After completing the EPA program, Nelie went back to the Philippines. She had discovered how much she enjoyed caring for elderly patients and hoped to continue her nursing career in Japan. Although she struggled with the national nursing exam—missing the passing score by just one point twice—she remained determined to reach her goal. When she finally passed the exam, she was able to come to Japan again as a registered nurse. Today, she works at a long-term care health facility in the Kanto region, raising her two children while continuing the work she loves: supporting and caring for older adults with kindness and sincerity.
Q: When and how did you first come to Japan?
A: I came to Japan in 2011 as part of the EPA Batch 3 nurse candidates from the Philippines under the Economic Partnership Agreement program. I worked at a hospital on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture for seven years. For the first three years, I worked as a nurse assistant while preparing for Japan’s National Examination for Nurses. Then, I worked for four years as a licensed practical nurse (jun-kangoshi).
Since foreign nationals with a practical nurse license can only work for four years, I had to return to the Philippines in 2018.
Q: How did you find the free review course for Japan’s nursing exam?
A: I met Chizuru-sensei in 2018 through a friend who was also an EPA Batch 3 candidate. She introduced me to a program for former EPA candidates who wanted to retake the national nursing exam.
In January 2019, we studied at a restaurant owned by a Japanese person. We stayed in a nearby dormitory that they kindly arranged for us.
We arrived in Japan five days before the exam. I was so nervous during the test that I failed by just one point, while my close friend Joren passed. Of course, I was sad, but I was also truly happy for her success.
Q: You tried again the following year, right?
A: Yes. After I failed in the 2019 exam, I was asked if I wanted to take the exam again. I still dreamed of working as a nurse in Japan, so I decided to try once more.
That time, we rented a condominium in Manila for about a month and studied together day and night. I practiced with past exam questions and used an online study app so I could study anywhere.
But again, I became too nervous on exam day — and failed by one point for the second time. I cried a lot and felt so sorry for everyone who supported me financially and emotionally. It was very discouraging.
Q: What kept you going after those two difficult attempts?
A: I started to think maybe Japan wasn’t meant for me. I even thought about giving up and finding a job to support my family. But my husband, who loves Japan, encouraged me not to quit. He told me, “It’s okay to cry or be disappointed, but never give up.”
When I learned that I would be supported again for my third attempt in 2021, I was so happy.
How did you prepare for the third exam during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Because of the lockdown in the Philippines, I studied online. One of my supporters in Japan, Mr. S, sent me textbooks and practice materials. However, there was a chance that the Japanese Embassy wouldn’t issue a visa due to pandemic restrictions.
Chizuru-sensei and Mr. S contacted JICWELS and other organizations to ask for help and advice.
At first, three of us joined the program, but in the end, I was the only one who took the exam.
Q: What was it like when you finally came to Japan for the third time?
A: When I arrived, I had to quarantine in a hotel and couldn’t go outside. Mr. S delivered meals to me every day, and Chizuru-sensei’s friends sent care packages. Even people I had never met before encouraged me. Thanks to their support, I stayed motivated and faced the exam with a strong heart — and finally, I passed.
Q: How did you feel when you found out you passed?
A: On exam day, I was nervous, but I felt confident that I had done everything I could.
In March 2021, when the results were announced, I found out I had passed. I will never forget that moment. This time, I cried tears of joy. I will always remember everyone who believed in me and supported me.
Q: Tell us about your current work in Japan.
A: Since May 2022, I have been working as a nurse at a Long-Term Care Health Facility (Kaigo Rōjin Hoken Shisetsu) in Saitama Prefecture. I have enjoyed caring for the elderly ever since the early days of the EPA program.
At first, I was worried because there was so much to learn and many Japanese words I didn’t understand. But I realized that building trust with elderly residents doesn’t depend on language, nationality, or background — it comes from speaking with heart.
When residents smile at me or share their stories, I feel deeply rewarded. I believe that when you treat the elderly with kindness and sincerity, that kindness eventually comes back to you.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your job?
A: When residents tell me “thank you” at the end of the day, it makes me truly happy. Working as a nurse in Japan is challenging, but it’s a wonderful experience.
At first, I struggled with Japanese, but now I rarely have any problems. Every day, I try to stay positive and smile.
Q: What message would you like to share with future EPA nurse candidates?
A: It’s very important to understand the essential questions — not just memorize them. The JICWELS e-learning system and practice tests were very helpful for me, so I recommend using them if you can.
And most importantly — believe in yourself. Becoming a nurse in Japan is not easy, but it’s absolutely worth all the effort.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your family life in Japan?
A: While I was working as a practical nurse on Awaji Island, I gave birth to my first child there. My husband, who was on a dependent visa and could work only 28 hours per week, helped with childcare while working part-time. We later returned to the Philippines together.
After I passed the national exam, I came back to Japan first, and my husband and son joined me when our son entered elementary school.
In the fall of 2024, I gave birth to our daughter in Saitama, and I’ve just returned to work after maternity leave.
Reconstructed based on the presentation “My Life after EPA” (Shizuoka City, October 1, 2022).
Follow-up interview conducted in ○ November 2025.