Upon receiving the DAISY Award – Honorable Mention, Shehnaz Ali Rehbar said, “I’m truly grateful and honored to be recognized.” But it is her Nurse of the Year recognition that stands as her proudest achievement and a testament to her extraordinary journey.
Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, with roots in Northern Pakistan, Shehnaz’s early life was shaped by her family’s tradition of service. “Our home was always open to villagers who needed medical help. That’s where I learned what true service means,” she recalls.
Watching her family offer comfort and dignity to those in need left a lasting impression. “It left a strong impression of service and compassion on me,” she says. Inspired by this compassion, Shehnaz set her sights on greater success in her nursing career by moving to the USA.
“At first, moving to the U.S. seemed difficult with my family,” Shehnaz reflects. “But with the right preparation and support, I gained the confidence to take this important step in my career.”
A Season of Uncertainty
As Shehnaz was settling into her new life in the U.S., she was suddenly confronted with the most difficult chapter of her life.
In March of 2025, Shehnaz learned that her father had been diagnosed with stage-4 pancreatic cancer. Processing this heartbreaking reality, she wanted nothing more than to be with her family. “I was desperately attempting to fly back to my home country to see him — and at the same time, I was facing serious immigration challenges that added fear, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion to an already unbearable situation,” she remembers.
In those devastating moments, Avant was there for her. “When I felt helpless and overwhelmed, I received unwavering support from Avant. My specialist Kate, manager Paul, and Director of Immigration Saloni Kaul stood by me with compassion, urgency, and genuine care.” Their guidance and reassurance gave her strength and calm when everything else felt out of control.
Shehnaz had concerns about returning home because of uncertainty around a possible travel ban. After consulting with an immigration specialist, her concerns were addressed, and she felt reassured. She was able to travel home, spend time with her father, and return to the U.S. safely.
Taking the Leap
Despite the challenges she’s faced since moving to the USA, Shehnaz’s personal and professional life has blossomed in ways she never imagined. “Living and working in the U.S. has been life-changing,” she affirms. Now in South Texas, she has continued to grow her skills. She’s taken on a leadership role as a charge nurse and received a Nurse of the Year award. Outside of work, Shehnaz finds time to travel with her family, spend quality time with her children, and stay close to her faith and community.
As she reflects on her journey, Shehnaz offers this piece of advice to other aspiring globally educated nurses: “Stay focused, patient, and persistent. The process may seem challenging at first, but with proper guidance, continuous learning, and a positive mindset, it is achievable.”
Her story is a reminder that nurses everywhere not only build fulfilling careers for themselves, but also play a vital role in delivering compassionate care and supporting strong, resilient healthcare teams—proving that even the most challenging journeys can lead to lasting impact.
