For Antonio Laranjo Jr., nursing is a calling. And working in the United States is a chance for him to learn as much as possible so he can share what he learns with other nurses back home.

Laranjo has been in the United States for 18 months, working in Phoenix, Arizona, in a 650-bed hospital in the ICU and step-down telemetry units.

"I graduated from business school and was on a career path in accounting when I became friends with a volunteer nurse from the Netherlands. She, and a former teacher from high school, encouraged me to investigate nursing as a career. I applied for and was awarded a full scholarship, which convinced me nursing was what I was meant to do."

After working in the ICU in a Level I teaching hospital in the Philippines, Laranjo was again encouraged to broaden his exposure to nursing practices by relocating to the United States. O’Grady Peyton International helped make it possible.

Laranjo is passionate about the nursing profession and nurses’ ability to improve health care worldwide.

"The United States is a good training ground," he said. "International nurses can learn to help their countries improve their health care delivery. And we can help improve our profession. It’s not just about learning new technologies, but sharing ideas.”

He added, "ICU nurses like challenges; we like to find answers. I’m attending the National Teaching Institute Conference in May in Georgia. It will be a chance to share problems we all face and come up with solutions."

Laranjo admits that there were differences to adjust to when he first arrived in America.

"The insurance issue is much different than in the Philippines." He said. "The first question a patient is asked here is what insurance they have. That can be frustrating. And there is much more paperwork. But there is good too. I love the teamwork in the ICU and I’m impressed with the physicians and the technology."

Laranjo has adjusted to the changes here and has already recruited at least 10 other nurses to come work in the U.S.

His advice to them is to keep learning and to seize opportunities.

"If you really want something, don’t be afraid. Any hardships or challenges are worth it because the more you learn the more you can help other people."