From the Philippines to Norway: Renato Mesina’s Journey of Compassion, Courage, and Academic Excellence

For many Filipino nurses, working abroad represents the promise of a better future. For Renato S. Mesina Jr., however, it became much more than a career move. It became a lifelong journey of growth, resilience, and purpose.

In 2010, Renato left the Philippines and moved to Norway, inspired not only by the opportunity to advance his nursing career but also by the chance to reunite with his family. His mother and two sisters had already settled there, making Norway a place where he could pursue both professional ambitions and personal fulfillment.

"I originally dreamed of moving to the UK or the United States," Renato recalls. "But choosing Norway turned out to be the best decision I have ever made."

Before leaving the Philippines, Renato had already built a strong professional foundation. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Manila Central University in 2007, he worked as a registered nurse, clinical instructor, and nurse trainer. Yet despite his passion for healthcare, he recognized the limited opportunities for career growth back home. Like many Filipino healthcare professionals, he sought a workplace where his skills would be valued and where he could continue to develop both personally and professionally.

His journey in Norway, however, was far from easy.

Upon arriving, Renato faced one of the greatest challenges any immigrant professional could encounter, the language barrier. Unable to speak Norwegian, he had to begin learning the language from scratch while racing against the clock. His visa was valid for only two years, leaving him with little time to pass language examinations, secure employment, and qualify for a work permit.

"There was a constant sense of urgency," he shares. "My future depended on how quickly I could adapt."

Determined to succeed, Renato immersed himself in learning Norwegian. With guidance from supportive friends and a dedicated language teacher, he gradually mastered the language, passed the required examinations, and earned his Norwegian nursing authorization in 2012.

His persistence paid off.

Starting as a licensed practical nurse in a nursing home, Renato steadily advanced through Norway's healthcare system. He worked in medical, surgical, and orthopedic wards before earning a prestigious intensive care nursing scholarship at Diakonhjemmet Hospital. The scholarship enabled him to specialize full-time while receiving a full-time salary—an opportunity that further strengthened his commitment to critical care nursing.

By December 2016, Renato had become an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse. Soon after, he completed his Master's degree in Intensive Care Nursing, marking another significant milestone in his professional journey.

Yet despite his accomplishments, Renato felt there was still something missing.

Working in the ICU exposed him to the most critical moments of patients' lives. While many survived because of advances in intensive care medicine, Renato found himself wondering what happened after they left the hospital.

"Survival is only part of the story," he realized.

That question eventually inspired him to pursue research. When Oslo University Hospital announced a PhD position focusing on the long-term health and quality of life of ICU survivors, Renato saw an opportunity to bridge clinical practice and scientific inquiry.

Although he believed the competition would be fierce, he applied anyway.

To his surprise, he was selected.

Today, Renato serves as both an ICU nurse and a PhD researcher at Oslo University Hospital, where he is currently completing his doctoral dissertation. His research focuses on the long-term challenges faced by intensive care survivors, particularly the physical, cognitive, and psychological difficulties known as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS).

His work seeks to improve understanding of how critical illness affects patients long after hospital discharge, ultimately contributing to better follow-up care and improved quality of life for survivors.

Reflecting on his own journey, Renato remains deeply grateful for the opportunities he has received and the people who supported him along the way. More importantly, he hopes his story encourages other Filipino nurses to believe in themselves.

"My advice is to dream big and believe that your goals are within reach," he says. "Nothing happens overnight. Success comes through hard work, patience, and continuous learning."

Despite achieving remarkable success abroad, Renato remains proud of his Filipino roots. He believes Filipino nurses continue to earn respect around the world because of their compassion, dedication, and unwavering work ethic.

His story is a reminder that success is rarely built on talent alone. It is built on courage to embrace change, determination to overcome obstacles, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Selected Publications

Renato's commitment to improving the lives of intensive care survivors extends beyond clinical practice into impactful research. His work has contributed to the growing body of knowledge on the long-term outcomes of critically ill patients, particularly in the areas of functional recovery, rehabilitation, and quality of life.

2026

• Mesina, Renato Jr. Santiago, Rustøen T, Hagen M, Laake JH, Hofsø K. Determinants and trajectories of functional recovery in ICU survivors: A multidimensional perspective. Intensive Critical Care Nursing. 2026;104431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2026.104431

2025

• Mesina, Renato Jr. Santiago, Rustøen T, Hagen M, Laake JH, Hofsø K. The association between self-reported symptoms, rehabilitation and long-term functional disability in ICU survivors. Intensive Critical Care Nursing. 2025;92:104184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2025.104184

2024

• Mesina, Renato Jr. Santiago, Rustøen T, Hagen M, Laake JH, Hofsø K. Long-term functional disabilities in intensive care unit survivors: A prospective cohort study. Australian Critical Care. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2023.11.008

2023

• Bjørnøy I, Rustøen T, Mesina, Renato Jr. Santiago, Hofsø K. Anxiety and depression in intensive care patients six months after admission to an intensive care unit: A cohort study. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing. 78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103473

As Renato Mesina Jr. prepares to defend his PhD at Oslo University Hospital, his journey stands as a testament to the remarkable contributions of Filipino nurses on the global stage. From overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new country and language to becoming an intensive care specialist and researcher, his story embodies perseverance, lifelong learning, and a commitment to advancing patient care. Through both his clinical practice and scholarly work, Renato continues to inspire fellow Filipino healthcare professionals to dream boldly, embrace challenges, and make meaningful contributions to healthcare around the world.