Against the Odds: How Claidelyn Made Her Aussie Dream Happen
Chris O • December 15, 2025
Meet Claidelyn Marquez’s, one of our international nurses who made the journey from the Philippines to Broken Hill. Her story is honest, emotional, and it shows exactly what determination, sacrifice, and belief can look like when someone refuses to give up on their future. We hope this inspires any healthcare worker to take that next step toward the future they want, no matter how impossible it may seem today.
Choosing nursing - even when it wasn’t the obvious path
“I come from a family of engineers - everyone around me was in that world,” she says. “Choosing nursing made me different.” In the Philippines, nursing isn’t easy to get into. Only a small percentage of students make it through the entrance requirements.
But Claidelyn kept pushing. “I wasn’t the most confident student at first, but I kept going. Then I did a 3-month training in haemodialysis and decided to specialise. The more I learned, the more I realised this is where I belong.”
Why Australia?
Claidelyn always felt drawn to Australia - long before she ever had the chance to come here. “I always told myself I wanted to work in Australia. I preferred it over the US. Something about the lifestyle and the culture just felt right.”
But there was something deeper too. “My father always dreamed of seeing me build a life here. When he passed away, I felt like I needed to actualise that dream - for him and for myself.” So, she started saving every little bit she could. She also built a small online business to help fund the journey - exams, paperwork, travel, and training. “It was expensive. Really expensive. But I told myself, if I want this, I’ll find a way.”
Why Broken Hill?
Moving overseas is huge. Moving to regional Australia is even bigger. But for Claidelyn, Broken Hill just clicked.
“I researched so much about regional areas. Broken Hill stood out because it’s peaceful, low crime, friendly people, and a small community. I’m not a big city person. I love quiet and I love feeling safe. Broken Hill just felt right.”
Relocating to Australia is one thing but starting work in a brand-new healthcare system is another.
“I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Everything is new - the culture, the routines, the system. But I like challenges. I love experiencing new things. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
How Talent Quarter came into the picture
Like many international nurses, she found us online through Facebook. “I saw Lewis’s post, and something told me to message him. But first, I checked everything - rankings, credibility, if TQ was legit.” Then came the moment that stood out to her most: “Lewis replied FAST. Other agencies didn’t respond or take forever. Lewis helped me right away. That alone made me choose Talent Quarter and disregard any other agency.”
“The onboarding process with TQ was really fast. So fast! I finished most of the paperwork in just a week. Lewis kept me updated every step of the way; he was really accommodating too. If they needed something, they told me immediately. It was a smooth process.”
Securing the contract - and that moment everything clicked
She laughs remembering it. “I screamed! Literally screamed. Then I told my husband right away. We were both so happy! It felt like things were finally falling into place.” None of this would be possible without her husband’s support and the dream of giving their son a brighter future. She misses them every day, but they’ll be together again soon - and she’s counting down the days.
Her message to other international nurses
“Keep going. Don’t let doubts - especially other people’s doubts - stop you. People told me I’d never get PR, that it was too hard, or that I’d just waste money. But I planted a seed. I prepared the soil. I worked really hard. And most importantly… I had faith. Faith in myself. Faith in timing. Faith that the universe would open the right doors. If you want to take a similar journey, don’t give up. It is possible.”
A final note from us at Talent Quarter
Stories like Claidelyn’s remind us why international nurses are so special. Behind every placement is a human being who has sacrificed, worked, hoped, and believed. We’re honoured to be part of her story - and we can’t wait to support the next one. If you're an international nurse dreaming of your own Australian journey, we’d love to help.
Reach out to Lewis Dew via LinkedIn or email him on lewis.dew@talentquarter.com
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A World Mental Health Day message from Jan Bannerman , Joint Managing Director, Talent Quarter
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When our Nurse Alex moved from Northern Ireland to Australia in November 2025 , she wanted to do two things: work as a nurse and make the most of the opportunity to explore Australia. Travel nursing has given her the chance to do both! Making the most of the time between contracts 🐋 After wrapping up a contract, Alex headed to the Gold Coast for some well-earned downtime - which happened to fall right in the middle of humpback whale migration season. “I went whale watching which was incredible. It was peak season for humpback whales migrating down the east coast. There were so many whales!” For Alex, taking a break between contracts isn’t just about travelling. It gives her a chance to properly switch off after working in demanding and sometimes unfamiliar environments. “Contracts can be both physically and mentally demanding at times, and working in unknown environments can be overwhelming. Having time off between contracts has helped me recharge to be ready for the next contract.” Work, travel and a bit more freedom One of the things Alex has enjoyed most is being able to choose contracts that suit her experience and the way she wants to spend her time in Australia. “It’s great being able to balance the work and the holiday aspects of my Working Holiday Visa. As much as I love work, I love being able to see and experience Australia in all of its beauty in my downtime.” It’s also given her the chance to broaden her nursing experience. Alex comes from an ICU background, but since starting travel nursing she’s also worked in ED and on a medical ward. And then there are the places. Instead of only visiting somewhere for a weekend, Alex gets to spend a few weeks living and working there - experiencing smaller towns and parts of Australia she might never otherwise have had the chance to call home. Next stop: Tasmania 📍 Alex has now started a new contract in Tasmania, where she’s looking forward to gaining more ED experience and, of course, exploring more of the state while she’s there. For any nurses thinking about doing something similar, Alex’s advice is pretty simple: “Do it! I was nervous to start travel nursing, but I’m so glad I did it. The team at Talent Quarter supported and guided me throughout the whole way. They are always just a phone call away.” For Alex, it’s that freedom that makes travel nursing so worthwhile. “You could work the full year straight if you want, or take months off at a time to travel. It’s up to you.” A new contract, a new part of Australia and the freedom to decide what comes next. That’s what travel nursing has looked like for Alex so far. Thinking about giving travel nursing a go? Whether you’re ready for your next contract or just curious about what opportunities are out there, we’d love to hear from you . Get in touch with our Talent Quarter team and have a chat about where travel nursing could take you next! Click here: https://www.talentquarter.com/contact-us or get in touch with our consultant, Lewis Dew!
