Job Seeker Resources September 5, 2025

US Healthcare Employer Showcase: SSM Health

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening—wherever you may be in the world. Welcome to AMN Healthcare International’s live show, Onwards and Upwards, where we discuss everything a global healthcare worker needs to know about living and working in the United States.

I’m your host, Danielle Freedman, coming to you live from AMN headquarters in sunny San Diego, California, and we are so excited to be here with you today.

If you’re joining us for the first time, we are AMN Healthcare International—the largest company in the United States offering both international staffing and international direct-hire opportunities across the country.

You may have noticed we have a brand-new look today, but don’t worry—we’re bringing you the same exciting information. And speaking of excitement, today we’re highlighting one of our amazing employers: SSM Health.

We’d love to know where you’re watching from! Please drop your location in the chat—we always enjoy seeing the global reach of our audience. And of course, feel free to ask questions throughout the show. Our team will be monitoring the chat, and we’ll make sure your questions are shared with the SSM Health team.

As always, we have viewers joining from all around the world, and we’re so grateful that you’ve chosen to spend this time with us. A big hello to Bilal from Pakistan, Judith from Kenya, Azur from Ghana, Consul from Kenya, Annie from Nigeria, and to everyone else tuning in—thank you for being here!

Now, here’s what’s coming up on today’s show:

We’ll meet the leaders of SSM Health as well as some of their incredible nurses.
We’ll explore SSM Health’s locations.
We’ll discover what life and work look like in Missouri.
We’ll hear inspiring nurse stories.
And finally, we’ll share advice on how to begin your journey to the USA and achieve your American dream.

Meet the Team Behind SSM Health’s International Nurse Success

So, without further ado, let’s welcome the SSM Health team! Good morning, SSM Health—we are so excited to have you here today. I love seeing all of your smiling faces.

Let’s start with some quick introductions so our audience can get to know you better. We’ll go counterclockwise from my screen—so Melissa, let’s begin with you.

Melissa:
Hello, my name is Melissa Augustine. I’m one of the Talent Navigators here at SSM Health, and I’ve been with the organization for 10 years.

Danielle:
Awesome, thank you, Melissa! Let’s go to Darvin next.

Darvin:
Hi, my name is Darvin Thomas. I’m a Nurse Residency Specialist here at SSM, and I’ve been with the organization for about three and a half years.

Danielle:
Wonderful—and Darvin, you’re an international nurse yourself, right?

Darvin:
Yes, I am. I hail from India, but I was born and raised in Qatar.

Danielle:
That’s amazing. I think we’re all excited to hear more about your journey. Julie, let’s have you go next, please.

Julie:
Hi, I’m Julie Winegar. I’m the Director of Clinical Workforce Planning, and I’ve been with SSM Health for three years.

Danielle:
Wonderful. We’re looking forward to hearing from you. Diana, let’s go next.

Diana: My name is Diana Mazzola. I’m an Assistant [Specialty Role—clarify if it’s “Assistant Nurse Manager” or similar], and I’ve been with SSM for a little over two years. I’m also an international nurse from Philadelphia.

Danielle:
Fantastic, Diana. We’ll definitely want to hear about your journey to the U.S. and how you’re finding it here. Thank you for sharing. And last, but certainly not least—Brooke, let’s go to you.

Brooke:
Hi, I’m Brooke Restoff. I’m the International Workforce Program Manager here at SSM Health. I’m also a nurse by background, and I’ve been with SSM for about three years now.

Danielle:
Wonderful! We look forward to hearing more about your career journey, Brooke. Thank you. So, if you’re just joining us, welcome! We are featuring SSM Health today. If you’re inspired by what you hear and would like to learn more, you can apply on our website: amnhealthcare.com/international and enter the employer code: SSM Health.

I’m so excited to learn more from this team—I know you have a lot of great information for us. And to our audience, remember: please feel free to drop your questions in the chat. This wonderful panel will be answering them throughout the session.

So, let’s get started. Julie, can you tell us a little bit about SSM Health? Where are you located, and what makes you unique in terms of your mission and care?

Julie:
Yes, absolutely—and thank you so much, Danielle. And thank you to everyone joining us today. We’re really excited to have this opportunity to connect with you all.

SSM Health truly stands out in the healthcare landscape because of our deeply rooted mission, values-driven culture, and innovative care delivery model.

Our culture is shaped by a rich history of service dating back to 1872, when five German nuns arrived in St. Louis, Missouri to begin their healing ministry. They opened the very first SSM hospital—St. Mary’s. That legacy of compassionate, mission-driven care continues with us today. Through our commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement, SSM Health has grown into one of the largest integrated health systems in the United States. We operate across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.

Our care delivery model includes 23 hospitals, more than 490 physician offices, virtual care services, post-acute facilities, home care, hospice, and more.

Danielle:
Wow, it sounds like you have so much to offer. I was jotting down some facts as you were speaking—four states, 23 hospitals, and a history dating back over 100 years. That’s incredible! I’m really excited to learn more.

Darvin, can you tell us what your first days looked like when you joined SSM Health?

Darvin:
Sure. I started my career at SSM Health as an on-demand nurse, and I absolutely loved the culture right away. It’s very ministry-driven, and that’s what drew me to SSM.

People genuinely care about each other and about one another’s well-being—and that’s such an important part of who we are. Healthcare is a stressful job, but when your employer provides the resources to support your well-being and help you succeed, it makes all the difference. That’s one of the biggest reasons I chose to make SSM Health my home.

And here’s something personal—about a year ago, my wife joined me here in the United States. She also chose SSM Health as her employer. So now we both work here, as a family, and that means a lot to us.

Danielle:
Wow, I love that, Darvin! The fact that your wife chose to join you at SSM Health really speaks volumes about the culture. And what you said about caring for each other is so important.

For many international nurses, the idea of moving to a new country and starting fresh can feel overwhelming. But knowing you’re coming to a place where your well-being truly matters must be such a reassuring feeling.

I see you nodding your head—you agree?

Darvin:
Yes, absolutely. And actually, that’s one of the reasons roles like mine and Diana’s exist. We’re here specifically to support international nurses as they come in.

We act as mentors on the units and help guide them through the transition, making sure they know about all of the resources available within SSM Health—resources that are free and often overlooked. Our goal is to make sure they feel supported every step of the way.

Danielle:
That’s fantastic. I definitely want to learn more about your role and how you support international nurses. Thank you for sharing, Darvin.

The SSM Health International Nurse Program Explained

Now, let’s turn to Brooke. Brooke, can you tell us a little bit more about the international nurse program and why international nurses are so important to your team?

Brooke:
Yes, absolutely. Internationally educated nurses are essential to SSM Health’s success for several key reasons.

Like many healthcare systems across the U.S., we’ve experienced workforce shortages. Hiring internationally educated nurses has become a vital pipeline to help stabilize our workforce.

Additionally, these nurses often bring years of bedside experience, which strengthens our teams and enhances the high-quality care we provide.

And finally, their diverse backgrounds enrich our cultural competence and allow us to deliver more inclusive, effective care to the multicultural communities we serve across all of our ministries.

Danielle:
Wow, that’s amazing. So, it sounds like SSM Health has been hiring international nurses for quite some time. Is that right?

Brooke:
Yes, absolutely. In fact, one of our hospitals—where Diana works—was actually doing direct-hire international nursing even before this became a system-wide initiative. They had been hiring for several years, figuring out the process and managing it on their own.

Then, in 2023, it became a full system initiative. Today, we have about 700 nurses in our pipeline, and we are very excited for those nurses to start arriving soon. This also gives us the opportunity to build strong communities within our hospitals, so our international nurses have a supportive and welcoming environment when they join us.

Danielle:
Wow, that’s incredible. I really love what you said about building communities—having a soft place to land, something that feels familiar, is so important for nurses moving to a new country. I think that’s something very exciting for our audience to hear. Thank you for sharing that, Brooke.

So, Diana, let me turn to you. What made you feel most welcome when you arrived at SSM? Darvin talked about the care and the family feel—what made you feel like you could truly settle in and feel comfortable?

Diana:
I think Darvin summarized it really well. For me specifically, coming from a third-world country, I faced a challenge with currency differences. What seems like a lot of money in Colombia doesn’t translate to much in U.S. dollars.

When I first arrived, even before I knew everyone, my leaders and coworkers rallied together and collected money to help me start my life here. That, to me, speaks volumes about the heart of community at SSM. It showed me that they didn’t just see me as a worker, but as a person. SSM truly focuses on supporting internationally educated nurses as whole individuals, not just employees. That made me feel welcome right away.

Danielle:
Wow—are you saying that your coworkers, who you hadn’t even really met yet, all came together to help you when you first arrived?

Diana:
Yes! And the amazing part is, it happened before my very first shift. They didn’t know me yet, but they still came together to support me. I think that says a lot about the culture at Good Samaritan Hospital, where I work, and about SSM Health as a whole.

Danielle:
That’s truly powerful. It sounds like your team recognized the challenges you might face and wanted to make sure you had the support you needed to get started. That really speaks to the culture at SSM Health. Thank you for sharing that, Diana.

I’m excited to hear more about both of your journeys—it sounds like you’ve had some incredible experiences, and that’s something really special.

So now, Melissa, can you share with us some fun facts about SSM? Maybe some unique highlights or awards? For international nurses abroad who may have different choices, why should they consider SSM Health?

Melissa:
Yes, absolutely. As Julie mentioned earlier, SSM Health was originally founded by five nurses from Germany. So we like to say that we had the very first internationally educated nurses!

As one of the largest Catholic healthcare organizations in the U.S., we’ve been hiring internationally educated nurses for over 20 years.

And here’s something we’re very proud of—several of our internationally educated nurses have received DAISY Awards, which are among the most prestigious awards in the nursing profession.

Danielle:
Wow, I love that. So you were really the pioneers of international nursing way back in the 1800s—that’s incredible!

Now, before we came on today, I was looking into SSM Health, and I was really impressed by the awards you’ve received and the Magnet status at one of your hospitals. Melissa, can you tell us a little more about that?

Melissa:
I’m actually going to defer this one to Brooke or Julie.

Danielle:
Perfect—Julie, let’s turn to you.

Julie:
Yes, absolutely. SSM Health has been recognized with a number of national awards. For example, we were recently named one of the Top Hospitals for Women Leaders, and also recognized on Becker’s Healthcare list of Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2025.

Additionally, Newsweek recognized us as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion and Diversity as well as America’s Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters.

These awards really highlight the strength and culture of SSM Health. And speaking from experience—my career has spanned more than 25 years across multiple healthcare systems in the U.S.—I can honestly say that SSM Health is uniquely special when it comes to nursing leadership.

Here, you’ll find a nurse at every single level of leadership—from hospital departments, to ministry initiatives, all the way to system-level decision-making for all 23 hospitals. The voice of the nurse is extremely important at SSM Health, and we foster that voice through mentorship, education, and leadership opportunities. Nurses are at the heart of shaping our mission, and our entire team values their input.

Danielle:
Thank you for sharing that, Julie. I really like what you said about the voice of the nurse. It’s clear that SSM Health truly values its nurses, and I think that’s reflected in the many awards you’ve received as a top workplace.

I also wanted to ask—one of your hospitals is Magnet accredited, correct? Could you talk a little about what that means and why an international nurse should care?

Julie:
Yes, thank you. One of our Magnet-accredited hospitals is Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, our pediatric hospital.

For those unfamiliar, Magnet status is a very rigorous program that sets the gold standard for nursing excellence. To achieve Magnet accreditation, a hospital must meet high standards in areas such as:

Quality of patient care
Nursing professionalism and innovation
Patient and family experience
Continuous improvement and outcomes tracking

At Cardinal Glennon, the team has done an outstanding job in all of these areas, which is why they’ve held Magnet status for several years. What’s exciting is that many of their best practices are now being adopted across other SSM hospitals as well.

We place a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, data analysis, and shared learning, so when one hospital excels, we replicate those successes throughout our system. Several of our other hospitals are already on the journey toward Magnet status, and we’re very proud of the progress being made.

Danielle:
Wow, that’s amazing—that’s truly a tremendous achievement. For those of you watching around the world, Magnet status is considered the gold standard of excellence for U.S. hospitals. So the fact that one of SSM Health’s hospitals has already achieved Magnet status—and that others are working toward it—really speaks volumes. Thank you for that background, Julie.

Now, I’d like to shift to the partnership between AMN Healthcare and SSM Health, which we are so excited about. We’ve already hired international nurses into SSM, and there are plans to hire even more.

And I know for many of you watching, you may be wondering: How do I make myself stand out? You’re learning about SSM Health, you’ll learn even more as we continue, and you might already be thinking, This could be the right fit for me. Well, we’re here to give you answers.

What SSM Health Looks for in International Nurse Applicants

So Brooke, let’s start with you. What is SSM Health currently looking for in terms of specialties and skills, and how can international nurses watching today really make themselves stand out?

Brooke:
Absolutely. Right now, we’re primarily looking for ER, ICU, OR, and CVOR nurses to join our team. That doesn’t mean we won’t be hiring in other areas—like Telemetry, Step-down, or Med-Surg—down the road, but those are our main focus areas at the moment.

As for requirements, we do ask that candidates:

Have already passed the NCLEX
Have at least two years of bedside experience
And be currently working in the specialty they’re interviewing for

While it’s not a requirement, experience with electronic health records (EHRs) is definitely a plus.

And here’s something important: what really makes an applicant stand out is when they let their personality and passion shine through. We truly want to get to know you—not just your resume. We want to hear what inspired your journey into nursing, why you want to continue that journey in the United States, and what your passion is for patient care.

When you share your career goals and motivations, it helps us align you not only with the right hospital within SSM Health but also with the best department for your skills and future growth.

Danielle:
Thank you so much for sharing that, Brooke. I think that’s incredibly helpful. And I noticed a few questions coming through in the chat about how to apply and what the criteria are—so hopefully that answered some of those. \

For those interested in applying, you can go to our website: amnhealthcare.com/international and enter the employer code: SM Health. That way, you’ll be added to the list and get more information about opportunities with SSM.

So now, Darvin, let me turn to you. What advice would you give to an international nurse who’s considering joining the SSM Health team? Why do you think SSM is such a great place for international nurses to work?

Darvin:
Oops—was on mute there for a second!

So, I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give is: believe in yourself—you’ve got this.

At SSM Health, you’ll have all the resources you need to succeed. We have dedicated Nurse Residency Specialists who check in on you, make sure you have what you need, and help you be successful. Our leaders also understand that you’re coming in with an international perspective, and all of us are trained to support international nurses.

Something personal I’ll share—before moving to the U.S., I used to watch a lot of sitcoms. It really helped me learn American phrases, dialects, and even cultural practices. For example, in India and Qatar, where I grew up, we never celebrated Thanksgiving. By watching sitcoms, I got a fun crash course in things like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and everyday cultural nuances. It was entertaining and educational at the same time. Of course, SSM has plenty of resources for you too, but that little tip was really helpful for me.

And again, what makes a big difference is that SSM’s leaders and residency specialists will always go above and beyond to make sure you feel supported and set up for success.

Danielle:
I love that, Darvin. You know, I’ve spoken with international nurses for many years now, and so many of them have shared how watching shows like Friends or Seinfeld helped them pick up English and learn about U.S. culture. That’s such great advice—not only for the language but also for understanding things like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and cultural traditions that may be very different from what you’re used to.

Mentorship & Training: How SSM Health Ensures Nurse Success

Now, I want to follow up on something you mentioned—you talked about the Nurse Residency Specialist. You also used the word mentor. That sounds like a really important support system for international nurses. Can you explain a little bit more about what exactly that role is?

Darvin:
Sure! So, SSM Health realized there was a real need to better support both international nurses and newly graduated nurses in the U.S. That’s why they created the Nurse Residency Specialist role.

Most of us in this role are experienced nurses who have worked at the bedside. We’re not your bosses—we’re more like a big brother or big sister. We’re here as mentors to make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and supported.

For example:

If you’re working night shift, we’ll come and check in on you.
If you’re struggling with time management, we’ll sit down and shadow you to help you work through it.
We teach classes that help international nurses integrate into U.S. healthcare.
And we’re always in close communication with your leaders to make sure you have everything you need.

Our role goes beyond your initial orientation. Orientation varies by unit, of course, but once that’s over, we’re still there—long term. We talk about your career growth and development too. If you want to become a preceptor, a charge nurse, or take on other leadership roles, we’ll help you figure out how to achieve those goals.

The Nurse Residency Specialist program usually lasts about a year, but honestly, the connections we build go way beyond that. We’re always checking in, always supporting, and making sure our residents and international nurses succeed.

So, in short, think of us as your ongoing mentor and support system—someone who’s always looking out for you.

Danielle:
Wow, I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’ve never heard of a program quite like this—a big sister, big brother, mentor who’s there for you beyond just the first few weeks. To have someone supporting you throughout your entire journey at the hospital is really special. And Darvin, I can hear the dedication in your voice. It sounds like such a thoughtful program. Thank you so much for sharing—I really enjoyed hearing about it.

Diana, I want to turn to you now. You’re also a Nurse Residency Specialist. What do you think it is about SSM Health that helps internationally trained nurses truly thrive?

Diana:
Well, I think first of all, it starts with the fact that SSM Health genuinely wants international nurses to thrive. It’s not just about filling a position—it’s about supporting people to succeed as professionals and as individuals in their personal lives.

To add to what Darvin explained, the Nurse Residency Program was designed specifically for newly graduated nurses and internationally educated nurses. And the focus is on you as a person—mentorship, guidance, and support from people who act like big brothers and sisters. That really shows how much SSM cares about its international nurses.

It’s such a unique and special program, with a team fully dedicated to international nurses—people who have a true passion for teaching, supporting, and mentoring. And I think that makes all the difference in helping international nurses thrive.

Danielle:
Wow—thank you for sharing, Diana. And I have to say, I saw you got a shout-out in the comments. Mike M says “Diana is the kindest and the sweetest.” So maybe Mike knows you from your Nurse Residency Specialist role.

But I really love how you put it—that it’s not just about filling a spot. Because when you’re moving to a new country, it can be scary to imagine starting fresh. Having that kind of mentorship and support truly makes all the difference.

So thank you for sharing your perspective, Diana.

Where You’ll Work: SSM Health Locations Across the Midwest

Melissa, I’d like to turn to you next. We talked a little about where SSM Health operates across four states, but for someone watching from abroad who doesn’t know much about the U.S., could you explain exactly where SSM facilities are located?

Melissa:
Of course. SSM Health operates across four Midwestern states—Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. We have hospitals in both rural communities and metropolitan areas, so there’s really a variety depending on the lifestyle a nurse may be looking for.

In Missouri, most of our hospitals are in the St. Louis region, and we also have one in Jefferson City.
In Southern Illinois, our hospitals are located in smaller rural towns.
In Wisconsin, we have one hospital in Madison, which is a mid-sized city, and the rest are in smaller rural areas.
And in Oklahoma, our hospitals are in Oklahoma City and the surrounding suburbs.

Danielle:
Thanks for breaking that down, Melissa. So if you’re following along, you can see SSM Health is really right in the middle of the country—across the Midwest. Let’s pull up that state map so you can see where those facilities are located.

There they are—you can see SSM has a huge presence in Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

Living and Working in St. Louis, Missouri

For today’s showcase, let’s focus in a little more on Missouri. I’ve actually been to St. Louis, and I was so pleasantly surprised—it’s such a beautiful city! I wasn’t expecting it, and I’m excited to learn more about what life is like there.

So Julie, let’s bring you in. Geographically speaking, where is Missouri located in the U.S., and where are SSM’s facilities found within the state?

Julie:
Thanks, Danielle. As you can see, Missouri really is the heart of the country. It borders eight different states—more than any other U.S. state—which makes it a key hub for transportation.

It’s home to two major cities: St. Louis on the eastern side, and Kansas City on the western side.

Would you like me to also expand Julie’s answer to include a little about lifestyle in St. Louis—like culture, cost of living, and community feel—so it ties in nicely for an international audience who may not know Missouri?

Danielle:
All right, thank you, Julie. So, Missouri really is the center of the country—right in the middle—which makes traveling across the U.S. pretty easy. And we’ll learn more about that in a moment.

I see lots of questions coming in through the chat, and so many of you are saying hello. I just want to give a quick shoutout—hello to Mary, who’s watching from Zambia! We love seeing your questions. If we don’t get to every single one, don’t worry—we have a recruiter in the chat who’s helping answer them as well. Please keep them coming, and as time allows, we’ll also ask our SSM experts directly.

Now, I’ve got a little fun trivia for all of you—and for our panel—to see how well you know your home state of Missouri.

Trivia Question #1:

What is the nickname of Missouri?
A) The Sunshine State
B) The Show-Me State
C) The Volunteer State

Drop your answer in the comments—A, B, or C. And to our panel, one of you from St. Louis, tell us—what’s in this picture?

Melissa:
That’s the Arch!

Danielle:
Yes—the famous St. Louis Arch. I visited it myself, and it’s beautiful. Looks like it’s right on a lake or river.

Melissa:
Yes, it’s right on the Mississippi River.

Danielle:
Wow, very cool. Okay, Brooke—do you know Missouri’s nickname?

Brooke:
Yes—it’s B, the Show-Me State.

Danielle:
Correct! The Show-Me State. And I see lots of you in the chat also got it right—great job to Fatima and Milan.

Trivia Question #2:

The fiancé of Taylor Swift plays for which professional American football team based in Missouri?
A) The Green Bay Packers
B) The Dallas Cowboys
C) The Kansas City Chiefs

Julie, I’m going to put you on the spot—do you know this one?

Julie:
Oh, Danielle, I was afraid you’d call on me. I don’t really follow Taylor Swift, but I’ll take a guess—C, the Kansas City Chiefs?

Danielle:
nd that’s correct! Kansas City Chiefs. Nicely done, Julie. And I see lots of you in the chat got it right too—Milan, Evelyn, Paul—you’re all experts in American football now.

Trivia Question #3:

Which U.S. city in Missouri is known as the “Gateway to the West”?
A) St. Louis
B) Kansas City
C) Springfield

Brooke, what do you think?

Brooke:
That’s St. Louis.

Danielle:
That’s right—St. Louis is the Gateway to the West. And once again, lots of you got it right in the chat—congratulations Annie and Rhoda.

So now that we’ve had a little fun with Missouri trivia, let’s get back to our panel. Melissa, tell us—what’s it really like living in Missouri, and specifically in St. Louis? What do you love about it?

Melissa:
I’d say the highlight of living in St. Louis is that it’s a perfect blend of family-friendly living, rich culture, and affordability. Nurses and their families can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with access to excellent schools, beautiful parks, and lots of free attractions—like the St. Louis Zoo and the Science Center.

Personally, I love to travel, and St. Louis is centrally located, which makes it easy to travel all over the U.S.

Danielle:
Love that. Thank you, Melissa. So for those of you considering your move, if you’re looking for a family-friendly place with plenty to do, and easy access to the rest of the country, St. Louis might be a great option for you.

And Melissa also mentioned affordability. Diana touched on this earlier too—moving internationally can be overwhelming, and cost of living is an important factor. Brooke, can you tell us a bit about Missouri’s cost of living compared to other parts of the U.S.?

Brooke:
Absolutely. Missouri has a moderate cost of living—below the national average—so your salary goes further here. Housing, groceries, and daily essentials are all more affordable. And as Melissa mentioned, we have lots of free options—like the zoo, parks, science centers, concerts, yoga in the park—there are plenty of activities you can enjoy without spending money.

Danielle:
That’s always good to hear. In fact, we did a little cost-of-living comparison between St. Louis and other U.S. cities. We found that:

The cost of living in San Francisco is 91% higher than in St. Louis. Housing alone is 278% higher!
And compared to Manhattan, New York, the cost of living is 157% higher than St. Louis.

So for international nurses considering where to settle, St. Louis really stands out as an affordable and family-friendly option.

Okay, let’s take some questions from the chat. Utan Day is asking: What is your nurse-patient ratio? Julie, can you take this one?

Julie:
Yes, thank you for the question—it’s a very important one. Nurse-patient ratios vary depending on patient needs. Generally, in medical-surgical areas, the ratio is about six-to-one, but it can be as low as four-to-one depending on acuity. On average, it’s usually between five and six.

Darvin, you’re at the bedside often—does that sound about right to you?

Darvin:
Yes, that’s correct. Six-to-one can happen when it’s very busy, but in most of our medical-surgical units here in Oklahoma, we typically see four-to-five patients per nurse. We rarely go up to six. And of course, we also have nursing assistants who help us with patient care.

And in higher-acuity areas, like step-down or critical care, the ratios are even lower, though the patient needs are higher as well.

Danielle:
Okay, great—thank you, Darvin. I’m sure that was very helpful for our audience. We’re going to take one more question before moving on.

So Brooke, I’ll turn to you for this one. Annie is asking about crime rates in St. Louis. Obviously, you live there, so we’d love to hear about your experience. Has this been an issue for you?

Brooke:
Yeah, absolutely. I don’t have the exact statistics on crime rates in St. Louis, but I know if you Google it, you’ll probably see articles calling it one of the most dangerous cities. What I would say, though, is that—like in most cities—there are certain areas you probably want to avoid, especially at night or if you’re alone.

But overall, there are also a lot of very safe neighborhoods. Personally, I run and walk through the city by myself early in the morning, and I’ve never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. For me, it comes down to situational awareness: knowing where you’re going, avoiding a few high-crime areas, and being mindful. The majority of the city is safe and very livable.

Danielle:
Thank you, Brooke, for sharing your perspective. And Annie, hopefully that helps. I think it’s a good reminder that in any major U.S. city, you’ll find some neighborhoods that are safer than others. Really, anywhere in the world, it’s important to stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings.

Career Growth Opportunities for International Nurses

Now, since we’re closing in on time, I’d like to shift gears and focus on something really important: career development.

When I first started speaking with international nurses years ago, I assumed most were motivated mainly by financial opportunities. But through conversations, I’ve learned that career growth is actually one of the biggest reasons nurses choose to come to the U.S. I see Diana and Darvin nodding along, so let’s dive into that.

Julie, can you share what career development looks like for an international nurse at SSM Health?

Julie:
Yes, absolutely. At SSM Health, there are truly endless career paths for nurses. If you’d like to stay at the bedside and continue to grow your clinical skills, we support that. If you want to move into leadership, continuous improvement, or quality improvement roles, we support that as well.

We provide resources, mentorship, financial support, and dedicated time for your professional growth. For example, we offer tuition reimbursement and also reimbursement for certain certifications.

We know that by coming to work with us, you are investing your time and talents—the most valuable gift you can give. So we want to invest back in you. Opportunities include participating in things like Mission Action Teams, Unit Practice Councils, and Nurse Practice Councils. And with mentors like Darvin and Diana, there are so many ways for nurses to grow, contribute, and expand their talents here at SSM.

Danielle:
That’s wonderful, Julie—thank you. And a great reminder that career growth is truly supported here. Diana and Darvin are perfect examples, having started as nurses and now serving as Nurse Residency Specialists.

Darvin, could you share how your own career has grown since joining SSM?

Darvin:
Yes, of course. I started as a float pool nurse, where I was precepting new graduate nurses and agency nurses. I believe preceptorship is the first step toward career development—it lays the foundation.

SSM provides excellent support for that, including preceptor training programs. Later, I was asked to step into a charge nurse role, and SSM also provided specific charge nurse training. That included shadowing experienced charge nurses as well as virtual classes you can do from home.

I also became a nationally certified medical-surgical registered nurse (CMSRN). SSM offers review courses for many specialties—whether you’re in critical care, med-surg, or step-down—and they help with reimbursement for national certifications.

If you want to pursue higher education, like a BSN or MSN, SSM also offers tuition discounts and support.

So when this Nurse Residency Specialist role opened up, I knew it was the right fit for me. Teaching, mentoring, and precepting are things I’ve always loved, and this role allows me to keep doing that. Honestly, I still feel it’s a perfect fit for me today.

Danielle:
Wow. Well, Darvin, I can tell from your confidence and your smile that you’re truly happy with your journey. That really speaks to the support and community you’ve found at SSM Health—it’s very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

So Brooke, I want to turn to you. Darvin mentioned mentorship, training, and other opportunities he’s experienced at SSM. Can you tell us more about the mentorship programs, training, or upskilling that SSM provides to international nurses?

Brooke:
Yes, absolutely. We offer several types of mentorship for our internationally educated nurses. As Darvin and Diana mentioned, all of these nurses will go through our Nurse Residency Program, which is a year-long program with various classes taught by Darvin, Diana, and our other Nurse Residency Specialists.

Each of our ministries has at least one Nurse Residency Specialist—sometimes two, depending on size—so that we can really stay connected with every nurse. During this year-long program and orientation, specialists regularly check in to make sure you’re progressing smoothly, coming off orientation successfully, and that you’re paired with the right preceptor. If personalities don’t match, for example, we can make adjustments to set you up for success.

We also identified a gap in electronic health record experience for some internationally educated nurses, so we’ve added an additional Epic training. This takes place before you step onto the floor, so you’re comfortable with charting and our computer systems before working with patients.

And finally, we’ve recently added our HealthStream platform. In the U.S., continuous education and online learning are a big part of nursing, so HealthStream allows us to create personalized learning plans for new graduates and internationally educated nurses. These plans include scenarios and modules at three, six, and nine months, so your education is tailored to your needs as you transition into independent practice.

Danielle:
That’s really interesting, Brooke—thank you. And you touched on something I’ve heard from the whole team today: personalization. Diana mentioned that nurses aren’t just “filling a spot.” Julie talked about one-on-one mentorship. And now you’ve explained how education is tailored to each nurse.

What I’m hearing is that at SSM Health, you really value each individual nurse and where they are in their journey. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. For international nurses who may feel anxious about moving to a new country, that kind of individualized support is probably very reassuring.

So thank you for sharing that. I do have a follow-up for you, Brooke. Jericho is asking if you’re currently looking for PACU nurses. Could you clarify again what specialties SSM Health is hiring for?

Brooke:
Of course. Right now, our highest-need areas are ER, ICU, OR, and CVOR nurses. Those are our main focus specialties. That said, we’re always recruiting across different specialties as needs arise. And to your question, Jericho—PACU does fall under that OR umbrella, so yes, that would be included.

Danielle:
Perfect—thank you for clarifying. And for those of you asking where to apply, I see that question coming up in the chat. If you’ve been inspired by the SSM Health team and you’d like to apply, you can do so on our website: amnhealthcare.com/international. Use the employer code SSM Health when submitting your application. You can also click the link in the chat to apply today—we look forward to helping you find your placement at SSM Health.

Now Melissa, I’d like to turn to you for one final question on career development. What advice would you give to international nurses who are excited about the possibility of joining SSM Health?

Melissa:
There are a few things I’d share. First, stay involved in your unit and your ministry. Engagement really helps you grow both professionally and personally.

Second, make sure to talk with your manager about your career path. They can help you identify opportunities and support your goals.

Third, take advantage of our tuition reimbursement programs—many of our staff use them to further their education and pursue advanced degrees.

And finally, be open to feedback. There are so many great mentors at SSM who can guide you, encourage you, and help you progress in your career.

Danielle:
Love that—thank you, Melissa. I think that’s great advice for anyone considering SSM Health, not only to start their career but also to grow it. Really leaning into career development is so important. I see lots of nodding heads, so that’s a good sign!

I’d love to turn now to Darvin and Diana. Someone recently asked me why I’m in the healthcare industry and why I enjoy working with international nurses. I shared with them why working at AMN feels like a family to me. I’m actually an immigrant myself—I’m originally from South Africa—and I love knowing that my role helps pay it forward, supporting others as they reach their American dreams. That’s something very meaningful to me.

So I want to pose the same question to you. Let’s start with you, Diana: why do you love working in healthcare, and why SSM Health?

Diana:
That’s such a big and deep question. At the heart of it, I love serving people. It’s hard to describe, but there’s something special about connecting with people—whether they’re going through the hardest moment of their life or one of the best. Those connections are meaningful.

I can think of so many patient experiences where I felt honored to be part of their journey. At SSM, we have an initiative called Commit to Sit, which encourages nurses to sit down and really get to know their patients. Every time I hear leadership or other nurses reminding one another to “commit to sit,” I’m reminded of why I became a nurse—to connect, to listen, to truly know people.

When it comes to international nurses, I also feel personally connected. I grew up in the U.S. for a few years, then moved back to Colombia, and later returned here. My entire family has experienced what it’s like to move to another country, not knowing the culture or language. It’s very hard, it can feel lonely, and I remember those struggles. That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting others who are going through that same transition. For me, it’s not just “paying it forward”—it’s making sure no one has to feel alone on that journey.

Danielle:
So inspiring, Diana. I could see everyone’s faces backstage while you were speaking—nodding along with everything you said. The heart behind your words really came through, and I love that you mentioned Commit to Sit. Once again, it shows how much SSM Health values each individual. Thank you for sharing that.

Now Darvin, I’d like to turn to you. What’s one moment—big or small—that has really made you proud to work at SSM Health?

Darvin:
I’ll echo what Diana said about the initiatives that SSM has in place. They don’t just focus on nurse well-being—they also prioritize patient well-being.

For example, Diana mentioned Commit to Sit. Another initiative is Managing Up. When we hand off a patient to another unit, we always “manage up” that unit by saying things like, “You’re going to be in great hands. The team there is experienced and will take excellent care of you.” It’s a small gesture, but it makes patients feel reassured and confident.

And beyond those initiatives, I think what resonates with me most is SSM’s mission. It’s what connects me to the organization on a deeper level and reminds me every day why I’m proud to work here.

Danielle:
Love that. Thank you for sharing, Darvin. I really enjoyed hearing about both your and Diana’s journeys, your experiences moving up at SSM Health, and why you’ve chosen to stay. I think that truly speaks volumes.

Advice for International Nurses Starting Their U.S. Journey

We’re almost out of time, so I want to give everyone one last chance to share a final piece of advice for an international nurse who might be considering coming to the United States—or specifically considering SSM Health.

Danielle:
Brooke, let’s start with you. What would you say to our audience who may be inspired and are now considering this journey?

Brooke:
Absolutely. If you’re an internationally educated nurse interested in working at SSM Health—or anywhere in the U.S.—my advice would be to ask lots of questions and make sure you’re informed about every part of the journey. Learn about the immigration process, understand how the U.S. healthcare system works, explore the different roles and career growth opportunities, and get a sense of what nursing looks like here. The more informed you are, the smoother your transition will be—both professionally and personally.

Danielle:
Great advice, Brooke. Thank you for sharing that. Melissa, how about you?

Melissa:
What I love about nursing is the opportunity to work with different types of patient populations in a variety of settings. So my advice would be to embrace the opportunities—both professionally and personally. There is so much room to grow and learn.

Danielle:
I love that. Thank you, Melissa. I think what both you and Brooke are really highlighting is the importance of taking ownership of your journey—making it happen for yourself, and taking advantage of the opportunities around you, whether that’s career development or exploring your new home.

So, if you were inspired today by the SSM Health team, please apply on our website: amnhealthcare.com/international and use employer code SSM Health. You can also click on the link in the chat to submit your application.

A huge thank you to Darvin, Diana, Melissa, Brooke, and Julie—we may have lost her connection, but we’re grateful for her as well. I truly enjoyed hearing about SSM Health, your roles, your journeys, and your passion. It’s been very inspiring, and I know our audience feels the same. Thank you so much for being here, and we look forward to having you on again in the future.

Panelists:
Thank you!

Danielle:
And to our audience—if you were inspired by this incredible SSM Health panel, don’t wait. Apply today at amnhealthcare.com/international with employer code SSM Health. Our recruiters are ready and excited to help you through the process so you can begin your American dream.