Q&A with Ashley Harrison in Deployment

1. Introduction & Role

• Can you tell us a bit about your role at Conexus and what the Deployment team does?

• • At Conexus, I have the privilege of supporting healthcare professionals as they prepare to begin their new lives and careers in the U.S. As part of the Deployment team, we guide them through every step of their transition—from preparing for their move and settling into their new communities to offering ongoing encouragement and resources along the way. Our goal is to make the journey as smooth, stress-free, and positive as possible, so each healthcare professional feels supported, confident, and ready to thrive in this exciting new chapter.

• How does your work fit into a nurse’s journey to the U.S.?

• • My role plays a key part in the healthcare professional’s journey to the U.S. by helping them prepare for every step of their transition. From offering guidance and resources to providing reassurance and support, I help ensure that each healthcare professional feels confident, informed, and ready to begin their new life and career in the U.S. It’s truly rewarding to see their dreams become reality and to know we’ve played a part in that journey.

• What does a typical day look like for you when helping a healthcare professional prepare to move?

• • A typical day for me involves guiding healthcare professionals through every step of their move and ensuring they feel supported and prepared. I may start by reviewing their progress and addressing any questions or concerns they have. Throughout the day, I assist with preparing important documentation, provide guidance on adjusting to their new work environment, and share resources to help them settle into their community. I also spend time offering encouragement, checking in on their needs, and coordinating with other team members to make sure the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible. Every day is different, but the goal is always the same – helping each healthcare professional feel confident and ready for this exciting new chapter in their lives.

2. Human Connection & Motivation

• What part of your job brings you the most joy?

• • The part of my job that brings me the most joy is helping healthcare professionals achieve their dream of coming to the U.S. and witnessing the results of their perseverance. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to guide them through the entire deployment process, celebrate each milestone along the way, and support them as they settle into the U.S. and begin this exciting new chapter in their lives.

• What’s one moment or story from a healthcare professional’s deployment that’s really stayed with you?

• • One moment that has truly stayed with me was seeing one of our first medical technologists finally arrive in the U.S. after months of preparation, anticipation, and hard work. When I met her at the airport in Tennessee, she was filled with emotion—excited, nervous, and grateful all at once. She shared that this moment was the realization of a dream she had been working toward for years. Seeing the joy and relief on her face reminded me exactly why I love what I do. It’s such a privilege to witness that life-changing moment and to know that our team played a part in making it possible.

• What do you find most rewarding about supporting nurses through such a big life change?

• • The most rewarding part is building long-lasting relationships and being a reliable support system throughout their journey. Guiding our healthcare professionals with a personal touch helps them feel the care and support of the Conexus family, making the transition not only smoother but truly meaningful.

• If you could describe the feeling of seeing someone finally arrive in the U.S. after years in the process, how would you put it into words?

• • The feeling is a combination of joy and excitement! After years of preparation and planning, being there as the healthcare professional arrives in the U.S. to begin their new chapter in life is both inspiring and deeply meaningful – as for many, this is a dream come true.

3. Making the Process Easier

• How does the Deployment team help nurses and medical technologists settle into life in the U.S.?

• • The Deployment team helps nurses and medical technologists settle into life in the U.S. through several key areas of support. We guide them through the U.S. housing selection process, manage their travel arrangements, and provide ongoing assistance as they adjust to their new location. We also offer local community tours, help them find areas of interest, and share resources to make their transition as smooth, comfortable, and welcoming as possible.  

• What are some of the most common challenges nurses face before they travel, and how does your team help them prepare?

• • One of the most common challenges that healthcare professionals seem to face, is the fear and uncertainly of leaving their home country and stepping into a new life in the U.S. Our team supports them throughout the entire deployment journey by helping them adjust to their new work environment, guiding them in navigating their communities, providing resources to manage daily life, and offering encouragement so they feel confident and ready to embrace this exciting new chapter.

• What advice would you give to someone who is in the immigration process and starting to feel impatient or nervous?

• • Always remember that your Conexus family is here for you, and it’s completely natural to feel impatient or nervous during the immigration process—it’s a significant life change. My advice would be to focus on the steps you can control, take things one day at a time, and lean on us anytime for guidance and reassurance. Remember why you started this journey and the opportunities that await; staying patient and positive will help you navigate the process with more confidence and peace of mind.

• What’s one thing most people don’t realize the Deployment team takes care of behind the scenes?

• • The Deployment team works diligently behind the scenes to ensure healthcare professionals experience a seamless, well-supported transition to life and work in the U.S. Beyond coordinating housing and travel, we prepare communities for their arrival, provide resources to help them adjust to daily life, and offer ongoing guidance and support. This includes introducing them to local services, helping them navigate cultural differences, and providing reassurance throughout the process. By handling these details, we make it possible for healthcare professionals to arrive feeling supported, confident, and ready to focus on their careers as they begin this exciting new chapter in their lives

4. Personal Touch & Encouragement

• What do you want every Conexus healthcare professional to know about the Deployment team?

• • The Deployment Team is excited and fully committed to assisting each healthcare professional throughout their deployment journey. With years of experience relocating healthcare professionals globally, we cherish adding a personal touch at every step, ensuring each individual feels supported, confident, and welcome in the U.S. as they begin this new chapter.

• What would you say to someone who’s just starting their journey with Conexus and wondering what lies ahead?

• • To someone just starting their journey with Conexus: Get ready for an exciting and life-changing experience! Along the way, you’ll enjoy the fun of exploring a new environment, searching for your new home, meeting new friends, and embracing the opportunities ahead. Although this journey will bring moments of change and new experiences, our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way – providing resources, encouragement, and a helping hand whenever needed. From the very beginning, the Conexus family is committed to making your transition smooth, enjoyable, and full of positive memories, so you can confidently embrace this exciting new chapter of your life.

• If you could give one piece of encouragement to a nurse waiting to move, what would it be?

• • If I could give one piece of encouragement to a nurse waiting to move, it would be to stay patient and trust the journey. Moving to a new country and starting a new chapter in your career is a big step, and it’s natural to feel anxious, uncertain, or even a little overwhelmed at times. Remember that each step you take brings you closer to incredible opportunities, personal growth, and new experiences. We are so excited to meet each of you and assist you with your journey to the U.S.!