Leaving to Succeed: A Filipino Nurse’s Journey in the United States

MANILA, Philippines – Leaving home is often framed as ambition, but for many Filipino nurses, it is an act of survival born from a system that trains excellence yet struggles to keep it.

Job Marconi J. Mascardo, 36, journeyed from Dipolog City to the United States, reflecting a national reality where Filipino nurses leave not because they want to, but because staying offers too little room to grow.

Photo courtesy: Job Marconi Mascardo

Mascardo exclusively shared his inspiring journey to The Summit Express, providing a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Filipino nurses abroad.

“I am the third of four siblings, and like many Filipino families shaped by migration, our household was built on sacrifice, patience, and quiet resilience,” Mascardo shared, noting that all three of his siblings are registered nurses, educated in the Philippines and now practicing in America.

Raised in an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) household by parents Eugene and Myrlen, Mascardo learned early that sacrifice and separation were part of family life, with a father working abroad and a mother anchoring the home through faith and discipline.

“I chose nursing because of my father’s influence,” Mascardo said, admitting the decision was practical rather than romantic, shaped by the promise of opportunity beyond Philippine shores. He added that he had initially wanted to be a seaman before deciding on nursing.

His college years at Silliman University were marked by setbacks, yet perseverance carried him to earn his nursing degree in 2010.

Two nights before the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), illness nearly broke him, but prayer and resolve saw him through, a test of faith he now considers a defining moment.

After passing the boards, Mascardo faced the harsh reality many Filipino nurses encounter—contractual work, low pay, and the absence of social protection—conditions that quietly push thousands overseas.

“My main motivation was the lack of opportunities in my homeland,” he said, recalling his time as a nurse without job security or benefits.

In the United States, Mascardo began as a bedside nurse and later endured the COVID-19 pandemic’s grueling demands, where long hours tested both body and spirit.

Today, he is a registered nurse in the U.S. and serves as a Hospital Nurse Quality Improvement Specialist at Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, holding two master’s degrees, three U.S. board certifications, and notable awards including the 2026 Excellence in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Award.

He credits his journey not only to professional determination but also to family and faith, and proudly looks forward to mentoring the next generation, including his fiancée Dannah, who will be going to nursing school soon.

Photo courtesy: Job Marconi Mascardo

“To aspiring nurses: healthcare can offer financial stability, but purpose must always come first,” Mascardo advised, emphasizing that compassion and meaning drive a rewarding career.

“To early-career nurses: give yourself grace; confidence is earned through repetition and reflection,” he added.

“To mid-career nurses, especially at the bedside: I hold deep respect for your resilience,” Mascardo said, urging them to protect their bodies, honor limits, and prioritize rest without guilt.

His achievements underscore how Filipino nurses thrive when systems invest in their skills, while also exposing a painful paradox: the Philippines educates world-class nurses only to export them in search of dignity and stability.

Inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal, Mascardo hopes his journey proves that leaving to succeed does not mean abandoning home, but carrying it forward with purpose.

“For those who dream big,” he said, “fear is a sign you are pushing your limits.”

— The Summit Express