Working as a Senior Emergency Nurse and Resuscitation Team Leader in a fast-paced healthcare environment overseas demands quick decision-making, leadership, and a deep commitment to patient care. In this role, Dennis Del Rosario has spent 16 years honing his skills, from his beginnings in the Philippines to his current position at SEHA Tawam Hospital in the UAE, where he continually strives to improve healthcare standards on a global scale.
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Dennis began working abroad in 2012 as an ER Registered Nurse at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Hospital. This transition allowed him to apply his skills in a larger and more diverse environment, pushing him to new professional heights. Reflecting on this experience, he shared with The Global Filipino Magazine, “Working abroad presented me with challenges that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I wanted to grow, not only as a nurse but as a leader.” This desire to grow continues to shape his career trajectory.
In 2017, Dennis took on his current role at Tawam Hospital, where he now manages a team of highly skilled nurses and ensures the highest standards of care, particularly in trauma and emergency situations. His role as ER Resuscitation Team Leader requires quick thinking and decisive action in high-pressure situations, often life-or-death moments. “The emergency department is where my passion for patient care meets my love for leadership,” Dennis shared, describing the fast-paced environment that he thrives in.
One of the proudest moments of his career was being named one of the Top 100 Healthcare Professionals in the Middle East in 2024, a recognition that speaks to his dedication and leadership. This achievement came after years of commitment, including his voluntary efforts in the aftermath of the 2023 Turkey earthquake, where he helped provide critical care to those affected. In addition, Dennis has been involved in numerous initiatives at Tawam Hospital, including the wellness program that earned him the Wellbeing Champion of the Year Award. He also contributes to nursing research, presenting a study at the prestigious SEHA International Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Conference. His research focuses on patient and nurse perceptions in multicultural healthcare settings, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity in delivering care.
Dennis’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He earned a Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) in Adult Health Nursing from the University of the Philippines, where he graduated with a remarkable General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.48. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSc HCM) at SBS Swiss Business School, with completion expected by the end of 2024. His commitment to lifelong learning reflects his passion for continuous improvement. “Education has always been my key to success. I believe that to lead effectively, one must always keep learning and evolving,” he emphasized.
This relentless pursuit of excellence has also led him to acquire multiple professional licenses, including emergency nursing certifications in New Zealand and Australia. In addition, he holds certifications in Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). These credentials equip him to manage complex emergencies, while his leadership role at Tawam Hospital allows him to mentor others in the field.
But why did Dennis choose to work abroad, leaving behind his homeland and the Filipino healthcare system? For him, it was about stepping out of his comfort zone. “I wanted to grow as a nurse and bring back valuable experiences to contribute to the healthcare system in the Philippines,” he explained. His journey abroad has been marked by professional growth, but his heart remains in the Philippines, where he hopes to return one day to improve the country’s healthcare system.
Before moving to the UAE, Dennis’s career began at Tagudin General Hospital in the Philippines, where he worked as a Registered Nurse from 2008 to 2012. There, he developed the foundational skills that have served him throughout his career. In addition to his clinical duties, he organized outreach programs to serve underserved communities, showcasing his commitment to giving back.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Dennis is quick to acknowledge the many challenges he faced, both in his professional and personal life. “I come from a broken family, and my mother raised us alone under difficult circumstances,” he shared. Despite these hardships, Dennis remained determined to succeed. He balanced school with selling chocolates and vegetables to contribute to the family income. The struggles were many, but his drive never wavered. “My mother’s sacrifices inspired me to push forward. I promised her that I would succeed, and that promise has guided me every day since.”
Throughout his years abroad, Dennis has had to navigate the challenges of adapting to new cultures and environments. He credits his support system for helping him through difficult times, particularly his faith and his strong connection to his family. “I owe everything to our Lord Jesus Christ. His presence has guided me through the toughest moments of my life,” Dennis said. This spiritual strength has been a constant source of inspiration throughout his career.
As for the future, Dennis’s aspirations are rooted in his desire to give back to the Philippines. He hopes to leverage the knowledge and experience he has gained abroad to improve healthcare services in underserved areas. In addition, he is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness among healthcare professionals. “The pressures of emergency care can take a toll on mental well-being, and I want to promote initiatives that support resilience in our profession,” he explained.
Long-term, Dennis hopes to contribute to policy development in the Philippines, particularly in improving healthcare infrastructure and training for healthcare workers. He is also deeply invested in nursing education and mentoring, with a vision of guiding the next generation of nurses to become leaders in their field.
At the heart of Dennis’s journey is a love for service, both to his patients and to the broader healthcare community. His commitment to continuous learning, leadership, and patient care has made him an invaluable asset in the UAE healthcare system, and his future plans demonstrate his desire to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in the Philippines.
As Dennis reflects on his experiences abroad, he remains grateful for the opportunities he has had and the lessons he has learned. “Working overseas has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined,” he said, “but my heart will always belong to the Philippines.”
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 4 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
