We sometimes hear and see that being a nurse is some of children’s dream. To help and care for the sick or some kids think heal the patients. When I was young, it wasn’t really my first option to become a nurse but it was my mother’s ultimate dream and also because, she herself is a nurse. As children, we want to make our parents happy and proud of us. We’ll do whatever it takes. And because I want to make my mother happy and proud, here I am now.
I am currently living in the country where they call Amsterdam (which is the capital of Netherlands) “The land of freedom.” I am here to fulfill not only my mother’s dream but also my oath to care for my patients. But I tell you, it is not that easy at all to become a nurse abroad. Having a diploma, a nursing license and having graduated with flying colors is not enough. There is so much process, rules and different protocols needed to be followed and done before you can officially and ultimately be a nurse.
Here in Netherlands, foreigners are called “buitenlanders.” So, as I am a “buitenlander,” I still have a long long way to go if I want to be a nurse here in Netherlands. I am still in the process of several dutch examinations, dutch interviews and trainings needed in order to become a nurse. Despite all these challenges I still need to face, I have my Filipino confidence that I can make it here in Netherlands as a nurse. It will be tough, but tough is good and challenge will always be there. But definitely there are times I get rejected by companies and I feel down because my diploma is not high enough that’s why I don’t get the job. But I held my head up high and just keep going. Rejections and failure is a good way for us to learn, grow and become wiser.
For the past few months I have been busting my eyebrows just to learn the very challenging dutch language and took several dutch examinations as a kickstart of my nursing career. During the course of my dutch lessons and examination I was slowly applying in different health care facilities. Despite the corona situation happening I was able to get a temporary job. I recently applied in a globally known society where I can work as a front liner and be able to practice my profession as a nurse during this time of pandemic. I have been working almost a month now and I am very proud and happy. I know slowly I’ll be in the right place.
I always have this positive attitude and believe that we should always keep in mind that difficulties is there but it is not there forever. We should keep going and face all these difficulties and challenges and take it as a stepping stone to achieve our goals and our dreams. Whatever and wherever life brings us, we shouldn’t forget our roots and the people who have been there throughout our journey. And finally, be thankful for all the tests and obstacles on our way as it is our reminder to become better. Have the faith in God and especially believe and have faith in your self because we Filipinos have so much to offer.
