The grit of internationally educated nurses

I met Dr. Ofonime Bleess in person for the first time after connecting on LinkedIn. What started as a professional connection turned into a powerful conversation between two immigrants who built their lives through grit and persistence.

We spoke about our individual journeys to the United States. Our stories are different, but the emotional weight felt shared. We talked about how many years it took before we could confidently say that we are living the American dream. We did not arrive at that point easily, because that affirmation came only after years of sacrifice, uncertainty, visa delays, financial strain, and constant self-doubt, and when we finally reached that place, we understood that our success was not merely personal achievement but a collective breakthrough that creates space and opportunity for those who will follow after us.

What stood out during the conversation was that the immigration system is complex by design. It creates blocks and barriers that slow down the influx of immigrants into the country. It demands paperwork, patience, and proof. It tests your resolve at every stage. You cannot move through it casually. You must move through it with strategy and endurance.

We reflected on the grit it takes to settle in a new country. Immigrants must acculturate and assimilate while holding on to their identity. We learn new systems, new social cues, and new professional expectations. We often carry the pressure to overperform. We feel the need to prove that we deserve to be here.

The space for immigrants in leadership remains limited, expectations remain disproportionately high, and the margin for error often feels unforgiving, which leads many of us to internalize the belief that we must work twice as hard just to receive the same recognition and credibility afforded to others.

Despite these realities, we continue to move forward with intention, challenging systemic barriers, expanding representation, and deliberately widening the path so that the next internationally educated nurse who dares to dream beyond borders encounters opportunity instead of obstruction.

#IEN #immigrants #nurse