Tina, RN
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. Physical therapist turned nurse, and soon-to-be FNP student.
Tina trained as a physical therapist in India before deciding that nursing was where she wanted to be. Today she is a registered nurse at Cleveland Clinic, one of the top hospitals in the country, and she was recently accepted into Cleveland State University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program, which she will begin in January 2027 while continuing to work full time.
We asked Tina about the road that got her here, the hardest part of the process, what helped her find her footing in a new hospital, and what she would tell a nurse who is just beginning to think about this path. Here is her story, in her own words.
Before inSpring: from physical therapy to nursing
Before coming to the U.S., I studied and completed my degree in Physical Therapy in India. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare and make a difference in people’s lives. My interest in nursing grew over time, which led me to pursue my Direct Entry MSN at Marquette University. I wanted to work at Cleveland Clinic because it is one of the top hospitals in the country, known for its excellent patient care and medical expertise. Patients come to Cleveland Clinic from all over the world, often when they have exhausted other treatment options and are looking for hope and advanced care. Being part of an organization that makes such a difference in people’s lives was something I truly wanted for my career.
The process: the hardest part of getting here
One of the hardest parts was navigating the process of starting my nursing career in a new country. There were many steps involved, from meeting the requirements to preparing for the NCLEX and finding the right job opportunity.
inSpring played a very important role in my journey by creating this opportunity and connecting me with Cleveland Clinic. Saili Kline and Olga were especially helpful in preparing me for my interview. They conducted mock interviews, helped me practice answering questions, and guided me on what to expect during the interview process. Their encouragement and support helped me feel more prepared and confident. I am truly grateful to them and the entire inSpring team for helping me take this important step toward my dream career.
Starting work: finding her footing at Cleveland Clinic
Starting at Cleveland Clinic was both exciting and a little overwhelming because everything was new to me. What helped me the most was having a supportive team, experienced nurses, and a structured orientation program. My colleagues were always willing to answer my questions and guide me whenever I needed help.
I also reminded myself that learning takes time and that it is okay not to know everything on the first day. With every shift, I became more comfortable, learned something new, and gained confidence. Having a team that supports you makes a huge difference when starting in a new country and healthcare system.
Life now: her advice to nurses thinking about this path
I would tell every nurse thinking about this path to never give up on their dreams. There will be hard days, moments of self-doubt, and times when you question yourself, but there are also moments that make everything worth it.
I recently had a patient undergoing chemotherapy, and her daughter was very nervous about how her mother would respond to the treatment. I took some time to sit with them, explain things, answer their questions, and reassure them that they were in a place with some of the best medical expertise, technology, and treatment options. Before I left, both the patient and her daughter thanked me and said, “Thank you, Tina, for explaining everything and sitting with us. You make us feel so comfortable.” Those words will stay with me forever.
Moments like these remind me why I chose nursing. At the end of the day, it is not just about the treatments we give, but also about the comfort, reassurance, and hope we bring to patients and their families.
So, never give up. Your journey may not always be easy, but it will be worth it.
What’s next for Tina
Tina was recently accepted into Cleveland State University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program, a competitive cohort of about 30 students, starting in January 2027. Cleveland Clinic is supporting part of her tuition through its education assistance program. She plans to keep working full time as a nurse while she completes the program and then transition into a nurse practitioner role with the organization.
Thinking about this path?
Tina’s story is one of many. inSpring works alongside internationally educated nurses and international nursing graduates in the U.S., connecting them with partner hospitals, preparing them for interviews, and supporting them through licensing and immigration. If her story resonates with you and you are curious about what this path could look like, we would love to hear from you. Whenever you feel ready, you can learn more and start an application here.