Stories Overseas: Rez Ortaliz, BSN, RN

"Abba is quite well known in Manila, where I was working at that time. I was also keeping close tabs on them in Facebook, where I saw lots of nurses expressing their happiness in choosing Abba as their overseas recruitment agency.

At first, I just really wanted to go abroad and hone my skills but when I researched about my employer, I found out that they will also be able to help me foster my growth as a professional. They offered a variety of services and courses that can improve my knowledge and skills.

My journey started quite differently from the others'. Since my parents taught me the value of loyalty, I had a hard time resigning from my current post because of the amount of work and responsibility that I was tasked with. Given this, I ended up resigning only 2 weeks before our scheduled flight. Aside from this, I got disconnected from my "batchmates" at the start, because I was supposed to fly with them. But because I couldn't get the required score for the IELTS, I ended up joining the later batches. The only things that kept me going were the love and support that I was getting from the Abba staff and Kate Cowhig. They encouraged me to keep going and constantly updated us, which really boosted my confidence at that time.

My application through Abba was really easy. They were very accommodating especially since I was working at that time. They were so nice to schedule me for an earlier interview because I had to work in the evening. The process went smoothly and they explained everything thoroughly: From the documents required up to the things that I needed to do afterwards. Miss Nissy and Miss Hazel (my Abba Recruiters) were 2 of the nicest people that I have ever met. They're very supportive and patient with us, especially with me when I would ask the most basic questions.

Currently, I am doing well working in this hospital. My employer is very supportive and always advocates for staff rights. To all of the nurses who are dreaming of an overseas nursing career, patience and fortitude are a must. There would be a lot of roadblocks along the way but never give up on your dreams, never give up on yourself and most importantly, never forget to offer everything to God."

Rez Ortaliz is a Filipino Nurse who was deployed to University Hospital Limerick in Limerick, Ireland last 2018. He is still working in this hospital until today.