Serving with excellence, caring with kindness, guided by Filipino values.
There was a time when Ryan Omar S. Mora seriously considered leaving nursing altogether. Today, after 21 years in the profession, seven in the Philippines and fourteen in the UAE, the nurse from Casiguran, Aurora, serves as Head of the Nursing Department in Occupational Health and Visa Screening in Abu Dhabi, supporting and mentoring an entire nursing team.
The test that nearly ended it
Ryan’s hardest moment came while searching for a new employer. After facing multiple challenges and rejections, he began to feel that no one believed in his abilities or recognized his potential. Discouraged, he seriously thought about pursuing a different career.
What carried him through was resilience, self-belief and his passion for caring for others. He reminded himself of the positive difference he had made in his patients’ lives and trusted that the right opportunity would come.
“Patients value not only my clinical competence but also the kindness, empathy, and support I bring to their healthcare journey.”
When patients ask for you by name
For Ryan, the unspoken part of nursing is the genuine connection, compassion and trust he builds with patients. The most rewarding moments are when patients compliment his care, look for him during follow-up visits, or choose him to care for them when many other healthcare professionals are available.
From bedside to Head of Nursing
His “why” remains the happiness and fulfilment he feels when patients improve and are satisfied with their care. A smile, a recovery or a word of thanks reminds him that his work makes a difference.
Nursing has also given him continuous growth and learning. As Head of the Nursing Department, his role now reaches beyond individual patients to supporting, mentoring and guiding the whole nursing team. “It is rewarding to know that by helping nurses grow and succeed, I am also contributing to better patient care on a larger scale.”
He hopes to be remembered as a compassionate, loving and dedicated nurse who always put patients at the centre of care, and as a supportive, inspiring Head of Nursing who led with empathy and helped others reach their full potential.
Malasakit: patients as family
Ryan’s malasakit means treating patients as if they were members of his own family, giving his best effort and time so they receive the care, comfort and attention they need.
“Caring not only for the illness but also for the person behind it.”
Learning to love the UAE
Moving to the UAE meant adapting to local customs, new food and the hot climate, with the extreme summer temperatures especially challenging. Over time he learned to respect and follow local customs, grew comfortable trying different foods, and adjusted his routine by staying hydrated and avoiding the midday heat. Gradually he came to appreciate the country’s culture, diversity and welcoming community.
Values from home
Growing up and studying nursing in the Philippines prepared Ryan for the demands of the profession. Filipino culture taught him compassion, respect, patience, humility and genuine concern for others, values that became the foundation of his practice.
His nursing education gave him strong theory, clinical exposure and hands-on experience with patients from many backgrounds. It also taught him resourcefulness, adaptability, teamwork and the importance of delivering quality care even when resources are limited. His upbringing added hard work, perseverance and responsibility, qualities that helped him most when he started his career overseas.
“My Filipino upbringing and education did not just prepare me to become a nurse; they shaped me into a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated healthcare professional.”
Leading through the busiest days
As a head nurse with two decades of experience, Ryan manages crises through calm decision-making, clear communication, prioritisation and teamwork. During peak patient volumes or unexpected staff shortages, he puts patient safety first, allocates resources according to urgency, delegates by staff competency and stays in close contact with the team to keep care consistent.
He believes in making the most of the manpower, equipment and supplies available without compromising safety or service standards, while controlling unnecessary expenses and wastage. With his team, he leads by example, listens, handles conflict professionally and encourages mutual respect and accountability. “A team performs better when members feel supported, valued, and guided, especially during challenging situations.”
“Stay calm, prioritize what matters most, make sound decisions, and never compromise patient safety. A good leader does not only manage the crisis but also builds a stronger and more resilient team through it.”
“To my fellow Filipinos in the UAE who are experiencing burnout or loneliness, always remember that you are not alone. Being away from our families and adjusting to life in another country can be difficult, but your hard work and sacrifices are creating a better future for your loved ones.
Take time to rest, care for your health, and stay connected with your family and friends back home. Build friendships with fellow Filipinos and people from other communities, and don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it. Be patient with yourself. Stay strong, keep your faith and hope alive, and remember that every challenge you overcome is a step toward achieving your goals.”
Filipino Institute features Filipinos at home and abroad whose courage, sacrifice and success inspire others. Tell us your story, or nominate a kababayan whose journey deserves to be heard.
Share your story with FI
