Why Do So Many Filipino Nurses Immigrate to the U.S.?
Over 150,000 Filipino nurses have immigrated to the U.S. since the 1960s. Filipinos account for 4% of the nurses in the U.S. However, they account for just 1% of the entire U.S. population. Some U.S. states have more nurses from the Philippines than others, with more than 18% of nurses in California being Filipino.
The United States has relied on nurses from the Philippines for decades as the nation combats a growing nursing shortage. Hundreds of thousands of hardworking Filipino nurses have fought on the front lines during some of the most critical healthcare crises in the last century of American history, such as the Spanish Flu, WWII, new variations of the Influenza A virus, and Coronavirus.
It’s important to recognize Filipino nurses’ substantial positive impact on American healthcare. Many claim they’re the backbone of Acute Care and ICU and provide top-of-the-line patient care in the U.S. Filipino nurses have also made significant contributions to U.S. healthcare research, politics, and business as they progress into leadership positions in labor unions and nursing organizations.
To understand why there are so many Filipino nurses in American hospitals, it’s essential to dive into the history of their immigration to the U.S.
A Brief History of Filipino Nurses in the U.S.
In the late 19th century, the U.S. acquired the Philippines from Spain. The U.S. then established an American nursing education system within the country so Filipino nurses would become versed in American nursing practices and terminology. With their Americanized nursing education, Filipino nurses were recruited to work in the U.S. to mend staffing gaps in the American healthcare system. The Pensionado Act of 1903 even established a scholarship program for Filipinos to attend nursing school in the U.S. and work in American hospitals.
The Philippines gained independence from the U.S. in 1946, but Filipino nurses continued to immigrate to America throughout the late 1940s and 50s. This was partly due to the Exchange Visitor Program of 1948, which opened even more U.S. nursing positions to Filipino nurses and nursing students.
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 helped another wave of nurses from the Philippines immigrate to the U.S. It also allowed them to bring their spouses and children. This was an exciting era for many Filipino nurses, who could now bring their families and give them better opportunities in the U.S.
Today, the number of Filipino nurses who immigrate to the U.S. continues to soar. In 2022, more than 18,000 nursing graduates from the Philippines took the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam) to become licensed nurses in the U.S.—the highest number seen in 14 years! This begs the question, why have so many Filipino nurses immigrated to the U.S., and why does the number continue to grow?
Why Do Filipino Nurses Want To Work In The US?
The reasons why Filipino nurses decide to immigrate to the U.S. are personal to each nurse. However, economic opportunity, career advancement, and the U.S. culture and way of life are main factors.
The Economic Opportunity
The demand for nurses in the U.S. is high, and Filipino nurses are highly valued for their experience and education. Nurses in the U.S. can earn highly competitive salaries and benefits. The median salary of a registered nurse in the U.S. in 2021 was $77,600. This salary boost is an opportunity for Filipino nurses to create a better future and allows them to easily purchase personal property like a car and a spacious home.
Filipino nurses and their families can also benefit from the country’s excellent education system, access to quality healthcare, and diverse housing options. Many Filipino nurses can send their children or spouses to top-notch schools where they can receive a quality education and enter high-paying career fields like healthcare, engineering, law, and more.
Overall, the U.S. offers many economic opportunities for Filipino nurses and their families, making it a popular destination for those seeking a high standard of living and a bright future.
Career Advancement
The U.S. also offers exciting career advancement opportunities for Filipino nurses. Many pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). There are countless virtual programs available that nurses can complete while they work full-time, and their high salaries mean money isn’t an obstacle to advancing their careers.
With an advanced degree, nurses can specialize in one area of nursing or become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator, and more. Pursuing a more specialized or high-ranking role comes with a substantial increase in salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for nurse practitioners in the U.S. was $109,820 in 2019.
Paid training is also standard in the U.S. American hospitals continuously invest in advanced medical technology and ensure their nursing staff is properly trained to provide the highest-quality patient care. Filipino nurses find this a rewarding aspect of working in the American healthcare system, as they value having the training and resources to take excellent care of their patients.
The Excitement of the US Culture
Another factor in Filipino nurses’ motivation to immigrate to the U.S. is the American culture and way of life. Many Filipinos appreciate certain aspects of American culture, such as the value placed on hospitality, diversity, individualism, and personal growth.
For nurses who love adventure, the U.S. is the perfect place to live. The United States is an immense county with countless travel opportunities. From breathtaking natural landscapes like the Grand Canyon to world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. offers something for everyone.
There are also endless activities and events to do in the U.S. for nurses and their families. Some examples are:
- Sports. Almost every state has major league sporting events year-round, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more.
- Local Activities. In big cities and small towns, you’ll find fairs, festivals, amusement parks, art shows, markets, and other affordable local activities.
- Music and Film. The U.S. is known for having some of the best entertainment in the world, including Hollywood movies and weekly concerts in every city.
- Dining. Having the most immigrants in the world means the U.S. offers diverse cuisine options. If you live in a large city, you’ll find ethnic restaurants on almost every street corner.
- Shopping. Shopping in the U.S. is fun, entertaining, and affordable. The U.S. has some of the largest indoor malls in the world, outlet malls, small businesses, and off-price department stores.
Together We Can Achieve Your American Dream
If you’re a Filipino nurse looking to propel your nursing career and start a new, exciting life in the U.S., Visa Solutions Healthcare can help you achieve your American Dream. Our global, dedicated team of experts places talented nurses like you in careers with the leading U.S. hospitals we represent. By joining our Care for Your Dream program, you can take advantage of our benefits for nurses, including:
- Receive attractive pay and benefits
- Be directly hired by a leading U.S. hospital
- Obtain a U.S. green card
- Bring your spouse and children to the U.S. And MORE!
Apply today to take the first step in realizing your American Dream with Visa Solutions Healthcare. The U.S. is waiting for you!