Guest Blog: From The Land of the Two Holy Mosques to the Land of the Free: Michael’s Nursing Journey

Michael Limliman – Brand Ambassador

In an increasingly interconnected world, professional migration is a common phenomenon, yet each story is a unique tapestry of ambition, cultural adaptation, and personal growth. My journey to “The Land of the Free” wasn’t merely a change of address; it was a profound transition between two distinct worlds. This is a story of how a compassionate calling transcended borders and how I navigated the complexities of international relocation, professional licensing, and cultural shifts to continue my career as an ER nurse.

The dream of working as a nurse in the USA is a common one for many Filipino nurses, and I share that goal. However, the lengthy and difficult process of getting into the US has made me lose interest in working there. So I opted to bring my talent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2015.

During my stay in Saudi Arabia, I truly enjoyed my nursing career. In addition to my role as an ER nurse, I received several awards, including Best Nurse of the Year in 2019 and the Good Catch Award. I also held leadership positions such as ER UBC Chairman and served as Editor-in-Chief for our Critical Care Newsletter. While working in Saudi Arabia, I met many Filipino nurses who were applying to work as nurses in the USA. One of my friends even secured a nursing job there and encouraged me to consider pursuing a nursing career in the US as well.

After passing the NCLEX, I learned about Conexus Medstaff through a friend who was also with the agency. I reached out to them right away, and the process was seamless. They guided me through every step, from documentation, English examination, immigration procedures, and even supported me and my family during our move to the US.

The entire process took two years to turn our American dream into reality, and of course, the process was not always smooth sailing. There were challenges, frustrations, uncertainties, and setbacks that ultimately shaped me and helped me emerge victorious over my struggles. Throughout these times, Conexus was always there—ready to provide updates, reassurance, and support. With prayers and God’s guidance, I was able to successfully overcome all the obstacles on my path.

Last August 4, 2025, marked our first year here in the US, and we feel truly grateful and blessed to be here. My advice to nurses who aspire to become a USRN is to be patient, focus on the things you can control, and don’t stress over what you can’t. Prepare yourself and your family, and take time to envision your future here, as living in the USA is a whole new experience. Do your research, watch vlogs of US nurses on YouTube (these helped me a lot), and find a trusted nursing agency to guide you through the process. Most importantly, pray for God’s guidance, trust His timing, and continue to be an instrument of healing and caring for His people.