Nelson Bautista is the only finalist from the UAE who made it to the top 10 of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. EXPAT MEDIA

With an enthusiastic heart and a hopeful spirit, Al Ain-based Filipino nurse Nelson Bautista is calling on public support as the voting process kicks off for the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which comes with a staggering grand prize of $250,000 (Dh918,255). Nelson is not just any finalist; he is the sole nominee from the UAE among 10 exceptional nurses selected globally from over 78,000 nominations spanning 202 countries. Voting is open to the public, and Nelson hopes his story of dedication and innovation in healthcare will inspire votes, allowing him to bring this honor to the Middle East. Support Nelson by voting here: Vote now Speaking to Expat Media in an exclusive interview, Bautista said being nominated is already a big win in itself, but that winning the award would be a “greater recognition of the collective efforts of nurses in promoting patient care and well-being.” “It’s not just about me—it’s about representing the hard work and dedication of my peers worldwide,” Bautista told Expat Media. What would he do if he won the $250,000? “I would invest in initiatives that enhance nurse well-being, education, and global collaboration. A portion will also go toward supporting underprivileged communities back home,” he said.

A journey of resilience and excellence

Hailing from Guiguinto, Bulacan, in the Philippines, Nelson’s path to success has been anything but ordinary. Coming from a close-knit family with three siblings, Nelson was a working student at a college in the Philippines where he juggled academics and work to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1996. His journey into the world of healthcare started with humble beginnings as a staff nurse at a private hospital in the Philippines, where he honed the fundamentals of nursing. Seeking greater opportunities, he moved to Saudi Arabia in 1998, working in a tertiary hospital for seven years before eventually landing in the UAE in 2008. Since then, Nelson has been with SEHA Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, where he started as a bedside nurse before rising to his current position as Clinical Resource Nurse. His 16-year tenure at the hospital is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for healthcare.

Inspiration and impact

Nelson credits his father, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), as the inspiration behind his decision to work abroad. "His sacrifices instilled in me the value of hard work and determination," Nelson shared in an exclusive interview with Expat Media. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2019, when Nelson spearheaded the “Your Health First” program, aimed at supporting the well-being of nurses. The initiative became a cornerstone of resilience for his team during the pandemic, benefiting more than 6,000 nurses and cementing Nelson's reputation as a healthcare leader. He also championed digital transformation in nursing education, creating cost-effective, accessible programs that have significantly enhanced the professional growth of his peers. Nelson’s work has not gone unnoticed. He is a two-time recipient of Honorable Mention for the American Hospital Association Excellence Award at the International Hospital Federation Awards. He has also been honored as one of Top Healthcare Professionals in the Middle East and recently received the prestigious Asia’s Modern Hero Award 2024. Adding to his accolades, Nelson was granted a Golden Visa by the UAE government in recognition of his efforts as a frontline worker during the Covid-19 crisis—a recognition that deepened his sense of belonging and commitment to the UAE. If he wins the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, Nelson plans to invest in initiatives that focus on nurse well-being, education, and global collaboration. "It’s not just about me—it’s about representing the hard work and dedication of nurses worldwide," he said. He hopes his story inspires young nurses and healthcare professionals, showing that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

Q&A with Nelson Bautista

What drew you to nursing?

Initially, I didn’t see myself as a nurse, but witnessing the compassion of healthcare professionals made me want to make a difference.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing the positive impact of my work on both patients and colleagues is incredibly fulfilling.

What’s your greatest challenge as a nurse?

Balancing administrative, educational, and clinical responsibilities can be challenging, but it’s a constant source of growth.

What would winning this award mean to you?

It would be a recognition of all nurses who dedicate their lives to patient care and well-being.

Why should people vote for you?

This recognition isn’t just mine—it belongs to my colleagues, mentors, and the UAE’s nursing community.

What would you do with the prize money?

I would invest in programs that promote nurse well-being and education while supporting underprivileged communities back home. ICA/Expat Media
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