What does it take to leave everything you’ve ever known and start over in a new country?
For Rebby, it meant stepping into the unknown leaving the familiarity of the Philippines and Bataan and starting over in Georgia, USA. Driven by determination and faith, she set out to build a better future for her family, no matter the challenges.
Rebby never expected to find her true calling in healthcare. But caring for patients from all walks of life deeply inspired her, and she was soon drawn to the dynamic, challenging world of surgical nursing. “We serve as vital advocates and protectors for patients at their most vulnerable,” Rebby reflects.
Rebby’s Journey
The journey to America wasn’t easy. Rebby explored opportunities in other countries and faced many setbacks along the way. It was her sister who encouraged her to take a chance on the United States. “Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic in 2021, I decided to partner with Avant because of their reputation for being incredibly supportive. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.” The process was long and often discouraging, but Rebby’s hope for her family’s future kept her moving forward. With the help of Avant Healthcare Professionals, she navigated paperwork, interviews, and the emotional challenge of leaving home.
Arriving in the U.S. brought new challenges, but also new support. Training in Casselberry and hands-on guidance during her deployment helped Rebby adjust and thrive. “The level of care and organization Avant provided exceeded all my expectations,” she recalls. Regular check-ins brought comfort as her family settled into a new culture and community.
Rebby in the U.S.
After successfully completing her contract with Avant, Rebby became a full-time OR nurse at the very hospital where she began her US-RN career. She balances the demands of night shifts with motherhood—always making sure she’s there for her children in the mornings as her spouse heads to work. The independence and excitement of her job, especially during emergency and trauma cases, have only deepened her love for nursing. Quick thinking and calm under pressure have become her trademarks.
Adjusting to life in America hasn’t been easy. “Learning to balance work with life outside the comforts we have back home is essential to adjusting successfully,” Rebby says. Yet, she sees endless opportunities to learn, grow, and advance her career.
Rebby’s Advice for Nurses
Rebby’s advice to anyone considering a similar journey: “Have confidence in the process. It can be hard and draining, but the outcome is worth every step. Keep praying without ceasing, and never let go of your faith.”
“He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” — Philippians 1:6
Rebby’s journey is ongoing. With every patient she helps, every challenge she overcomes, and every new milestone she achieves, she reminds us that true strength comes from persistence, hope, and the everyday acts of care that make a difference.
