24/11/2022
It was 2012, I was in the car with my parents heading to PICC for my graduation. I was quiet, thinking about what I will do next? Nothing.... I had no idea. I didn’t believe there were any opportunities for me in my field of profession. Why? Because quite simply there was an abundance of nurses who were way better equipped with certificates, credentials, training, and experience. I had nothing.
We arrived at the venue. I marched, said goodbye to my batch mates, then headed home. During the car journey, my father asked me "Ano na ang plano mo, anak?" I replied "Hindi ko pa alam, pa." He then said, "Sana pala hindi na lang kita pinag nursing, ang dami nyo na, mukang mahihirapan ka makakuha ng opportunity, nak." I kept quiet, thinking that my father was right.
I’d graduated and I was now officially an unemployed person, not a great reality. So I started attending training workshops, seminars, and conferences, anything that would give me a certificate that might help me gain work in a hospital. However there were no job opportunities. I sent applications everywhere but got no response. It became clear that my only choices were either I pay the hospital for experience or I work full time voluntarily, without pay. I couldn't afford either. I needed an income to support myself and my family.
Next I applied to schools, companies, and even positions abroad, I lost track of how many applications I’d sent and I wasn’t shortlisted for any. So after sometime, very reluctantly, I gave up my dream of becoming a nurse.
While most of my batch mates were already fulfilling their dreams of working in nursing, I started over. I took a different path. I worked as a call center agent. I was in the industry for six years. I was successful and happy, I was promoted to management, earning ok money, but always deep in my mind, I still wanted to pursue my goal. THE REAL GOAL, and that was to practice bedside care.
In 2018, because of the nursing crisis, I made the decision to quit my job in the BPO, and to try again. This time I got hired! Staff nurse. Yey!!. I talked to God and said "You've blessed me more than I deserve, thank you".
Over the next 18 months I applied myself fully to the role, and at the same time I set my sights on working abroad. I felt a yearning for adventure and challenge, as well as professional career development. It took a few attempts but I gained my OET, thanking God again.... "Lord, I did it! I know that was you." And I began applying for roles in the UK. Soon I was on a plane flying to my new life as a nurse in the NHS.
By 2021 I was in a good place in my career. I was happy in my role, I had a good job and was part of a lovely team. But I knew I could do more, I wanted challenge and I wanted to step up. So I began searching for and applying for roles; Ophthalmology charge nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical educator... I wasn’t successful.
Then just a few months ago, I found an opportunity to be a band 6 nurse specialist in Ophthalmology. I asked myself, "Ready ka na ba?". I replied "Ready na go! Mag submit na ng application!" I started over. I submitted my application. I got shortlisted! There followed many sleepless nights in preparing for the interview and creating a presentation they’d asked me to give. I did everything I could to familiarize myself with the role prior to the interview date.
November 10, 2022. My interview. I cannot tell you how nervous I was and full of hesitation. But I told myself that I’d prepared for this day, I’ve done everything I could. I was ready! I composed myself. I faced the panel. I delivered my presentation and answered all their questions.
The interview was finished. I went outside the room, smiling and feeling positive. I was hopeful. I decided to go to a bar to celebrate getting through it and that no matter what the outcome, I’d given it my best. While drinking, I received a call. My heart was pounding. I ran outside to answer the phone, it was the Matron. She asked me how I thought the interview went. I said I think It went really well and I thanked her for the opportunity. The Matron then said, "Well I would like to say that we are offering you the role." I was speechless. I started to cry. I cried until our conversation finished. I went back inside the bar and continued my celebration, but now it was a real celebration! I talked to God again and said "MARAMING SALAMAT, PANGINOON."
End....
It took me 10 years to get this far. I just want to say that everything comes to you at the right time and no matter what happens in your life, you can always start over. 🙏🏻🙂
John Steven Soriano
Ophthalmology Nurse Specialist
