When it comes to finding the best nursing jobs in the USA for international nurses, it pays to work with a nurse staffing agency that is recommended by your peers. Filipino nurse Ruth Almoguera was recommended to pursue her American dream with Conexus MedStaff by her sister-in-law, who had already received a Green Card and nurse job in the U.S. through us. In this article, we speak to Ruth about her Conexus experience and life in the United States.
Ruth deployed to the USA in September 2023 with her husband. She works with one of our healthcare facility partners in West Virginia. Originally from the Philippines, this is the first time Ruth has lived abroad.
Even though Conexus was recommended to her, Ruth did her own research into nursing jobs in the USA before choosing Conexus as her U.S. nurse hiring agency. “Conexus has a lot of positive reviews,” she explains. “When I first contacted them, they willingly helped and answered my questions. They guided me from the start even though I hadn’t signed anything with them yet. Conexus offered help to start my journey, by recommending NCLEX review centers in the Philippines.”
Her advice to other nurses who want to move to the United States and who are looking for the best international nursing recruitment agencies in the USA is: “Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Information and knowledge will be your tools to adjust to this way of life.”
From day one of exploring nursing jobs in the USA, Ruth’s experience with Conexus as an international nurse recruitment expert was positive. “From the very beginning up until now that I am in the U.S., I must say that they are very hands-on, warm, and helpful. This team will guide you through every step. Even if my questions are just general queries about the United States and not nursing related, they answer and give me all the information I need.”
Since moving to the United States, Ruth claims to have “matured a lot, and learned a lot, too.”
According to Ruth, “arriving in the USA was very challenging but at the same time very exciting because everything is new. I had mixed feelings about leaving the Philippines. It was sad because I would be away from my home, my parents and loved ones, but I was excited start my U.S. nursing career and be independent. It was also terrifying, because my husband and I were going to start our married life in the United States.”
Life and work as a nurse in the United States is different to the Philippines, so Ruth and her husband have had to make adjustments. She says they have become more responsible as a result of their move, and their priorities have changed since leaving the Philippines. They have started getting insurance and saving money, for example.
Ruth says that since moving to rural USA from an urban setting in the Philippines, the biggest change was the way of life in general. “I have to fix all of my bills, and be responsible for our budget and expenses. I’m used to living in a house and now we live in an apartment, but it has all the stuff we need.”
Despite getting used to the changes, she does enjoy her new community in West Virginia. She explains that it’s very peaceful and relaxing. “The people from our community are nice and we feel safe.” There are a lot of free parks that she enjoys with her husband.
In addition to settling into her new home, Ruth has had to adapt to life as an international nurse in the United States, which she describes as being very different from the hospital she worked at in the Philippines. “I have a lot to learn, from machines to computer systems to protocols. Nursing in the U.S. is very independent.”
She admits that there were some difficulties during her settling-in period, but that Conexus was there to guide and protect her. “Now, I enjoy my department because I am starting to get the hang of it, and my workmates are all helpful. I just want to appreciate all the staff of Conexus for all their efforts and guidance.”
One of the things Ruth loves most about her job is being there for patients in their most difficult times. As she describes it, “relatives and friends will always be there in someone’s happiest moments but, whenever you’re sick or ill, I want to be that nurse who gets to be by your side and help you get through it.”
Ruth’s long-term career goal is to be a clinical instructor. “I would love to teach and share my passion for nursing with the younger generation. I want them to have that fire to always serve patients. I will make sure to keep that fire burning in their hearts whenever they are on duty.”
With her strong ambition and continued education opportunities through Conexus Academy, we’re excited to see what the future holds for Ruth.
Would you like to follow in Ruth's footsteps and find the ideal American nurse job for you? Find out how Conexus can help by applying today.