From Manila to Austin: How Mark Turned His U.S. Dream Into Reality

When you ask many international nurses what inspired their journey to the U.S., you’ll often hear about family, ambition, and a deep desire to make a difference. For Mark, originally from Manila, the Philippines, it was all three.

A Childhood Dream Rooted in Family

Growing up in the Philippines, Mark always felt a pull toward the U.S. With many of his relatives already living here, the idea of joining them one day seemed natural. “Since I was a child, I always thought — maybe I’ll go to the U.S. too,” he said.

Initially dreaming of becoming a doctor, Mark saw nursing as a practical stepping stone. Encouraged by his uncle, who worked as a dialysis technician in the U.S., he pursued his nursing degree. But like many Filipino nurses in the early 2010s, he faced challenges finding hospital work right after graduation. With tens of thousands of new nurses entering the workforce each year, jobs were limited.

He spent nearly three years working in a call center while waiting for hospital placement — a tough but common detour. In 2014, he finally landed his first job in an ER. Over time, he expanded his experience across med-surg, PACU, and OR units.

London Detour and the ADEX Opportunity

In January 2020, Mark moved to London to work while waiting for his U.S. immigration priority date to become current. That experience helped prepare him both professionally and emotionally for what was next.

His journey to ADEX began after an unfortunate experience with another agency that promised support but never filed his I-140 petition. “I waited a year and realized nothing was moving,” he explained. Thankfully, a close friend recommended ADEX — and the difference was clear from the start.

“ADEX helped me every step of the way. I signed with them around 2018 or 2019, and once my visa was ready, I returned to the Philippines to complete my immigration requirements.”

A Warm Welcome in the U.S.

Mark arrived in the U.S. in August 2022, starting his journey in Florida at ADEX’s onboarding location. “Claudia and the rest of the team were so helpful — they gave us a place to stay, guided us on everything from setting up a bank account to buying a car.”

By October 2022, he had relocated to Austin, Texas, and began working in the ER. As the only nurse in his unit who had just moved from the Philippines, he initially felt a little out of place. But instead of backing down, he leaned in with pride.

“I told myself: I’m going to do my best and make them see what a Filipino nurse can do.” That mindset paid off. In both 2023 and 2024, Mark was voted ER MVP at his hospital’s annual holiday party.

Moving Forward With Gratitude

Today, Mark continues to thrive in Texas. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “It was hard, but I stayed positive. ADEX was there for me from start to finish. There were no problems at all — they really made it smooth.”

At ADEX, we’re proud to support nurses like Mark — passionate, resilient, and committed to excellence. His story is one of thousands, but it’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

Ready to start your journey?
ADEX Medical Staffing supports internationally trained nurses with every step of their U.S. journey — from immigration to onboarding and career success. Learn more about our programs here.