In many Filipino families, nursing is more than a profession—it is a legacy shaped by sacrifice, service, and an enduring sense of responsibility to others. In the Mascardo family, that legacy spans continents, health systems, and generations. From Guam to Ontario to the United States, three siblings—each shaped by shared values yet forged by distinct journeys—embody what it means to carry the heart of Filipino nursing across borders.
For one sibling, the path to Guam was both practical and deeply personal. Drawn by the island’s proximity to the Philippines and its unique cultural ties, he recalls standing at a crossroads while living in Houston, Texas. “I had two job offers on the table: one in Oregon and the other in Guam. After some thought, I decided to go with Guam,” he shared. The decision allowed him to earn in US dollars while maintaining closeness to Manila, but it also revealed a familiar truth. “I was genuinely surprised to discover how many workers at the hospital have Filipino heritage,” he said, noting the deep historical links between Guam and the Philippines. That awareness shaped his leadership style—one grounded in cultural sensitivity, patience, and respect for the island’s close-knit community. Working in quality improvement within a small island system presented challenges. “There is a high likelihood that individuals are related to one another,” he explained. “To address this, I do thorough due diligence, study past initiatives, and engage stakeholders early to gain buy-in before key board meetings.” Through it all, he remains firm in his belief that Filipino nurses are indispensable. “Filipino nurses excel in providing compassionate and dedicated care in Guam… the island continues to recruit experienced nurses from the Philippines to meet healthcare needs.”
Across the Pacific in Canada, another sibling’s journey reflects a different but equally demanding migration story. He admits that nursing was not his childhood dream. “When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming an engineer,” he said. “But my father encouraged me to follow nursing, and I’m really thankful he did.” Canada offered opportunity, but not without sacrifice. “Pursuing a career in a foreign country requires a lot of money, patience, hard work, and most importantly: sacrifice,” he reflected. Living alone, working multiple part-time jobs, and navigating immigration processes tested his resilience. “What got me through these challenges was remembering who I sacrifice for: my family,” he said. In Canada’s healthcare system, he sees the distinct contribution of Filipino nurses clearly. “Because many Filipinos pursue nursing, we have a strong sense of community in the hospital,” he noted. “Community in stressful times is important—it helps patients and other providers feel welcomed and safe.” His advice to aspiring nurses is simple but hard-earned: “Always plan one step ahead… endure, and remember that having a good support system is important. Community is everywhere.”
Meanwhile, the youngest sibling’s journey has traced a wide arc—from the Philippines to the United Kingdom and now the United States. Inspired by a father working as a home health caregiver in Chicago, she recalls how nursing seemed almost inevitable. “I’ve always looked up to my sister and brothers, who were already nurses or on their way,” she said. Filipino heritage, for her, is inseparable from care itself. “Nursing is all about caring, and that’s something really natural for Filipinos,” she explained. She describes starting shifts with prayer and carrying patients’ hopes alongside clinical responsibilities. Her professional path was not without upheaval. Transitioning from acute critical care in the UK during COVID to post-acute and long-term care in the US brought moments of doubt. “I felt anticipation and even grief about the transition,” she admitted. But adaptation followed. “I realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I was able to build meaningful relationships with long-term residents and learn new skills.” Today, she practices as an ICU nurse in a Magnet-designated hospital, carrying with her both hard-earned adaptability and humor. “Have you ever heard of the so-called ‘Filipino Nurse Mafia’?” she joked. “It’s just a playful way to acknowledge how Filipino nurses support each other… and bring pancit and lumpia to make long shifts brighter.”
What unites these siblings is not geography, specialty, or even identical challenges—but a shared understanding of why they left home and what they carry with them. For one, it is a reminder to aspiring nurses that going abroad is not abandonment. “Choosing to go overseas doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your family or your homeland,” he emphasized. “Being an overseas Filipino is a truly admirable decision.” For another, it is faith and endurance. “Trust in your faith, honor your family, and believe in the process,” she said. “Even when the road feels slow, know that God is working.” And for all of them, it is the conviction that Filipino nurses bring something essential wherever they go—warmth, resilience, and an instinctive commitment to service.
In a world where healthcare systems increasingly rely on migrant nurses, the story of this family offers something deeper than statistics. It is a reminder that behind every uniform is a lineage of values, behind every migration is a network of sacrifice, and behind every Filipino nurse abroad is a promise—to care well, to adapt bravely, and to reach back and lift others as they rise.Three siblings, one calling: How a Filipino nursing family built careers across borders
