What I discovered from conversations with 2 outstanding Filipino nurses

Once we began the Pinoy Nurse podcast collection in mid-2025, that includes Filipino nurse leaders in the US, I assumed I used to be simply going to be the producer. I wasn’t the one in entrance of the mic; our hosts, Irene Mayo and Dr. Dion Candelaria, held that function fantastically.

However as I listened to the uncooked recordings, instructed our employees in enhancing every section, and replayed the conversations with Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (InsightGlobal) and Dr. Reimund Serafica (College of Nevada – Las Vegas), I noticed one thing sudden: I wasn’t simply producing episodes, I used to be absorbing classes — deep, private ones — about identification, resilience, and the quiet energy we Filipino nurses usually overlook in ourselves.

Their tales made me sit again and assume: Ano ba talaga ang halaga natin? (What’s our true price?) And, extra importantly, why will we so usually let others outline it?

‘Competence doesn’t at all times equate to alternative’

When Dr. Arnold mentioned, “Competence doesn’t at all times equate to alternative,” it felt like he had named one thing many people had silently lived by.

He spoke about working within the Center East. He was extra skilled and extra certified than some Western-trained nurses, but receives a commission much less and even demoted — that painful, acquainted expertise of being advised, subtly or bluntly, that your coaching from “again house” isn’t sufficient.

As I reviewed that section throughout manufacturing, it jogged my memory of tales I’ve heard numerous instances throughout the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Community: sensible Filipino nurses being measured not by talent or grit, however by passport and accent.

However what impressed me was what he did subsequent. As an alternative of accepting invisibility, he selected visibility. He grew louder — not in vanity, however in trustworthy self-representation. He posted about his work, shared his teachings, engaged in webinars, and wrote overtly about inequities.

By enhancing his episode, I witnessed how storytelling turns into advocacy — and the way advocacy turns into empowerment.

Constructing grit, not simply expertise

Producing his episode launched me to the deeper work behind Grit Academy — a program that mirrors not simply medical preparation however cultural and psychological transitions.

As I listened to him clarify their “facilitated shifts” — 4 to 6 hours of simulated US-style work — I discovered myself considering how uncommon it’s for applications to acknowledge the emotional friction of migration. Grit Academy trains nurses on communication nuances, American expectations, interdisciplinary assertiveness, and even native slang — just like the “Johnny” incident that also makes me smile each time I hear it throughout assessment.

What really stayed with me was the story of the nurse who struggled not as a result of she lacked competence, however as a result of she missed her household. As soon as reunited, she remodeled. Producing that a part of the podcast felt like being allowed right into a sacred fact of diaspora life: homesickness isn’t a weak spot; it’s a wound.

Behind each competency difficulty is a narrative — and typically a quiet grief.

Meals, reminiscence, and the battle for well being

If Dr. Arnold spoke to the thoughts, Dr. Rei spoke to the center.

His idea of “dietary biculturalism” was one thing I stored replaying throughout enhancing. He described rising up in Cubao, the place meals was consolation, reminiscence, identification. When he started finding out immigrants’ dietary shifts, he discovered a tug-of-war between heritage and well being, between adobo that tastes like house and dietary pointers that promise longevity.

Producing this episode made me see how deeply meals is tied to Filipino resilience within the diaspora. It isn’t simply ulam. It’s survival. It’s belonging.

Dr. Rei argued we will make Filipino meals more healthy with out erasing tradition — low-sodium soy sauce, sugar substitutes, small swaps. “Why are Western diets the one ones being modernized?” he requested. “Our meals deserves considerate adaptation too.”

Enhancing that line stopped me mid-click. He’s proper. Our delicacies carries tales price preserving — responsibly, lovingly, healthily.

Impostor syndrome, mentorship, and claiming house

Dr. Arnold and Dr. Rei — recording individually — each touched on the identical wound: impostor syndrome. As a producer, stitching their episodes collectively, I heard the parallels clearly.

Each felt undervalued at totally different factors. Each questioned whether or not they really belonged in educational or management areas. Each struggled to assert visibility in programs that always overlook immigrants.

And but each insisted on one highly effective fact: If we don’t declare our house, nobody will hand it to us.

Mentorship got here up repeatedly, and producing these conversations made me see extra clearly the gaps in assist for Filipino nurses overseas. I discovered myself reflecting on mentors who formed my very own journey and the way, like them, I too have a duty to achieve again and carry others.

Illustration isn’t ornament. It’s transmission. It’s legacy.

Psychological well being, older Filipinos, and tender conversations

Dr. Rei’s reflections on psychological well being amongst older Filipino adults had been a few of the most emotional moments within the podcast.

He talked about how our elders — our titos, titas, lolos, lolas — usually don’t acknowledge or title despair. So he makes use of culturally grounded language: “Pagod ka ba?” “Parang wala ka nang ganang kumilos?”

Listening to him gave me a deeper appreciation for the refined intelligence wanted in culturally delicate care. Producing that episode jogged my memory that even analysis could be a type of therapeutic — a bridge between generations who love one another deeply however battle to speak emotional ache.

Holding our roots, rising in new instructions

On the finish of every episode, I listened to their parting messages.

Dr. Arnold spoke of self-worth: “By no means underestimate your price simply since you communicate with an accent or didn’t prepare within the West.”

Dr. Rei mentioned: “Maintain your roots — your ugat — sturdy, however don’t be afraid to develop in new instructions.”

Because the producer of this podcast collection, I noticed I wasn’t merely assembling audio. I used to be additionally constructing a story of Filipino nursing dignity — piece by piece, voice by voice.

And possibly that’s the lesson these conversations gifted me: We’re greater than our titles, greater than our accents, greater than the programs that attempt to measure us.

Might sariling halaga tayo. (We now have inherent price.)

The world simply wants to listen to it. And we have to imagine it. – Rappler.com