For many nurses, the journey into the profession is sparked by a personal experience, a mentor’s encouragement, or an innate calling to care. For Irene Mayo, it was a winding path across continents, shaped by family influences, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose. Today, she stands as a lecturer, mentor, and advocate whose story reflects both the challenges and triumphs of being a Filipino nurse in the international arena.
Early Roots and Inspirations
Although Irene was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, her family’s heritage is deeply rooted in the Ilocos region of Northern Luzon, Philippines. After completing high school in the United States, she moved to Australia in 2005 to pursue nursing at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). What began as an academic pursuit soon grew into a lifelong commitment to the profession. “The sense of community among staff and students made the experience both enjoyable and meaningful,” Irene recalls. It was during this time that she realized nursing was more than a career; it was her calling. Mentors such as her big sisters, Maria Dent, and Dr. Cindy Leigh, then head of school at ACU, provided the guidance and inspiration that fueled her journey. Irene went on to complete a Master of Clinical Science at the University of Adelaide’s Joanna Briggs Institute, adding a strong research foundation to her clinical and teaching career.
A Career in Teaching and Practice
Since 2009, Irene has worked both as a nurse and an academic, devoting much of her career to nursing education. Currently serving as a Lecturer in Nursing, her days are filled with teaching, mentoring, and research. Whether guiding students through research and ethics or teaching clinical skills, Irene sees her role as more than delivering lessons; it is about building confidence and resilience in future nurses. Her clinical specialty lies in post-anaesthetic nursing, a field she describes as uniquely challenging and rewarding. “Caring for patients immediately after surgery requires quick teamwork and problem-solving. It shaped the way I approach both nursing practice and collaboration,” she explains. But it is teaching that truly brings her joy. “Seeing former students thrive in their careers and knowing I had a small role in their journey is one of the greatest rewards,” she says with pride.
Challenges and Growth as a Filipino Nurse Abroad
Like many Filipino nurses, Irene faced the challenge of navigating cultural hierarchies and learning to speak up in critical moments. “Respect for authority is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, and at first, I found it hard to voice concerns,” she admits. Over time, however, she developed the courage to advocate firmly for patient safety, transforming these challenges into moments of empowerment. Despite these obstacles, Irene considers herself fortunate to have worked in Australia, where inclusivity and diversity are actively embraced. “I’ve always felt supported and encouraged,” she shares, grateful for the professional and personal growth that environment has provided.
Motivation and Values
The COVID-19 pandemic tested Irene’s strength and resilience. Taking on the demanding role of Professional Experience Coordinator, she was tasked with ensuring student placements during an unprecedented global crisis. Long hours and heavy responsibilities took their toll, but support from colleagues and family kept her moving forward. Recognizing her limits, she eventually stepped back from the role, a decision she describes as one of the most important of her career. This experience reinforced her guiding values: compassion, open-mindedness, and presence. “For me, nursing is about caring with both skill and heart, being there for patients and students, respecting their experiences, and making a difference, however small,” Irene reflects.
Pride in Filipino Identity
Proudly Filipino, Irene believes her heritage is a source of strength in her profession. She highlights the concept of kapwa, or shared humanity, as central to how Filipino nurses connect with others. “It allows us to build trust quickly and adapt to new environments with resilience,” she explains. This cultural edge, combined with adaptability and compassion, continues to shape her contributions abroad. Through her involvement in the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network, Irene also champions advocacy efforts. She participates in podcasts, webinars, and roundtable discussions that highlight the impact of Filipino nurses worldwide. For her, it is not just about showcasing Filipino nurses as caring professionals, but also as leaders, educators, and innovators.
Mentorship and Legacy
Since beginning her teaching career, Irene has mentored countless students and young professionals, offering not just knowledge but also encouragement and confidence. While she humbly claims she has yet to make a “groundbreaking” contribution, her impact is felt through the ripple effect of her teaching. “To see students, I once guided, now thriving in their nursing careers, that is legacy enough for me,” she says with quiet pride.
Words for the Next Generation
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring Filipino nurses dreaming of working abroad, Irene’s message is both simple and powerful: “Go for it! Believe in yourself because the world needs your skills, your compassion, and your perspective. Carry with you the values of being Filipino, our adaptability, resilience, and sense of community. With these, you can make your mark anywhere in the world.” From Saudi Arabia to the United States, and from the Philippines to Australia, Irene Mayo’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to care. Her story is not just about personal success; it is about the ripple effect of compassion, education, and advocacy that continues to shape the next generation of nurses and uplift the image of Filipinos.
