When international ASCPI certified medical technologist, Jernaleen, took the leap to move to the U.S. with Conexus MedStaff, it was the first time she had worked abroad. She relocated from her home in Marikina, in the Philippines, to start a new life in Washington State. It’s been a journey of discovery and excitement for Jernaleen since arriving in the United States. This is her story.
Jernaleen found Conexus through LinkedIn. Even though she’d been denied by a different agency previously, she decided to give Conexus a chance. “I was doubtful at first because I hadn’t heard of Conexus in the medical technologist community, but I guess it was a blessing in disguise. I said to myself, ‘why not give it a try?’ And I was not wrong for choosing Conexus. I should say thank you Conexus for choosing me and helping me achieve my U.S. dream.”
Her inspiration for wanting to start a new life as a medical technologist in the United States was her family. “I want to give them a comfortable life,” Jernaleen explains. She’s also hoping to bring them to the U.S. to live with her one day.
According to Jernaleen, her Conexus experience was smooth. “Everything went smooth. All the Conexus staff from the Philippines to the U.S. are all nice and very accommodating. They assured me that everything is fine. They will help you throughout the process. All you have to do is trust them… wait patiently and trust your timing.”
Since arriving in the United States, Jernaleen says that every day has been a learning experience. She enjoys learning new things though, and claims that because everything is new to her, it feels like the first time working again. She’s still learning and adjusting to working as a medical technologist in the U.S., and states that her lab manager is really kind and very considerate.
Arriving in the United States was, in her own words, “Surreal. It’s like you’re in a dream. I cried with happiness.” For all it was a happy moment though, she did have mixed emotions about moving so far away from her home in the Philippines. “I was sad because it’s my first time to be separated from my family and friends. Excited and scared because it was my first time living alone, and I didn’t know what to expect.”
Jernaleen has settled in well though. She enjoys her new community, describing it as ‘quiet yet beautiful’. Her facility is located in a rural area, surrounded by mountains, and she states that the people there are really nice. “Life is simple, no complications. We feel safe, even walking home at night.”
Moving to the United States has had a profound impact on Jernaleen, in more ways than one. As a medical technologist working with Conexus MedStaff, she has a personalized education plan to help her grow throughout her career, supported by Conexus experts. Moreso though, starting a new career as a U.S. Green Card-holder has enabled Jernaleen to grow on a personal level. “Now that I’m living alone away from family, I am learning not to depend on others,” she explains. “There are things I have to do on my own. I’m discovering and doing things I didn’t expect I could.”
She also claims there are financial benefits, too. “Moving to the U.S. gave me the chance to help my family, financially. We are much more compensated here than in the Philippines.”
In the future, Jernaleen is hoping to tick off some of her bucket list destinations, which include visiting Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, and New York.
Making the decision to pursue a career as a medical technologist in the United States has definitely paid off for Jernaleen. For other healthcare professionals who are considering following in her footsteps, her advice is to “Trust your timing. If it’s for you, it will be yours.”
Are you an international medical technologist or registered nurse looking to start a new career in the U.S.? Find out how we can help.