04/23/2026
How Certified Nurse Assistant Glaiza Dagaas Achieved Success as a Student in the US
From the Philippines to Iceland to the United States, one international nursing student is redefining composure, integrity, and trust in patient care under pressure.
April 2026 / BEST Healthcare Rankings
In Richmond, Indiana, Glaiza Dagaas is quietly building a reputation for excellence—one patient interaction at a time. Currently an International Student Healthcare Specialist Nursing Interest and Indiana State-Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Ivy Tech Community College, she pairs academic distinction with lived resilience shaped across three countries.
Her journey began in Bohol, Philippines, where she completed three years of Bachelor of Science in Midwifery at University of Bohol, accumulating over 408 clinical training hours before the pandemic disrupted her path. Rather than stall, she adapted—moving to Iceland to work as an Au Pair, proving her capacity to thrive in unfamiliar environments. Today, with a 3.54 GPA, Fall 2025 Dean’s List recognition, and a perfect attendance record, she stands out not only for performance but for presence.
“My commitment to excellence is rooted in my journey as an international student,” she reflects. Clinical instructors have praised her “great composure” and “notable ability” to navigate high-pressure situations. In fast-paced clinical settings, that steadiness translates into patient confidence—“I provide calm, high-quality care that ensures every patient feels safe, no matter the pressure.”
Integrity, for Dagaas, is non-negotiable. “As an international student who has lived and worked in the Philippines, Iceland, and the USA, I view integrity as a universal standard.” When confronted with practices that did not align with clinical guidelines, she chose action over silence—modeling the correct, policy-aligned approach in her own work. Her instructors have noted the “seriousness” she brings to clinical ethics, reinforcing her commitment to patient safety above all else.
Trust, she believes, is built through consistency. “I have always aimed to be a ‘reliable ally.’” At Ivy Tech, her perfect attendance and preparedness are matched by “exceptional” patient care, according to supervisors. Across continents and cultures, she has earned a reputation for professionalism, accuracy, and relentless dedication—qualities that strengthen every interdisciplinary team she joins.
Dagaas’s story reflects the mission of BEST Healthcare Rankings—Building Excellence through Service and Trust. Through both quiet discipline and visible impact, she elevates the image of nursing as a profession defined not just by skill, but by integrity, resilience, and global perspective.