By Therese Tumanda
The journey of Filipino nurses is defined by constant growth – shaped by resilience and driven by the courage to keep moving forward. As they leave their homeland in pursuit of new opportunities, they carry with them years of experience, a strong foundation in patient care and a deep sense of purpose. Yet the path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) abroad is rarely straightforward. New systems, standards and expectations require them to adjust, relearn and push beyond what they once knew.
For those aspiring to build a career in Australia, the road to registration demands a rigorous commitment to clinical excellence. Candidates classified under Stream B undertake the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) pathway, which requires passing both the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) before they can apply for registration and be recognised as Registered Nurses. This process evaluates not only clinical knowledge, but also critical thinking, adaptability and perseverance.
Filipino nurses such as Mary Joy Bernardino, Rolena Grace Garcia and Elaine Ruiz are among those who have successfully navigated this demanding journey. They joined the College of Nursing Education & Training Australia (NETA) community as they prepared for their examinations on the path to registration.
“Preparing for the NCLEX and OSCE was a journey of both humility and growth,” Mary Joy shares. “It wasn’t just about passing exams — it was about becoming a safer, more competent nurse who can function effectively in a different healthcare environment. For many, the challenge is compounded by the realities of daily life. “As a working mom, the process pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Rolena adds. “Balancing work and family was tough, but staying committed made it worthwhile. Both exams helped me better understand what it means to be an Australian nurse and deliver safe, patient-centred care.”
This path often begins in a state of transition. Some Filipino nurses, like Elaine, start in roles outside their original scope of practice, working as Personal Care Workers (PCWs) or Assistants in Nursing (AINs). These roles become stepping stones toward their ultimate goal. While supporting patients in their daily needs, they simultaneously prepare for demanding examinations. In this phase, the idea of “levelling up” becomes especially evident—balancing work, study and the emotional weight of starting over in a new country.
“Transitioning from an AIN/PCW to a Registered Nurse has been a deeply fulfilling milestone,” Elaine recalls. “It feels like a significant step up — not just in skills, but in confidence, accountability and purpose. Preparing for the exams pushed me beyond memorisation and required me to truly understand the ‘why’ behind clinical decisions. It strengthened my critical thinking and clinical reasoning.”
What fuels this progress are core Filipino values, the unwavering support of family and a deep sense of faith. These cultural pillars transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. “Sipag at tiyaga (hard work and perseverance) kept me going during moments of doubt,” says Mary Joy. “Malasakit (genuine care) remained at the heart of my practice, regardless of where I worked. Most importantly, my desire to provide a better future for my loved ones was my driving force.” Rolena echoes this resilience: “‘Fall seven times, stand up eight’ is a proverb that defined my journey. There were setbacks, but my faith and constant prayer became my greatest sources of strength, helping me stay focused on my goal of becoming an Australian nurse.”
Becoming a nurse abroad requires more than clinical skill. It demands the willingness to grow through unfamiliar challenges. The journey is not defined by a single milestone, but by the transitions that shape both professional competence and personal identity. “Living and working in Australia has been both rewarding and challenging,” Elaine reflects. “Adapting to a new healthcare system and communication style requires patience. I embraced continuous learning and remained humble throughout the process.”
As we recognise the contributions of the nursing diaspora, we celebrate not only their achievements but also the persistence behind them. From the Philippines to new beginnings abroad, Filipino nurses continue to move forward with purpose – committed to growth, grounded in compassion and ready to give their best at every step.
