Beanne Leigh Patricia Dela Pena, RN – Unit 58 Ortho/Spine/ENT

Describe the transition for you coming to a new country?
Coming from a small city where I lived, studied, and started my career, moving to a new country felt like stepping into the unknown—both intimidating and electrifying. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened the door to growth, new experiences, and a fresh perspective on life.

What are some of the sacrifices you have made to be here?
One of the biggest sacrifices was leaving my family, close friends, and the familiar culture I grew up with. It meant stepping away from the comfort of home to chase new opportunities and personal growth in a completely different environment.

Please highlight some of the differences between practicing nursing in your previous country and in the United States.
One notable difference is the strong interdisciplinary approach in the U.S.—nurses regularly collaborate with doctors, therapists, social workers, and other professionals as part of the care team.
In the Philippines, the hierarchy in healthcare is more pronounced, and nurses often have less involvement in care planning. Additionally, the U.S. places greater emphasis on patient autonomy, documentation, and the use of advanced technology in daily practice.

What was your nursing specialty in your home country? Does it differ from your specialty here?
My nursing specialty back home was in post-op care, primarily in OB-GYN and general surgical units, with some exposure to orthopedic cases. While it's not too far off, my focus has shifted here. I’ve grown to love working in orthopedic and ENT post-op care, which has given me a more specialized and in-depth experience.

What is the best part about working at GBMC?
The best part is the incredible support and sense of belonging I felt from day one. Moving away from home was scary, but GBMC welcomed us international nurses with open arms and made the transition smoother. From thorough orientation to ongoing guidance, they helped us acclimate—not just to the hospital but to life in a new country. The teamwork, mutual respect, and growth opportunities make it a place where I feel valued and motivated every day.

Anything else you'd like to share?
With the support and encouragement of my colleagues and manager, I was able to pursue my orthopedic certification—something I hadn’t even been aware of before. This opportunity expanded my clinical knowledge and empowered me to deliver more specialized, high-quality care to my patients.