RJ’s Story: Living The American Dream As A Medliant USRN
RJ, a Medliant USRN originally from the Philippines, caught up with Nurse Brennan to talk about his experience with immigrating to the USA as a Registered Nurse. As a family-focused international staffing agency it was important to both RJ and Medliant that RJ immigrated with his family at the same time. RJ arrived to begin his USRN assignment in Texas with his wife, Shayne, also a nurse, and their son, Reyn Stark, who was two years old at the time. The American Dream had officially began for RJ and his family.
Nurse Brennan: How would you describe the process of applying and immigrating to the USA with Medliant as a Registered Nurse?
RJ: Medliant has been exceptionally supportive throughout my entire journey, making the process seamless from the moment I applied. Their assistance with the NCLEX review, IELTS review, and legal processing was outstanding. I am immensely grateful to the Medliant family for being a crucial stepping stone in my USRN career.
Nurse Brennan: Can you tell me about the support you felt throughout the immigration process?
RJ: First, a special recognition needs to go to Ms. Grace, Ms. Lillian, and Ms. Alicia, who were always approachable, treating us like family. They offered personalized attention, which extended to all the nurses that Medliant sponsors and hires. Specifically upon arriving in the US, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment achieving my American dream. Their support and dedication have made a significant impact in my life, and I highly recommend Medliant to my close friends and family who are nurses. Choosing Medliant was undoubtedly the right decision for transitioning to the US.
Nurse Brennan: How beneficial was it to have Medliant’s in-person transition assistance as you settled into your new community in Texas, USA?
RJ: Medliant arranged everything meticulously from my housing, which was set up in a cozy apartment just 5-10 minutes from work, to being placed in a welcoming community with many fellow Filipinos. This thoughtful placement made my transition smoother and more comforting.
Nurse Brennan: What is one of your favorite parts of being a Medliant USRN?
RJ: The pay offered by Medliant was impressive, comparable to that of American nurses, and the overtime compensation was generous, with additional pay on top of the hours clocked in. This financial stability greatly contributed to my positive experience.
Nurse Brennan: What are some of your favorite things that you have done since immigrating to the USA with your family?
RJ: My favorite things that I did in my first year in the USA were watching my favorite NBA teams live in action sitting court-side, which was a childhood dream come true! As a family, we also went to Disney World in Florida, which was on my wife's bucket list for a long time. We also visited the historic rocket launch area of the famous NASA space shuttle in Florida, and took a trip to McAllen, Texas, and South Padre Island, which is the southernmost part of Texas, where Elon Musks Space X's main base is located. We also got to see a real rocket launch live, which landed vertically to our surprise!
And best of all, the food servings in restaurants here are HUGE, and I can't forget to mention the steaks. They are incredibly cheap here, and I have since learned how to cook them. We almost always eat Wagyu steaks and BBQ every day! Overall, these experiences have been unforgettable, making precious memories for my family and I.
Nurse Brennan: What advice do you have for future Medliant USRNs?
RJ: My advice to fellow nurses is to take a long-term approach to living the American Dream. The American dream can still be advantageous if you stay here for 10-40 years, as there are opportunities for investments, travel nursing, and overtime at work. You can even buy a house and lot in your own legal name within 1-3 years, just like some of my fellow Medliant nurses have done, along with owning 2-3 cars in the same timeframe. It might take longer to achieve the same goals in other countries. To make this possible in the USA, focus on your long-term goals, such as passing the NCLEX and IELTS exams, and practice great, great, great, great, great patience! The rewards are well worth the wait, and immigrating to the USA with Medliant has been the best investment I could have made in my life for my family and I. Don't be afraid to take this opportunity, as the nursing knowledge and skills you've acquired have prepared you for this moment and can be applied here in America. Remember to maintain a grateful and humble heart, and trust that God will provide blessings in due time. Concentrate on the positive aspects of the country, which is 90% of the time, rather than the 10% negativity, which you would experience in any country.
Nurse Brennan: Would you recommend Medliant and why?
RJ: I highly recommend choosing Medliant as it was truly the right agency for my family and friends. Medliant was an excellent choice that I personally made and can attest to in my own life. The entire Medliant agency and their team members are down-to-earth, and they use the real-life experiences and feedback from previous nurses to create the best experience for current and future nurses as well as their families. Medliant treats us like family, and even after several years, we still keep in touch with the team. They always respond promptly to any questions that we have. Surprisingly, they sometimes visit us with gifts and check in on our family. The hospitals assigned to us are welcoming and the staff are kind and family-oriented. Medliant made sure to place us near fellow Filipino neighbors, which made us feel at ease and not homesick. Medliant is the best agency and the best decision I have ever made in my life. I am forever grateful to them!
A special thank you to Medliant USRN, RJ, for taking the time to speak with Nurse Brennan about his experiences and life in the USA! Medliant is proud of you and incredibly happy to see you and your family thriving and doing so well in the USA! You are truly living the American Dream!