Most people don’t realize how much a single decision can quietly redirect an entire life until they look back years later and connect the dots.
For Benjie Saclolo Taruc, that redirection began long before he ever wore hospital scrubs in Dubai. Today, the 39-year-old registered nurse works in the surgical ward of Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, but his journey there started in a modest household in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija—shaped by absence, resilience, and a steady belief in choosing kindness even when life felt uncertain.
Growing up without a safety net
Taruc grew up in what he describes plainly as a broken home. Raised by his grandparents and a single mother who worked abroad to support the family, stability was something he learned to build for himself.
“Life was not easy back then. However we tried our best to survive,” he shared. Sto. Domingo, he added, was “pretty laid back, simple and very humbling”—a place where ambition didn’t arrive loudly, but persistence mattered.
Despite limited resources, Taruc stood out early. He was a consistent valedictorian in grade school and an honor student in high school, achievements that came not from privilege but discipline. His extended family played a crucial role, stepping in to make sure he and his sibling could finish school. That sense of collective effort would later shape how he approaches teamwork and patient care.
His younger sister, now working as ground crew for Emirates Airline in Dubai, remains his closest family connection abroad. “We often see each other every time our off is in sync,” he said, noting that she lives nearby. In a city known for its pace and pressure, that proximity matters.
A career that began almost by accident
Nursing, surprisingly, was never part of Taruc’s original plan. He initially took up accountancy in college, only shifting courses after a conversation that would quietly alter his future.
“There is no plan at all actually,” he admitted. “Initially I took up accountancy until my cousin convinced me to shift to nursing on my second year.”
He didn’t even tell his mother right away. The decision felt risky, especially given their financial situation. But when the time came to take the nursing board exam, the stakes were clear. His family could barely afford review expenses.
“The family couldn’t support my review anymore however we managed to borrow an amount of money for the review,” Taruc recalled. Passing the exam on his first attempt wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was relief, validation, and hope rolled into one.
Finding his footing in Dubai
Dubai entered the picture through family, too. Taruc followed his sister to the UAE with no guarantees, just determination. Within a week, he secured a job as a home care nurse.
That role became his foundation. He stayed for two years, completing his contract before moving to a polyclinic. Then, after another year, an unexpected call came.
“After a year I received a call from Mediclinic and thankfully I got hired,” he said.
The transition wasn’t instant success. Taruc started at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital as an assistant nurse, a humbling reset for someone already licensed. But instead of seeing it as a setback, he treated it as preparation. Within a year, he worked his way up and earned a registered nurse post in the surgical ward—a role he has now held for more than six years.
Where skill meets compassion
The surgical ward, Taruc admits, was “not a walk in the park.” The learning curve was steep, the responsibilities heavier. Still, it’s where he found his rhythm.
“The transition from an assistant nurse to a registered nurse was not easy and the adjustment is quite challenging however I was able to adapt and get the hang of it,” he said.
What anchors him is bedside care. Taruc places strong emphasis on patient engagement, particularly involving families in the care process. “The moment the patient arrived in the unit—the first question that I just needed to answer is—how do I keep this patient safe?” he explained.
From there, everything else follows: protocols, communication, reassurance. His approach blends technical discipline with human connection, ensuring patients and families feel secure during what is often one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.
Keeping things human on tough days
Healthcare can be unforgiving, especially in high-pressure environments like surgical wards. Taruc is keenly aware of burnout—not just in himself, but in those around him.
“Sometimes the workload as a nurse and healthcare provider is a bit overwhelming,” he said. When tension builds, he leans into problem-solving and positivity. His method is simple: focus on solutions, prevent repeat errors, and lighten the mood when possible.
“Breaking the ice by making things light through my jokes and ensuring that everyone doesn’t focus on the problem,” he explained. For Taruc, professionalism and warmth don’t cancel each other out—they reinforce trust.
Looking toward the next chapter
In 2024, Taruc passed the NCLEX, opening the door to a long-held goal. The next chapter, he hopes, will take him to the United States.
“Definitely to work in the USA and I’ll take it from there!!!” he said, excitement evident. Beyond career growth, the dream carries a deeper purpose: giving back to the family that once borrowed money so he could sit for an exam.
“I’m so excited with all the opportunities that lies ahead and the possibilities of helping all my family members with this blessing from God,” he added.
