Dream. Become. Inspire. Meet Christine, RN.

April 04, 2023

Christine hails from Jamaica, joined Avant Healthcare Professionals in 2016, and converted to her facility in 2019. She now lives in the state of Texas, working as an advanced practice registered nurse board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

Where are you from?

I am from the beautiful and friendly city of Montego Bay in Jamaica. I migrated to the United States in July 2016 as a permanent resident and was granted my United States citizenship in 2021. I am currently a resident of Houston, Texas, where my husband and I purchased a home in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood in September 2020.

Why did you decide to become a USRN? What convinced you to join Avant Healthcare Professionals? 

I chose to become a USRN because I needed a change; that's why I aimed to experience the endless opportunities I have heard about in the United States. I do not believe in limiting myself. I can contribute more to the profession and give better service to my patient if I encounter and evolve in a dynamic nursing environment with practical and adequate resources where I can freely decide my professional advancement, mobility, and field of choice.

I was convinced to join Avant Healthcare Professionals through their shared vision and plan for success as foreign nurses. Avant appeared genuinely happy about my success as a nurse, and I felt valued and appreciated. I gravitated to the structured programs they offered, the level of professionalism, quick responses, and success stories. 

All information covered at the recruitment event in Kingston was acted upon and delivered. If I had to do it all over again, I would always choose the Avant way because they promised and delivered! 

How was your Avant Healthcare Professionals experience? What's your favorite part of the program?  

I had a tremendous experience with Avant since day one, from the first time expressing my interest in joining the team. Avant made what I thought was impossible, possible. Every step of the way, I felt supported and guided in the right direction. They had thought about everything to make our journey as foreign nurses practical and successful.

My favorite part of the program was the cultural transitions program because I always feared new and different environments. The transitional program has provided the foundation for me to fit in and settle into my new role with adequate knowledge to function effectively within the health system and country. Thanks to the overwhelming support from Avant, I quickly adapted to a new way of life with ease. 

I was able to overcome the biggest fear I had, “culture shock." I was the new nurse on the block, coming from a third world to a first-world country, wondering if I would ever fit in; that was a frightening experience. However, applying and using the resources learned from Avant and experiencing the ongoing support of my unit team allowed me to function on the same level. My colleagues and the interdisciplinary medical team have treated me like an equal.

Where were you placed, and why did you convert to the hospital's full-time staff? 

In September 2016, I was placed at a hospital in Parker, Colorado, in the neuro intensive care unit for my assignment. A level 2 trauma center with state-of-the-art practices and equipment that allowed me to experience both personal and professional development with the flexibility to set and achieve my personal goals. 

How have you integrated with your community? 

I live in a well-diverse community; I am actively involved in community outreach programs such as donation (food and clothing) drives, education, counseling, and personal and professional networking. I have found a branch of my home church, Church of Christ, and I am also actively engaged in church-driven community programs. I am also a commission Notary within the state of Texas. 

Integration did not come as a challenge; I felt adequately prepared to engage with any given community after completing the transitional program with Avant. I have met many friends during the program whom I still communicate with and within my work community that share insights, motivate, and support each other. Looking back over the years from when I started my journey to where I am now, I feel a sense of accomplishment and believe I can give back to my community as an advanced healthcare provider. I push myself to seek opportunities to integrate and share my success story, knowledge, skills, and insights to uplift and motivate others to believe in their dreams. My aim is that one day I will be able to contribute to the broader society, including the health system, back in Jamaica.

How has your life changed living and working in the U.S.? 

Being in the U.S. has helped me to gain better financial stability. My family is blessed to be able to cover our finances in Jamaica and the U.S. We currently own homes in Jamaica and the U.S. and are able to purchase vehicles that would have been very challenging to do back home in Jamaica. 

I have earned many board certifications since starting my journey with Avant in 2015, becoming a registered nurse, obtaining U.S. board certification as a certified critical care registered nurse and family nurse practitioner, and am now in the making of a soon-to-be-awarded doctoral degree. 

Another positive change was that my husband and I became United States citizens. My goal is to start my private practice and for my husband to start a Jamaican restaurant.

What is your current title and what are you doing now? 

We provide care and all interventions that are typically done in the emergency room, except for CT scans and MRIs. It helps to reduce readmission or admission rates to the hospital and helps to reduce overcrowding in the emergency room.

I am also a full-time student at Abilene Christian University and look to complete my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree by the end of 2023.

Any advice to international nurses about coming to the U.S. to pursue their American dream? 

Do not only dream but set goals that you can achieve one step at a time. Remain focused, know your worth, and persevere toward your dream. You cannot succeed by remaining in your comfort zone. Success sometimes means you have to be willing to give up things you love for a bigger and greater setup.

Like I once did, I overcame the fear of the unknown and committed myself to complete my journey toward attaining my goals. 

They said I shouldn't apply to an overseas program, yet I did and got accepted; 

they said I couldn't complete the preparation program, yet I did and had migrated; 

they said I wouldn't last long in the U.S. health system, yet I did all that and more, and I am still progressing.

Know your self-worth, be self-motivated. 

It would help if you were flexible, open, and determined; there will always be challenges, but you will overcome them; there is no limit to your success and accomplishments. 

Through Avant Healthcare Professionals, you will be equipped with the necessary resources to help you succeed. If you believe you will have an opportunity to achieve it. I will say Avant Healthcare Professionals has been tried, tested, and proven; I, therefore, encourage you to "accomplish your dreams with the Avant team; progress is a must!" you won't be disappointed.

Avant Healthcare Professionals is the premier recruiting and staffing specialist for internationally educated healthcare professionals. When you join the Avant Healthcare Professionals program, you have entire teams of experts dedicated to your success in the USA! Take the first step toward your new life and a new career. Apply today to find out if you qualify to be part of this exclusive program. You could be working in the U.S. in as little as 12 months!