Nurse Unseen is a documentary that sheds light on the vital role of Filipino nurses in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the history of Filipino nurse migration, starting from the early 20th century, and highlights how these nurses have become an essential but often overlooked part of the American healthcare workforce. The film delves into the personal sacrifices, professional challenges, and systemic inequities faced by Filipino nurses, while showcasing their resilience and dedication to the profession. The documentary also underscores the global importance of Filipino nurses and their impact on public health, especially in times of crisis.
When I watched the trailer of Nurse Unseen, it struck a deeply personal chord with me. The film tells the often overlooked story of Filipino nurses, their struggles, and their resilience in the face of systemic challenges. As a Filipino nurse myself, the journey of many of those featured in the film felt all too familiar.
My story began in the Philippines, where my mother encouraged me to pursue nursing, seeing it as a pathway to a better life abroad. Nursing has long been one of the most accessible ways for Filipinos to work internationally, and for many families, it represents hope, security, and the promise of opportunity. Following my mother’s advice, we immigrated to Canada, but the transition wasn’t easy. I had to start university all over again, which was strange and frustrating at times, but it ultimately reinforced my decision to stay in the field.
Of all the careers I could have pursued, I still chose nursing. It wasn’t just a practical choice anymore—it became my passion. I started working as an Undergraduate Nursing Employee (UNE) during my second year of university and quickly realized how much I enjoyed caring for patients, learning from my colleagues, and being part of a profession that was both challenging and rewarding.
Nurse Unseen poignantly addresses a fact I’ve known since my first day on the job: it’s rare to enter a hospital and not see a Filipino nurse. We are everywhere, an integral part of the health care system, often working in critical and demanding roles. Even though I don’t work at the bedside as much now, having moved into leadership positions and working outside the public hospital setting, I remain proud of my identity as a nurse. My Filipino heritage is a big part of who I am as a nurse, and this documentary highlights just how significant our community’s contributions are.
However, the film also reflects something that has saddened me for a long time—the plight of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs).
Here are systemic inequities faced by Filipino nurses and Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) in Canada. Some of the key challenges include:
Credential Recognition and Re-certification: Many Filipino nurses, even with years of experience, struggle to have their credentials recognized in Canada. The process of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) often requires them to undergo lengthy and expensive re-certification processes, including additional exams and training. This can take years and creates significant barriers for nurses who are already qualified in their home countries.
Employment Barriers: Even after completing the necessary re-certification, many Filipino nurses find it difficult to secure employment as RNs. Employers may show bias, preferring nurses educated in Canada over those trained abroad, or question the quality of education and experience gained in the Philippines.
Underemployment: A significant number of Filipino nurses work in roles that are well below their qualifications, such as health care aides or personal support workers, due to challenges in obtaining RN positions. This underemployment is demoralizing and wastes their skills and expertise.
Discrimination and Bias: Filipino nurses often face discrimination in the workplace, where they may be treated as less competent or capable than their Canadian-trained counterparts. This can lead to lower wages, fewer opportunities for promotion, and a general lack of recognition for their skills and experience.
Emotional and Financial Strain: The barriers Filipino nurses face can take a toll on their mental health, as they are often burdened with the emotional stress of feeling undervalued, while also dealing with financial strain due to the costs of re-certification and, at times, supporting families both in Canada and back home.
These systemic inequities not only affect Filipino nurses but also other IENs from various countries. Addressing these issues requires reform in credential recognition, support for IENs, and more inclusive hiring practices to ensure that the skills of internationally trained nurses are fully recognized and utilized.
This systemic inequity is heartbreaking, and Nurse Unseen brings that issue to the forefront. It’s a reminder of the work we still need to do to ensure that all nurses, regardless of where they were trained, are valued for their skills and contributions.
Watching the documentary, I felt a deep sense of pride in our community, but also a renewed commitment to continue advocating for IENs and for the recognition of all nurses’ abilities, no matter where they come from. The challenges Filipino nurses face, both abroad and at home, are real, but our strength and resilience have always been a defining part of our story.
Nurse Unseen is more than just a documentary—it's a powerful reflection of our shared experience, one that inspires me to keep pushing for change, for myself, my colleagues, and for future generations of nurses.
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