For nearly 20 months, Explorer Paula Joy Mangunay has been tending to patients as a staff nurse in Marietta, Georgia. She loves her work, the supportive environment at her facility, and the satisfaction of knowing she’s making a positive impact in dialysis care. “Everything is going great,” Paula shared warmly. “I’m making a positive impact on my patients’ lives. Even for those who require lifelong dialysis, there’s always an opportunity to make a difference.” With MedPro International’s support, Paula is achieving her career goals and inspiring others to pursue their dreams in healthcare.”
Best Laid Plans
Paula’s journey to becoming a nurse wasn’t part of her original plan. Her parents encouraged her to pursue accounting, but after taking a college entrance exam and seeing nurses in their crisp white uniforms, Paula was inspired to take a different path. She discovered her true passion in nursing, particularly dialysis care, and worked in the Philippines for four years before coming to the United States.
Although moving to the US wasn’t her initial goal due to the lengthy process, her transition to life in Georgia has been smooth. She already had friends in the area and even connected with fellow Filipinos outside of healthcare. “It wasn’t difficult to acclimate, and I’ve been able to make connections here,” Paula said. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at home, running errands, grabbing coffee, and exploring new places. She went skiing for the first time in North Carolina (mastering the bunny slope) and has future plans to visit California and Rhode Island.
Support and Flexibility with MedPro International
Paula is grateful for the support she’s received from MedPro International, especially from her dedicated Employee Relations Manager, Gabby Garrido. “Miss Gabby is fantastic. I love her. She’s responsive, knowledgeable, and always makes sure I have everything I need,” Paula said. She also appreciates MedPro’s credentialing, financial, and HR teams, which provide continuous assistance and have helped make her transition smooth.
The flexibility offered by MedPro’s new program has been an added bonus. Under the program, RNs can choose to complete their assignments in either 30 months (5,000 hours) or 36 months (6,000 hours), with the opportunity to receive a raise if they stay at their facility after fulfilling their commitment. “For me, if I reach 6,000 hours, I can apply directly to my current facility. It’s very helpful financially, but I’m also happy with MedPro,” Paula explained.
Words of Advice for New Explorers
Although Paula’s family remains in the Philippines, she stays connected with them through regular video calls and online chats. “It makes the transition much easier, knowing I can see their faces and talk to them anytime,” Paula shared. These virtual connections allow her and other Explorers to stay involved in their family’s lives while pursuing their career goals in the United States. Paula’s journey is a true success story, and she passionately believes that other foreign-educated healthcare professionals can achieve the same. “Never give up,” she encourages. “The path isn’t always easy, but if you stay determined, you’ll get where you want to be.”
New Program: 6,000 Hours or 36 Months – Whichever Comes First!
Ready to start your U.S. Journey? Learn how MedPro International assists qualified candidates through all the necessary steps to qualify for and work in the United States, including Green Card sponsorship for a candidate and their family. MedProU prepares candidates for success in their licensure and English exams as well as life and work in the US. Candidates receive a premium hourly wage with periodic pay raises, a comprehensive benefits package, and a sign-on bonus at the start of their U.S. assignment.
Plus, CNAs, RNs, and MedTechs now have the option of finishing their assignments early. Explorers can opt out after 6,000 hours or 36 months, whichever comes first. Learn more at medprointernational.com