion that was followed, which was that participants
should be registered nurses in the Philippines and be currently employed as operating room and
emergency room nurses in Oman, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, whose work
experience ranges from 8 to 10 years. Among the three participants that are going to be
interviewed online, two are female and one is male. The age of the participants during the time
of data collection ranged from 34 for the youngest to 49 for the oldest.
Respondent “Lynette” is a 49-year-old female. She was able to work for a year at St.
Paul's Hospital. Then she applied as a healthcare assistant to come to the UK. She worked in a
nursing home for a couple of years until she got her citizenship visa. Then, after that, she
applied at the NHS Hospital as a healthcare assistant in operating rooms. She was referred by
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her manager to a secondment program and later graduated from Sheffield Hallam University
with distinction and got a job at NHS Hospital. She has been working for more than 13 years
now as an operating room nurse, with a wide range of experience in different specialties.
Respondent "Jeri" is a 34-year-old female. She has six months of experience working in
the medical ICU at St. Paul's Hospital. She then began working for 1.5 years in the medical and
surgical ward. She then spent the following two years in a public hospital, Rep. Pedro G. Trono
Memorial Hospital. She has now been working as an emergency room nurse in New Zealand for
8 years.
Respondent “Zenon” is a 37-year-old male. He has five years of nurse experience at
Iloilo Doctors Hospital in the medical/surgical ICU and post-anesthesia care unit. He also has an
additional year and a half of experience in Libya as an emergency nurse and eight years at
Diwan of the Royal Court Health Complex in Oman as an emergency nurse and paramedic.
The respondents were chosen purposefully. They were chosen according to their work
profession. Also, they were very willing to deeply share their struggles, coping mechanisms, and
views as overseas Filipino workers.
3.3 DATA GATHERING METHOD
This study used an interviewing technique and a narrative style of research. Convenient
sampling was utilized expressly to choose the respondents. Due to the numerous time zones,
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the interview was conducted at the interviewees' convenience. Zoom sessions and Google Meet
were used for the online video conferencing portion of the participant interviews. All the
interviewee's responses were captured on tape, and the meeting's screen was also recorded.
The respondents' responses were then written down and analyzed.
3.4 DATA ANALYSIS
This study used Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis method. Once the data was
transcribed, it was then coded, analyzed, interpreted, and verified. The process of transcribing
the interviews can help the researcher gain a better understanding of the subject by repeatedly
listening to and reading the transcribed interviews. Coding the data began once all the data was
fully transcribed. The data collected will be translated into a prominent and intelligible language.
The data was then analyzed, categorized, and organized into themes and further sub-themes
that emerged through the reviewing process. The next stage involved interpreting the data by
identifying any recurring themes and highlighting any similarities and differences in the data. The
final stage involved data verification, which involves checking the validity of the understanding
by rechecking the transcripts again.
3.5 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Ethical consideration is a collection of principles and values that should be followed while
doing human affairs. The ethical considerations make sure that no one acts in a way that is
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harmful to society or an individual. It refrains people and organizations from indulging in vicious
conduct (Bhasin, 2020). It is also important to ensure that research is conducted in a
responsible and respectful manner and to maintain public trust in the research process. In this
regard, the researchers carefully selected participants who had lived experiences, met the
criteria related to the study, and were willing to participate. This selection process was
conducted to ensure that the researchers had the opportunity to gain insight into the unique
experiences of this group of nurses. The researchers also made sure that the participants were
given prior insight into what the study is all about, giving them the chance to ensure that they
could carry on in sharing their experiences and trials that they have encountered during the time
they worked abroad that may trigger several emotions brought about by the past events. Before
conducting the interview, the participants signed a consent and were given ideas about the
purpose of the study, the method used and any potential risks or benefits of participating. Also,
the researchers were informed about their own limits as well as the participants'. In addition, the
research team gave freedom to the participants regarding how they answered the interview
questions. They were also briefed that personal and sensitive questions should be asked
privately. The researchers followed ethical principles and considerations to guarantee that all the
necessary precautions are in place.
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
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Being an OFW is the bravest thing one can do. It can be a silver lining of hope and
opportunities to others, and to some, it is a sacrifice one needs to commit to achieve a life they
always dreamed of. It has never been simple to work overseas. It presents a significant hurdle
for Filipino nurses to choose to work abroad. They occasionally run into circumstances that
make living abroad a mixed bag of emotions. It includes discrimination, homesickness, and
language barrier. However, the desire for career enhancement, the dream of working in another
country, and to give their family back home a comfortable life is bigger than the challenges they
encountered. Their decision to work abroad has altered their life and created significant effects
on their future. The experiences and insights they have led them to be the person they are right
now. No matter how hard things go for Filipino nurses working in a country far from what they
are used to, they will still be able to adapt to changes and gain insights from their experiences.
This chapter is centered on the presentation of the themes regarding the experiences,
reasons and advice gained by Filipino nurses after working abroad. The thematic analysis
revealed nine main themes: Language creates barriers, Emotional and cultural bewilderment,
Journey to adaption, Diversity of patients and colleagues, Well compensated work, Advanced
healthcare system, Leaving home for living, There’s no place like home and Learned
experiences give words of wisdom. The first theme focuses on participants’ struggles with the
language of the country from which they migrated and how they cope with this issue. The
second theme is all about the culture shocks that the participants experienced in the new
country and how they affected their mental and emotional well-being. The third theme is all
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about how the participants adjusted to their new surroundings when they initially arrived in their
respective countries of employment. The fourth theme discusses how the patients and
coworkers of the participants treated them. The fifth theme follows, revealing holistic
improvements in the participants' salaries. The sixth theme talks about how advancements in
the healthcare system helped them fulfill their jobs. The seventh theme then tells the main
reasons why the participants choose to leave their home and work abroad. The eighth theme
includes the rationale and conditions for the participants' return home, and the last theme is all
about the lessons and advice obtained by the participants.
LANGUAGE CREATES BARRIERS
Language is a principal method for human interaction and communication. It is a
medium for humans to share words, interpret actions, and avoid misunderstandings that can
lead to conflicts. Thus, the inability to comprehend and use the different languages of different
countries can be a barrier, especially for nurses migrating to work in a foreign country.
The participants in this study collectively agreed that they faced language barriers (LB)
in their jobs as nurses. According to Nurse Jeri, she sometimes can’t understand what her
patients are saying, but people in New Zealand are kind enough to repeat what they’ve said so
she can understand them. Nurse Lynette also mentioned that the foremost problem she
encountered while working in the United Kingdom is LB. Furthermore, Nurse Zenon stated that
LB is normal especially when you are foreign to a country and that sometimes, all you can
simply understand is when they say “yes” or “no”. He also mentioned that he had no choice but
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to learn the new language so that he can talk to the patients and there are instances when he
had to call the attention of the locals to translate for him. He said that he was finally able to cope
up with the situation after 1-2 years of his work.
In this kind of situation, it is evident that communication is the most major barrier to
workforce integration. The ability to communicate in the host country’s language is important in
a nurse’s integration not only for their workplace but in its society as well. Language
communication is vital in the healthcare field for nurses and that proper use of language also
means safe patient care.
Extract: “Next question naka experience ka bala sang language barrier sa imo mga
pasyente?, Ano ang imo gin ubra?” (Interviewer)
“Sometimes they would say things that you don't understand, but, you can always ask…
like you could always…uhm…tell them to repeat what they've said, you can always uhm…
they're kind enough, I mean, I'm not sure in other countries, but here in New Zealand…they…I
haven't really experienced any bullying at work, any bullying with patients, any racist uhm…”
(Jeri)
“So…so…uhm as a nurse here, in United Kingdom, when we first came in here, when
we first came, we, well you’ve got the discrimination, the problem, uhm…language ah barrier,
uhm…home sickness, and uhm I think the uhm adapting to the uhm cultures here in England is
different from ours. So, I think that is the foremost uhm problems that we encounter. “ (Lynette)
“Indi ka muna mag struggle gid sa, but you have to learn kay kami, like sa nature ka work ko,
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usually kung kis a gina butang kami sa triage, mag hambal kaw nga triage daw ikaw ma
segregate ka pasyente kung sa emergency or non-emergency so you really have to talk to the
patients, way kaw choice ikaw ma isturya sa pasyente so you have to learn kay indi man tanan
ka maan mag english kapin pa kung mga mal am ma encounter mo and you always uh you
always uh.. nu gani ni ah ah call the attentions sang mga upod mo nga mga locals just in case
for example na budlayan kaw,para buligan ikaw “ (Zenon)
Extract: “So bale over time nak adjust kaw sa anda nga lenguwahe dba?” (Interviewer)
“Huo, mga a year or two ok na.” (Zenon)
EMOTIONAL AND CULTURAL BEWILDERMENT
There is a specific style of living that people learn and adapt to in each of the countries
where they were raised. It encompasses the customs, traditions, social mores, and even laws
that they follow daily. These patterns of life are difficult to change, but in the participants' case,
they must be eliminated and replaced with new ones to successfully integrate into society and
the workforce of the country they are working in.
All the participants agreed that when they had their first overseas assignment, they had
to navigate unfamiliar traditions, which first confused them and made them feel astonished. Jeri
said that her first overseas assignment was at a nursing home, and she was moved by the plight
of the elderly residents whose families live just one hour away yet decide to place them in
nursing homes. She said the difficulties she had as a foreigner were mainly on the "emotional
part." She also stated that the OFW nurses' training program in New Zealand is extremely
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different from that in the Philippines. She added that, in contrast to the Philippines, where
preceptors act as their mentors during their training, nurses in New Zealand are left to learn on
their own and complete tasks independently. This illustrates how relocating to a foreign nation
and assimilating the local culture may be difficult on both a physical and mental level. According
to Lynnette, everyone in the UK simply goes through the same routine of going to work and
returning home. While they could take a break, if they truly wanted to cut costs, they should be
as constant as they can. She must thus adopt this way of life to meet her demands while
working abroad as well as those of her family in her home country. Zenon said that cultural
shock might occur when visiting another country because of the disparities in local behaviors
and customs. He counsels exercising caution before acting, particularly in a Muslim nation like
Oman. He also talks about his personal experience of living in Libya and the challenges he
faced due to the absence of a justice system and the prevalence of violence. He mentions
feeling anxious and lacking peace of mind during his stay in Libya. However, he contrasts this
with his experience in Oman, where he found the locals to be friendly and accommodating like
Filipinos.
Extracts: Second is, uhm…sa first duty mo abroad, ano ang una mo nga na face nga problem?
(Interviewer)
"Sa first duty ko…here, honestly, because uhm…I worked, I have my, I have to…I have to
like uh, have my clinical training. In a rest home for like…four (4) weeks as part of our clinical
training to get our New Zealand license. So, that is my first exposure here in New Zealand and
in… working in a rest home, because we don't have rest home in the Philippines, I mean we do
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have, but it's not…I haven't work in a rest home before, so, it's more of like I feel…I feel bad, I
feel sad, for…for the elderly people who…who their kids or whose their families just around, like
it's…the family is just like an hour drive away, but they still prefer sending their parents, their
elderly parents in the rest home, so I feel bad for them. I feel like it's more…because my first
exposure is a rest home, I feel like it's more of the emotional….emotional part of it not really of
the clinical, but if you ask me about…my…first uhm…experience, first day in a hospital
setting…uhm…however, it's different, uhm…first, first day…of my…exposure to a hospital, like
as a nurse, uhm…it's, it's a bit difficult because the training, unlike in the Philippines, you are
being spoon-feed. When we say it's our first day, we have, we have, uhm…preceptors, like we
have someone with us all the time to teach us every step, every step of the way. Here in New
Zealand…because they know you have experience, you have background, you have
uhm…(stuttering) i-you are internationally qualified, so they don't really spoon-feed you in
training, you have to do it yourself, you have to learn by yourself which is more challenging.
(Jeri)
So our next question ma’am is, what are the similarities and differences sa pagubra mo
diri sa Philippines kag dira sa abroad? (Interviewer)
"uhm I think the uhm adapting to the uhm cultures here in England is different from ours.
So, I think that is the foremost uhm problems that we encounter". (Lynnette)
"Environment wise and your lifestyle will get changed and here, you have here, you
sometimes like work home and work and home so you don’t have the, if you want to save
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money you just have to do that work and then you just go home and then you should just have a
rest and
(inaudible) that’s what you do". (Lynette)
"You have to work hard, because you've got nobody to depend on. Okay so ummm… I
think that’s why, you what, when Filipinos come here, they always think that “Oh, I have to earn
money here”, so, that’s always a goal so it depends on your what what what you like to be in the
future tho so if you if you want to earn money and send back home or investment or ummm…
whatever your you can just do work home, work home". (Lynette)
Extracts: So the next question sir is sa first duty mo abroad, ano ang una mo na face nga
problem? (Interviewer)
"Ah una gid sa tanan sa abroad ah medjo ma culture shock ka, culture shock ikaw kay
syempre ang mga practices kang mga tawo diri lain, muslim country, so medjo.. better be
careful sa hulag mo, although ang mga omanies mabuot". (Zenon)
JOURNEY TO ADAPTATION
Adapting to a new culture and way of life can be a daunting task for anyone, especially
for those who work overseas. In this regard, Zenon, Jeri, and Lynette, who have worked in
Oman, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, respectively, have experienced this firsthand.
However, they have learned to cope and adapt, as they shared in their experiences.
In the years that they had worked in Oman, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, all
three (3) participants stated that they had learned to cope with and adapt to the new ways of life
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and culture abroad. Zenon said he hadn't been too concerned about adapting to his new
environment, given that people around him were very kind and welcoming, and they became his
family abroad, unlike what he had experienced in his previous country of work, which was Libya.
Jeri shared that through her years of work experience in New Zealand, she has come to
adapt to the idea and practice of placing elderly family members in rest homes. She eventually
adjusted to the certain culture of the locals in New Zealand and became open to the idea of it,
and her journey to adaptation took her an estimated six (6) years. The working atmosphere in
the United Kingdom, according to Lynette, is not that far from what she was previously exposed
to in her own country, which is the Philippines; thus, she adapted quickly and successfully.
Despite working in different countries, they managed to cope with the strangeness of the
environment they lived in. Depending on their responses, their coping mechanisms differ from
each other. It shows that the characteristics of the people around them affect how well they fit
into that environment. Furthermore, it shows that time plays an important role in the adaptation
process. One thing that can ease the struggle of OFW nurses in adjusting tonew surroundings
and lifestyles is the similarities between the host country's culture and environment and the
country in which they have decided to migrate and work. One of the participants, Lynette,
explained that she did not really struggle to fit in and adjust to the new environment, especially
since the United Kingdom work environment is not that different from the Philippines.
It just goes to show that the rapid progress of the adjustment process really depends on
the countries to which OFW nurses move and the environment in which they live. OFW nurses
may have different ways or means to deal with the cultural and environmental differences of
their host country and workplace, but at the end of the day, they must find the sources or means
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to successfully adapt to the new environment, system, culture, and lifestyles to achieve
successful workforce integration and a comfortable life abroad.
Extracts: "So the next question sir is sa first duty mo abroad, ano ang una mo na face
nga problem?" (Interviewer)
"but diri sa oman it was a totally different story kay ang mga omanies nami gid batasan
du mga pinoy lng, so ok gid, way man gid". (Zenon)
"Next is paano ka nag adjust sa bago nga environment, mga new patients kag
colleagues?" (Interviewer)
"Adjustment, indi man gid tama ka, indi man tama ka buhay gid ang adjustment kay
swerte man ko sa mga imaw ko mga nami, we beacme friends, we became family tapus ah
adjustments sa colleagues, ang good thing is pag abot namon ma feel mo bala nga welcome ka
gid tapos ah, they are wiiling to help, tapos all the time nga kinahanglan mo bulig nila they never
think twice nga mag bulig kanimo, so it was a, ma hambal ko nga it was a pretty easy nga
journey kapin pa sa mga una kay ang iban syempre first time nila mag abroad du ka, du ka…du
ga struggle gid eh ti kay syempre depende man sa work place nga ging adtunan mo." (Zenon)
"So just a follow up question, so since you’ve shared your experiences with us uhm ano
sa tingin mo ang pinagid nga indi mo maliptan nga experience nga naka affect kanimo as an
individual?" (Interviewer)
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"I think the… the one I.. I uh wouldn’t forget is my first day in rest home cause I went
home crying cause I.. I don’t understand why... why people will just leave their parents in rest
home alone when they are just you know one hour away. Uhm I feel bad for them, uh it was
really a bad experience, (inaudible) not really a bad experience, it was really a different kind of
experience.
Uhm but now i understand why. Uhm that was like six years ago, that was like my first day, I
feel bad for... Whenever I see elderly in a rest home I feel sorry for them, bad for them but six
years after like now I realized it’s better..uhm I realized better that these elderly are in the rest
home cause they are well taken cared off instead of them being alone at home cause usually
like in the hospital cause I work in an emergency- emergency room.. Emergency department, so
usually (inaudible) our elderly patients who had a fall usually are those who are living at home..
Alone, so if I was the daughter of that uh patient that elderly patient, I would rather put my mom
in a rest home so that there's a nurse or someone looking after her rather than her being alone
at home".
(Jeri)
"Uhm…pano kaw nag adjust sang bag o nga environment, pasyente kag nga
colleagues?" (Interviewer)
"So I think it's just a matter of uhm…yeah…you adjust, you cope…and you get on, on it,
you ge-get on, yeah, just move on and yeah". (Jeri)
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"Uhm last question Ma’am under our main question nga what are your experiences. So,
the transition of your work environment, how you adapt to it maam to the changes sa palibot
mo, sa mga system sing work mo kaysa diri sa pilipinas?" (Interviewer)
"Ok,so I think the work environment, I think it’s just same in the Philippines though. Sa
clinical environment, but they may have in here they may have different like policies. uhm, I
think it quite bit a different policies that we have in the Philippines. In terms of clinical. Uhm…I
think, the caring, the basic caring of patient, I think is still the same".(Lynette)
DIVERSITY OF PATIENTS AND COLLEAGUES
Meeting foreigners with various viewpoints and nations is a part of migrating abroad.
Taking care of patients with diversified cultures has been described as a complex and
challenging issue faced by nurses especially abroad. Additionally, one of the key elements in
creating an efficient nursing workforce among them is the nurses' individual cultural knowledge
and comprehension of the cultures of their colleagues.
In this study, all three (3) participants admitted that they had neither the worst nor most
difficult interactions with their patients or colleagues abroad. Although Nurse Lynette said that
when they first came to the United Kingdom, they experienced discrimination and were treated
like foreigners, which was the foremost problem they faced, eventually, they gained friends and
created a family with their colleagues. As for Nurse Zenon, he stated that the Omani locals are
the friendliest Arabs he has met. Lastly, Nurse Jeri noted that the first difficulty she experienced
was language because she must speak english at work constantly. However, when it comes to
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her patients, the locals treat them well, and she is well respected as a nurse, particularly during
the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be inferred from this that every person has a unique experience
with others.
Extracts: “Kamusta ang pagtrato sang mga colleagues mo sang 1st year mo ubra abroad?”
(Interviewer)
“So…so…uhm as a nurse here, in United Kingdom, when we first came in here, when
we first came, we, well you’ve got the discrimination, the problem, uhm…language ah barrier,
uhm…home sickness, and uhm I think the uhm adapting to the uhm cultures here in England is
different from ours. So, I think that is the foremost uhm problems that we encounter. But
experience wise uhm you gain friends uhm you create families uhm ah with with a you know
your colleagues and you have to uhm make friends with the you know the British people here."
(Lynette)
"Actually, when I first came here it wasn’t a really a new experience for me. Kay halin
ako sa libya so… when it comes sa treatment sa mga locals and sa mga filipinos nga
colleagues ko actually way man ako nangin…t nangin problema gid kay ang mga omanies ang
mga locals isa sa pinaka..ma hambal mo nga pinakamabuot nga mga arabo sa gcc and sa mga
colleagues ko so far…may mga.. there is some conflict kung kis a nga naga arise pero very
minor natural lang sa isa ka workplace." (Zenon)
" Okay. So sa first year, uhm…this is my first time working abroad,so…I don't really have
any experience of…working with other nationalities. So, it was a bit difficult at first, first because
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English is our second language, and you have to speak English all the time when you are at
work.
So probably that's the first thing in mind that I would uhm, think as a barrier." (Jeri)
" Uhm…pano ka gin trato sang mga iban nga lahi nga mga pasyente mo?" (Interviewer)
"I think at first in our area, because it is just few nurses here , so, I But first, I think, it's
just uhm we are treated like a foreigner." (Lynette)
"So far way pa man gid ko ti may na encounter nga daw worst scenario." (Zenon)
"Uhm…cause here in New Zealand, you don't only have patients who are New
Zealand…New Zealanders. You also have different uhm… kinds of patient, like you have
British, you have American, you have…Filipino, you know, you have different uhm…it's
multicultural. So…uhm…yeah, I think they are, they are okay. They, they don't really, really
racist, if you are thinking about it, but uhm…yeah…they al- they're treating us good, especially
with nurses, they have high respect for nurses. Specially, with this COVID and all that, so, they
are really very good with nurses." (Jeri)
WELL COMPENSATED WORK
In the Philippines, nursing is a popular career choice, and for many Filipino nurses, it is
not just a profession but a way of life. Filipino nurses are known for their dedication to their
patients and their commitment to providing the best possible care. In the Philippines, where
poverty and economic hardship are common, many Filipino nurses strive to provide a better life
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for their families. In light of this reality, it's not surprising that many Filipino nurses are willing to
make whatever sacrifices and take whatever risks are necessary to work abroad and earn a
greater salary. Many Filipino nurses face significant obstacles and challenges when they leave
their home country to work abroad, but the potential to improve their own and their families' lives
motivates them to push through the adversity.
As Nurse Lynette and Zenon stated that one of the benefits of working abroad is the
ability to help and support the family in terms of financial matters. Their goal was to increase
their salary so they could put more money aside for their families. The higher the salary and
better benefits that are often offered in other countries can help them provide for their loved
ones. Adding it all up, it is evident from all of the responses that each one is traveling abroad for
the same reason— to live better lives by earning a high salary.
Extracts: "Next, ano ang mga benepisyo sang pag ubra dira sa abroad?" (Interviewer)
"So um, working abroad, ang benefits is umm…maybe I could earn my own money, I
could afford whatever I want to buy, I could help my family and you can just… and uhh… I think
that’s all yours, spending your own money and then umm being, you, you meet people, you
meet friends and uhh… and I think you learn a lot easy now because they they give you the a
lot of umm… trainings and umm…and I think the the reasons, is, do whatever you gonna, it can
plan for your future, I think that’s it. (confused) Hello?" (Lynette)
"Benepisyo …. Ang una gid nga benepisyo is salary, kay syempre rayo-rayo gid sa
sweldo dyan sa Pinas, amo gid ran ang pinaka binipisyo na. Ikaduha…ahh…kahit paano
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nakasuporta ako sa pamilya ko. Nataw an ko ka… lets say ahh… ok ok ahhh pwede nga kabuhi
nga kung may gusto kaw bala daw… maskin paano mabakal mo, may gusto kaw kan on
mabakal mo, daw indi ka duman karan mabudlayan teh amo gid karan. So amo ran,
makabinipisyo, tapos syempre maka meet kaw ka iban nga tawo gya, duro ang set of friends
mo don. Pareho ka mga migo ko nga ran dyan sa dalom galantaw kami basketball, sa mga
pihak balay. Man an mo gya daw Pilipinas lang mo.. Ga gwa kaw shorts kung ano bayo mo sa
Pilipinas nga nagasando mo kag naga shorts amo man ran gya, libot-libot lng, kung kis ahh gani
mag grocery ko lipat ko amo dya ang bayo ko. Although sa Arab country dapat kahit paano
naka pantalon kaw teh syempre
Muslim country very strict man,pero di sa Oman kay teh open sya unlike sa Saudi nga very
strict gid, diri sa Oman open. So ang mga tawo so ang mga tawo used na sa ahh…. mga sexy
nga makita da sa dalan, kapin pa duro ang maputi gya ehh… duro ang mga puti, so kita mo ang
mga puti way man sila, waay na sila ga ano… way na gahambal nga may bayo gd nga tabon
tabon.
So kung mag adto ka sa resort na, adto kaw sa resort makita mo ran mga naga two piece teh
dyan man ang mga Arabu teh ok man lang so… daw Pilipinas lang."(Zenon)
ADVANCE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
In a world where health is a fundamental human right, the need for a better healthcare
system cannot be overemphasized. A better healthcare system provides high-quality,
accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare services to all individuals in a given population.
It may include modernized equipment, efficient systems for delivering care, well-trained
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healthcare professionals, and effective policies and regulations that promote health and prevent
disease.
Nurse Jeri's statement emphasized the need for modernized equipment in hospitals to
improve patient care outcomes. In New Zealand, Jeri currently works in a hospital that has the
latest technology available for diagnosing and treating patients. This improves their quality of life
and health outcomes, in contrast to hospitals in the Philippines, which may not have adequate
equipment. Jeri and Lynette mentioned that working abroad offers great learning opportunities
for acquiring advanced medical knowledge and developing their skills. This is because nurses
get exposure to different healthcare systems and techniques, which gives them a broader
perspective on nursing practices and allows them to develop more skills. Additionally, every
country has a different healthcare system, which means that working overseas opens up more
opportunities for nurses to expand their technical knowledge and expertise.
Extract: Next, ano ang kinalain sang sistema dira sang pag ubra kaysa diri saaton sa
pilipinas?
(Interviewer)
Uhm… in New Zealand, like here, we have one (1) month of training, we have uhm
different device that we can learn, uhm even with just- you know, vital signs, it’s all- we don’t
use manuals anymore unless-unless we need to, in the Philippines, you have to use
manual..blood pressure taking, uhm…even the…(inaudible) IV fluids, it’s I think its more uhm its
more advance here in New Zealand. (Jeri)
Extract: Okay umm... Next ma’am is, what are the benefits of working abroad na currently mo
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ma’am na experience? (Interviewer)
“So um, working abroad, ang benefits is umm…maybe I could earn my own money, I
could afford whatever I want to buy, I could help my family and you can just… and uhh… I think
that’s all yours, spending your own money and then umm being, you, you meet people, you
meet friends and uhh… and I think you learn a lot easy now because they they give you the a
lot of umm… trainings and umm…and I think the the reasons, is, do whatever you gonna, it can
plan for your future, I think that’s it. (confused) Hello?” (Lynette)
LEAVING HOME FOR A LIVING
Every person has dreamed of a greener pasture, of living in a place where there are
bigger opportunities and the stability of a high income. Filipino nurses left to pursue the chances
of lifting their family situations and chasing their dreams. Not only the personal reasons of
Filipino nurses fueled their decision to leave the country, but also the unstable economy and
inadequate wages in their own country were obvious factors.
The three participants mutually stated that they decided to work abroad because of
financial matters. According to nurse Lynette, except financially, working abroad has been her
dream since she was a child. For nurse Jeri, the benefits and a better healthcare system are
one of the reasons she applied to work abroad. She also added that the workloads in New
Zealand are much smaller and easier compared to the hospitals in the Philippines, and their
hard work is paid for. On the contrary, nurse Zenon chose to work abroad for his parents to
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compensate for the sacrifices they made for him. This implies that everyone has a goal that they
want to achieve, and going abroad is a key factor in that.
Extracts: “So, uhm…our… research question is why did Filipino nurses choose to work
abroad? So ang first questions is nga ah sa abroad mo ging pili nga mag ubra kag indi diri
saaton?” (Interviewer)
“Ah okay, so, probably, I want to help my family umm…financially, but the main the main
the primary the primary goal that I want to go abroad is that it’s my dream since ever since I was
small. I have it in my mind that I’m going abroad, that’s it. Nothing more (smile).” (Lynette)
“Okayyy, uhm… I think the number one ah the number one reason, why filipino nurses
choose to work abroad aside from the money, and the salary I think it’s the benefits? Uhm… tsk,
let’s say the salary is, it would be times ten (10) than what you are receiving or times five (5)
than what you are receiving (ginhawa dalom) back home, like in the Philippines. Uhm… its
good…uhm… but I think it’s- it’s also more of the benefits. Like here abroad, we have good
health ben- like good health system” (Jeri)
“Ang family ko ang nangin inspirasyon ko because I wanted to give back,ka bawi ko kay
nanay kag tatay. I so amo ina ang…. that time amo na mindset ko so gin plan ko nga
magabroad, teh.. syempre sa mga sacrifices ka mga parents to kinanglan tamang mag bawi..”
(Zenon)
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
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Homesickness is inevitable. As Filipino nurses fly a thousand miles from their homeland
to foreign pastures, the battle against homesickness begins. The anxiety starts. The feeling of
surviving the new environment becomes harder. Their hearts silently yearn for warmth and
familiarity. Although two of our participants have never experienced too much homesickness
due to some circumstances, at some point they still want to go back home. Because there's no
place like home.
According to nurse Lynette, going back home has never been a question. She always
thought of coming home, but for now, she still needs to save money. Nurse Jeri also stated that
she had thought of returning home for her child at some point, because they don't have enough
helpers. On the other hand, nurse Zenon really wants to go back home because, according to
him, it is different if you’re with your family; however, he wants to go back if the salary for nurses
increases, and he might just be a businessman if he ever comes back home. The roots will
always be attached to its tree, and everyone will always have the thought of going back to the
place where they grew up, where they started dreaming, and to the place that taught them and
gave them wonderful experiences. Nonetheless, it will depend on each person’s choices and
contentment in life.
Extract: “Sige, third question is agi mo bala naisip mag balik diri sa pilipinas tungod sa
homesick?” (Interviewer)
“That’s actually not a question. We always want to go back to the Philippines it’s our
home and so for now, we are savin much money (inaudible) so I can say that’s it's really not a
question if we wanted to go back. “ (Lynette)
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“Always maskin waay ko gina home sick gusto ko magpuli sa pilipinas kay lain gid kung
imaw mo pamilya mo eh.” (Zenon)
“Uhm…(pause) one point, yes…uhm…I think it was when I have my child and I have…
cause we don't have helpers, we don't have someone who can look after our child, uhm…at one
point, I taught of like, "oh, might as well go back" , because it was so difficult…to raise a child…
just by yourself and your husband. Uhm…homesick, not really, because, I came to
New Zealand, August 2016…and my husband arrived…uhm…May 2017.” (Jeri)
LEARNED EXPERIENCES GIVE WORD OF WISDOM
Experience Is the best teacher they say. The advice and lesson people gain in their
experience in life is not only helpful and meaningful for them, but it can also help and guide
others in life. A little something to share, a little lesson to give is big enough to understand and
appreciate life that we have. This is the part where we gain insights, things to remember, and
the do's and don'ts we need to hear from a wise man.
Every participant had a unique experience and lessons learned while working abroad.
Each of them views things differently because of the opportunities and chances they have. With
this we learned many things, understood, and saw things in different ways. The correct mindset
and the foundation of your decision in going abroad must be sturdy enough, because there are
a lot more things you will encounter, and you will face different challenges. That is the reason
why you need to have an unwavering goal and a fixed mindset to prepare yourself for these
adversities. Patience is a must because there is a right time for everything. Be strong spiritually,
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mentally, and physically, it is important to strengthen those parts of yourself to overcome the
problems you will face. It is also important to bond with your colleagues and patients. Learn to
make friends because it is important that you know how to interact with others and to get along
with them. Those people are the ones that will help you and care for you when you're in need.
Enjoy your work, most importantly you love and enjoy your work. Don't think that everything is
just work, talk to your patients so they will be entertained and so are you. Those are the words
of wisdom we gained from nurse Zenon. The golden advice that we acquire from him is to take
risks, make friends, not just the same Filipinos but also other foreigners. And always keep your
communication with your family and friends strong and intact.
From nurse Lynette, she told us to set a goal, and be determined to achieve it. We
always need to have the will to achieve everything we set our eyes into. Once we have that,
don't give up and do everything that must be done to make it come true. Studying hard and
working hard is the key to reaching your way to the top. That is the lesson that needs to be
noted. For her advice she said that we need to work hard. Be determined to do the things that
you do. And we need to adopt changes that are happening in our life. She said that in
everything we do, we must show the best we can. Study hard and be a good student is our role
that we need to do, because that is our part and responsibilities as the young generations.
Nurse Jeri told us that one of the lessons she learned is to be proud as a Filipino nurse.
Don't be ashamed of the place where you came from, be proud that you are Filipino because
Filipino nurses are respected in other countries. They also work because they love their job just
like nurse Zenon said that we also need to enjoy our job. We also need to use our critical
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thinking and not just do everything the doctors say. You also need to think first and learn things
along the way. Jeri's advice is somewhat the same as Zenon's that we need to be ready and be
prepared mentally and physically. We also need to have a full decision before going abroad.
Make sure that you are also strong and brave enough to do it. She also said that learn every
little thing in your experience and make sure to gain something from it.
Extract: “Okay so third question is about ja sa mga advice nga na gain ka mga filipino nurses.
So first question namon diri is sa more than 8 years mo nga pag obra dira sa abroad ano bala
ang mga natutunan mo nga leksiyon hangod sa imo na experience o na agyan sa imo kabuhi
sa abroad nga pwede mo ma share kanamon? Mga lesson kag mga imo nga ano eh… advice
para kanamon.” (Interviewer)
“Someday kun gusto niyo mag abroad (inaudible) mindset nga hambal da bala mindset
ba kay kun mayad ang mindset mo emotionally, physically, spiritually mangin strong ikaw.”
“Tapos na learn ko pagid kag paano makisama hindi lang mga kapareho ko nga pilipino pati sa
iban man nga lahi (Inaudible).” ”Yes, dapat ang obra gina enjoy hindi pwede nga kun tanan obra
obra.” (Zenon)
“The experience that I wanted to share is always set a goal… so once you have that
goal, you have to uhm… work hard and have a determination and will to achieve it, and don't
give up.” “So, the advice I would give.... is I think word hard, i think uhm… uhm... so i have said
earlier you have to determine uhm… and ahh… (inaudible). I think the best thing is (inaudible).
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For you as a student uhm… you have to work hard and uhm… don't give up on your uhm…
your goal uhm… you what you wanted to be (inaudible).” (Lynette)
“Uhm I think…as a Filipino nurse and you future nurses, I think you should be proud to
be uh..like a filipino nurse? Cause filipino nurses are well respected in other countries like
outside. Uhm, we have special skills, we have uhm... We are very caring as what they were
saying uhm because sometimes nurses just work because of money but filipino nurses work
because they love their work.” “Try to learn everytime you go to for example clinical exposure
uhm make sure that you get something uhm out of it like you... Even those little things uhm and
also before you decide to work abroad make sure that your decision is full, there’s no turning
back. Make sure that you are strong enough, brave enough to.” (Jeri)
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSION
The study explored the lived experiences of Filipino nurses working abroad. The
findings were obtained by utilizing the research questions, which focused on the challenges,
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reasons and advice gained by these Filipino nurses. The thorough analysis of the findings
resulted in linking the participants' experiences to a broader and more general view.
The findings of the study supported the following conclusions that were drawn: First, the
language barrier is the foremost problem that most nurses experience after migrating to other
countries to work, and they have no choice but to learn it to be able to provide safe and effective
patient care. Second, most nurses undergo culture shocks, which has an impact on their mental
and emotional well-being. Third, aside from their own perseverance in adjusting to their new
surroundings, the OFW nurses also received constant help from the locals, which made their
process of adjustments faster. Fourth, nurses who have worked abroad have experienced
improvements in their salaries. This includes them being able to purchase what they desire and
meet their demands. Fifth, hospitals abroad have advanced technology and tools to diagnose
and treat patients that provide more opportunities in developing their skill. Sixth it was family and
their own choices that drove them to leave their homes and migrate abroad to work.
Furthermore, they were all homesick, but most of them chose not to go back home unless the
salaries in the Philippines increased. Lastly, the nurses have been equipped with a lot of
lessons and advice that they can apply in life. Many lessons are gained in this study, and this
includes good mindset, set a goal, work hard, learn to get along with others and most of them
answered that it is important to love and enjoy your work. All of the participants gave a five-star
piece of advice that is surely helpful for those who desire to work overseas. Be determined, be
prepared mentally, physically, and socially, make sure that you are strong and brave enough,
make friends and create bonds with the people around you and last but not the least is to
always keep your connections with your family intact and tight.
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Therefore, going abroad is a huge step to make and a risk they need to take. It has its
advantages and disadvantages. They need to sacrifice something to gain something; "no guts,
no glory," they say. All the participants did everything for the sake of their families and for
themselves. This study concluded that the experiences of Filipino nurses brought them great
opportunities and lessons in their lives.
IMPLICATIONS
There are many reasons why people decide to work abroad, and in this study one of
the most significant reasons is personal choice, or "self-choice." This implies that the decision to
work in another country may not always be due to any hardship or lack of opportunity in their
place of origin but rather a desire to learn new skills and gain the benefits of international work
experience. In today's globalized world, there are vast opportunities in fields such as
technology, education, healthcare, and more, so it is not surprising that many people opt to work
abroad. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that working abroad also comes with its own
set of challenges. Therefore, those who decide to work abroad must prepare themselves for
these possible challenges. This study shows that choosing to work overseas is a serious
decision. Working away from home has serious repercussions. One of these is the barrier to
communication. Language barriers affect OFW nurses' capacity to communicate with patients
and colleagues, which is essential for successful workforce integration. Even if there is said to
be a language barrier, the natives in the aforementioned nations are very kind and help their
foreigners get used to the strange surroundings. Also, one of the challenges faced by OFW
nurses working overseas is missing the love and support of their family members back home,
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but their commitment to meeting their families' needs motivates them to persevere in the middle
of the foreign country. Moreover, the emotional confusion of these OFW nurses is exacerbated
by cultural differences. The feeling of unfamiliarity in terms of the ways of living and culture
makes them experience emotional shocks, but as the years pass on, it becomes more bearable
and the OFW nurses become more familiar in the country they live in. Although they're facing
some challenges on the world stage, working abroad brings great benefits. As a result of their
increase in wages, they may also be able to support family and provide needs and wishes for
themselves. In addition, they would be able to obtain additional training that would enhance their
knowledge and experience in the field of work. Making friends and developing socialization skills
is also evident as they must learn how to connect themselves with people who can help them
deal with the sudden change in their ways of living. This means that, by choosing to work
abroad, they do not just experience challenges but also benefits and satisfactions of doing so.
Taking everything into account, the decision to work abroad is not easy and requires careful
consideration and planning. People must be honest about their capabilities and their goals for
traveling to another country. They must also consider the possibility of culture shock and other
challenges they may face in a new environment.
In many Filipinos, the main reason they leave their families behind to work abroad is not
all of them live a successful life when they desire "a greener pasture." Everything's set in
motion.
There are risks and challenges that must be overcome before achieving any meaningful goal.
This study was conducted to gather data on the various perspectives and experiences of Filipino
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nurses working abroad. As a STEM student, there are several realizations, implications, and
lessons that can be drawn from this study.
This study highlights the importance of being open to opportunities that arise in one's
field of work, regardless of location. It also makes us realize that as STEM students who may
consider working in another country in the future, we should make sure that our decision is firm
and that we must first assess our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual state before making
a big decision. In addition, it highlights the importance of language and cultural awareness in the
healthcare industry, particularly when working in a foreign country. The risk, the struggles, and
the will it takes to survive somewhere far from home should also be taken into account. It
implies that the path to success and improvement in life could start with determination, patience,
a healthy mindset, and diligence.
As a student, we were inspired by the OFW nurses including our participants who work
abroad because they were able to provide the needs of their family back in their home country
and we realized that we could have more opportunities when we work abroad rather than
working here in the Philippines. It also affected our perspective of how we should deal with the
challenges which may come to us. We also understood that we should choose to see the beauty
in everything, even in the struggles we face, the experiences we have and the decisions we
make because it gives us better opportunities and life lessons. Just like what the OFW nurses in
this study do, they have different kinds of experiences, and it all has an impact on their lives,
whether it be good or bad impacts, they are still grateful and happy to have it. To us it is worth
our time and efforts for it gave us insights and understanding of the lived experiences of
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Overseas Filipino Workers, the diary of Filipino nurses. As STEM students, we can learn from
this and prioritize building a support network for ourselves as we navigate our careers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Working globally provides you with a wealth of experience, information, and opportunities
to explore other environments and cultures. Going beyond one's comfort zone can be
stimulating and exhilarating, but adapting to changes and adjusting to the norms requires
perseverance. Working globally provides you with a set of skills as well as a variety of benefits
that will modify your life. From the gathered results of the study and according to the
participants, we strongly recommend that Filipino nurses working in another country should be
proud of themselves for taking a big step and making a hard decision for the betterment of their
family's life conditions. Furthermore, they should be honored for sacrificing and enduring the
hardships they experience in a country where there’s diversity.
Every Filipino nurse has stories to tell and experiences to share. They gained knowledge
and experience through working abroad, shaping them into the people they are now. We cannot
criticize them for leaving their country of origin in pursuit of the ambition of a fulfilling life and
profession. We highly advise them to never doubt their nationalism and patriotism for their native
country since they just place a high value on having a better life and expanding their range of
prospects.
To the family of the OFWs, based on the gathered results and answers of the
participants in this study, we recommend recognizing the difficulties of their relatives' situations,
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appreciate their efforts and initiatives to provide for their families, and to offer support to keep
them from feeling lonely and homesick while working abroad.
To the aspiring nurse students, based on the findings and responses of the participants
in this study, we recommend them to be determined in their pursuit of the profession because it
calls for the greatest level of commitment and tenacity. There are several employment choices
available in the nursing field. If the possibility of working as a nurse overseas exists, we advise
being prepared to deal with numerous challenges and adaptations brought on by the
differences.
To the Government Agencies (OWWA, DOH, SSS, PhilHealth, POEA), based on the
gathered results and answers of the participants in this study, we recommend enhancing their
offerings and strengthening their services. This includes giving more training, case
management, correctional services, assistance with repatriation, and other welfare support.
Since our nation will suffer if this trend persists, it is important to comprehend the roots and
reasons of professional people choosing to migrate or work abroad.
To the science community and medical field, based on the gathered results and answers
of the participants in this study, due to constrained access to educational and career
opportunities, low pay and salary, a lack of resources, and limited health care benefits, nurses
choose to migrate or work abroad. That is why we recommend creating a sustainable health
care industry, improving terrible working conditions, and creating a healthy workplace for nurses
to perform effectively and efficiently alongside their colleagues and patients.
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To the future researchers interested in exploring the experiences of Filipino nurses
working globally, we recommend this several key factors. First, it is important to understand the
cultural, social, and economic issues that may affect Filipino nurses working abroad. Second, a
mixed-methods approach that can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
experiences of Filipino nurses. Third, ethical considerations must be addressed.
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Appendices
Transcripts
INTERVIEW NO. 1:
LANGUAGE USED: KINARAY-A AND ENGLISH
INTERVIEWEE: “Jeri”
INTERVIEWER: Jahnell Shane Alfaro, Carol Nepomuceno, Ma. Reian Julia Noble, and Shan
Andre Estandarte
DATE: April 30, 2023 (Sunday)
TIME DURATION: 8:37-9:05 AM (specifically: 28 mins and 01 seconds)
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SETTLING Zoom Online Video Conference
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Republic of the Philippines

NURSE DIARIES: THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF FILIPINO

NURSES WORKING ABROAD

presented to Faculty and Staff of Senior High School

Academic Track, STEM Strand

of Janiuay National Comprehensive High School

in partial fulfillment for the requirements in Practical Research I

SHAN ANDRE A. ESTANDARTE

KENT NIÑO W. TADLAN

AIRA JELL ZACHYN C. ADELANTAR

DANEILLA GLAD R. ADELANTAR

JAHNELL SHANE L. ALFARO

YVONNE MARIE M. BUÑOL

QUINN ABIGAIL L. LUZARITA

MA. REIAN JULIA V. NOBLE

LEOPOLDO P. QUIÑON JR.

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS

JANIUAY NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Engineering and Mathematics Strand of Janiuay National Comprehensive High School is

hereby approved and accepted.

LEOPOLDO P. QUIÑON JR.

OIC- Assistant Principal for SHS

VICENTE E. SALARDA, Ed. D.

To Parents of Researchers, guided and supported the researchers throughout the

Experiences of Filipino Nurses Working Abroad. Unpublished Study in Practical

Research I, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, Janiuay National

Comprehensive High School, Janiuay, Iloilo, March 2023.

Background of the Study 1

Significance of the Study 2

Scope and Limitations of the Study 3

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES 6

Language Barrier/Importance of Communication 8

Assessment and Recognition of Credentials 8

Incentives of Being Abroad 9

Data Gathering Method 13

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 15

Language creates barriers 16

Emotional and Cultural Bewilderment 18

Diversity of Patients and Colleagues 25

Well Compensated Work 28

Advance Healthcare System 30

Leaving Home for a Living 31

There's No Place Like Home 33

Learned Experiences Give Word of Wisdom 34

V. CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 38

Interview No. 1: (Part 1 ) 48

Interview No. 2: (Part 1 ) 60

Interview No. 3: (Part 1 ) 69

INFORMED CONSENT – PARTICIPANTS 92

1.1 Background of the Study

Drennan & Ross, 2019).

and unskilled Filipino workers to first-world countries.

medical practitioners and have a dream of working abroad.

1.2 Research Questions

1) What are the experiences of Filipino nurses working in other countries?

2) Why did Filipino nurses choose to work abroad?

1.3 Significance of the Study

Filipino nurses working in other countries.

This study is also beneficial to the following individuals: