Dr. Paul Biluan, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and paying it forward. As a Filipino-American urgent care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, entrepreneur, and staunch advocate for internationally educated nurses (IENs), he has dedicated his career to supporting others in achieving their American dream. His journey, however, was not an easy one.
“Eight years ago, on March 9, 2017, I packed my bags, left the Philippines for good, and flew to the United States,” Dr. Biluan recalls. His road to the U.S. was filled with setbacks, frustrations, and moments when hope seemed lost. “My path to the USA was not easy. It was riddled with challenges, including waiting nine years due to visa retrogression, an employer who abandoned me, and the struggle to find another sponsor to recapture my permanent residence petition.”
Despite the overwhelming obstacles, he never let adversity define his future. “I invested thousands of dollars in NCLEX, IELTS, VisaScreen, medical exams, licenses, and countless other documents. Waiting that long tested my spirit and wore down my hope,” he shares. Like many IENs, Dr. Biluan faced uncertainty, bureaucracy, and the emotional toll of a prolonged migration process.
At one point, he almost gave up. “I convinced myself that I was content with my career in the Philippines. But deep inside, I yearned for more—greater opportunities, professional growth, financial stability, and a work-life balance that my home country could not provide.” This inner drive, combined with his unrelenting determination, pushed him to keep moving forward.
When he finally received his U.S. visa, a new set of emotions emerged—excitement, fear, and self-doubt. “I had to leave family and friends, start over, and rebuild my life from the ground up. Would I succeed? Would I thrive? A part of me feared failure and the possibility of returning home to a familiar but unfulfilled life,” he admits.
But looking back now, every hardship, every sacrifice, and every moment of doubt was worth it. “Today, I have achieved most of the goals I set when I arrived in the U.S. I earned my doctorate degree, secured a career as a nurse practitioner, bought a home, started my own business, built a house for my mom, and became a U.S. citizen.”
Beyond personal success, Dr. Biluan discovered an even greater purpose—mentorship. “I found a greater purpose—mentoring thousands of nurses who are walking the same path I once did,” he shares. As a leader in the IEN community, he uses his platforms to provide guidance, inspiration, and resources to nurses who aspire to work in the U.S.
As a SIENNA board member and CEO of Aspire RN, Dr. Biluan has mentored thousands of internationally educated nurses through the rigorous NCLEX process and U.S. migration system. He understands firsthand the barriers IENs face, and through his mentorship programs, he strives to make the transition smoother for others.
His advocacy extends to the “DNP UNLOCKED” podcast, where he shares insights into life as an immigrant nurse, career growth strategies, and the reality of working in the U.S. healthcare system. His voice reaches thousands of listeners, providing them with the knowledge and motivation to pursue their own American dreams.
Dr. Biluan’s impact doesn’t stop there. As the administrator of Lefora Nurses to USA, a Facebook group with over 235,000 members, he fosters a supportive community where nurses can ask questions, share experiences, and seek guidance. Additionally, with a social media following exceeding 100,000, he uses his platforms to openly share his journey, hoping to inspire others.
“I am a firm believer in the pay-it-forward principle,” he emphasizes. “I dedicate my time to advocating for and mentoring immigrant nurses. Many look up to me as an inspiration, and their trust motivates me to do more.”
Through his initiatives, Dr. Biluan is not just helping nurses pass an exam or secure a visa—he is changing lives. His work enables countless IENs to build successful careers, achieve financial stability, and contribute meaningfully to the U.S. healthcare system.
“I promised to make their transition easier, to be the mentor I once wished I had, and to build a supportive community where immigrant nurses can thrive,” he states. “I will continue to honor that promise.”
Dr. Biluan’s journey highlights a powerful message—success is not just about personal achievements but about lifting others along the way. His story is a beacon of hope for every internationally educated nurse striving to make it in the United States.
Overcoming visa delays and setbacks, nurse leader now mentors thousands toward U.S. careers
