Why American Nurses Are Leaving the US: Kelsey Renning’s Journey and Advice for Going Abroad Part I
Moving Beyond Borders: Kelsey's Journey and the American Nurse's Dilemma
By Dr. Robert Beck
Welcome back to the blog! This week's episode features one of the furthest-flung and most inspiring guests we've had, , founder of Global Nurse Pathways and a living testament to the resilience and adaptability of nurses everywhere. If you’re a health professional who has ever thought about making a big leap, you’ll want to read and listen closely to the wisdom here.
Why Nurses Feel Trapped (And Why So Many Want to Leave)
One of the hardest conversations I have with nurses (and frankly, with doctors, too) revolves around the guilt so many of us carry. put it perfectly: American nurses feel a unique sense of duty to vulnerable groups—patients who can’t just leave, groups who are at high risk, and entire communities that rely on their dedication. Yet the push-and-pull between staying to serve and making a positive change in your own life is real.
Key Struggles:
Heavy guilt about leaving patients behind
Internalized message that healthcare is a “calling,” not just a job
Burnout rates are staggering: six years at the bedside, on average, before throwing in the towel
Real worries about what it means to be “valued” in our system
The Reality: Burnout and the High Cost of Caring
I’ll be honest—burnout is not just a buzzword, it’s a reality. shared her own journey, surviving both the burnout of US healthcare and a fight with breast cancer before making the choice to go abroad.
What Are the Pressures?
Medical debt, even for those inside the system
Feeling undervalued and, at times, disposable
Need to cope (think retail therapy, or “I deserve this” spending)
Mounting “moral injury” from a system that doesn’t always seem to have your back
The Decision to Move Abroad
’s path from the US to Malawi (and then Southeast Asia) is remarkable not just for the geography, but for the story behind the move. It wasn’t a rash decision—it was a response to the political, ethical, and emotional climate post-2016, and a desire to care for children and communities in global settings.
If You’re Considering the Leap:
Be honest about your personal “why”
Expect emotional complexity (guilt, fear, grief, excitement)
Seek out both practical help and moral support
Remember: choosing yourself and your family’s safety is a valid choice
Supporting One Another
We need spaces where nurses (and doctors!) can talk about tough decisions without being shamed. That’s one of the reasons I love the community we’re building here—you ask hard questions, you support each other, and the conversations are real.
What We Can Do:
Normalize the conversation about leaving or changing paths
Provide resources for those looking to relicense or reimagine their careers
Celebrate those who use their skills in new places, not shame them
Recognize that migration and change are part of being human
Why Kelsey’s Story Matters
’s story is for anyone who’s ever wondered about what’s on the other side, who has felt bound by a sense of duty, or who needs a reminder that passion and practicality can live together. Whether you’re a nurse, a doctor, or anyone eyeing a new chapter, know that it’s okay to want more—and there are people out here rooting for you.
If you’re curious about:
Relocating as a healthcare professional (not just nurses—doctors, too)
Finding fulfillment outside the traditional US pathway
Dealing with the emotional whirlwind of a big life change
Reach out. Be part of the conversation. We’re here for each other.
Until next time—keep building a life, not just a career.
Dr. Robert Beck
Interesting MD