Excellence Knows No Borders at Silver Cross Hospital

Imagine traveling over 6,000 miles from home to start a new job…in a new country AND a new culture. Talk about intimidating! But that’s exactly what Anas Alramahi, BSN, RN, did in December when he became Silver Cross Hospital’s first international nurse hire. 

Alramahi officially joined the New Lenox hospital’s Intensive Care Unit team Dec. 15 all the way from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In fact, he just marked his one-month anniversary last week. 

Relocating halfway across the world with his wife and two young daughters (a third is on the way later this month) is no small feat. Yet Alramahi has embraced the challenge with courage and excitement about his future at Silver Cross. And the biggest adjustment Alramahi says he’s faced so far: acclimating to our wintry weather! 

“What makes Anas’ arrival even more special is that with the ongoing nursing shortage in the U.S., international nurses often have their pick of hospitals,” explains Michael Mutterer, RN, MA, LCPC, CADC, LNHA, Silver Cross President and Chief Executive Officer. “Anas considered many, but he chose Silver Cross because of our reputation for excellent care and the many national awards we’ve earned for quality and patient safety. 

Alramahi brings with him a wealth of experience caring for patients in critical care settings: four years as a specialty care hospital nurse in his home country of Jordan and nearly nine years at Amana Healthcare in Abu Dhabi, the last two of which he served as a nurse manager. 

His passion for caregiving began in childhood when he patched up his brothers after an injury. He initially considered a career as a paramedic, but then he set his sights on nursing, earning a spot in the nursing program at Hashemite University in Jordan. He’s currently working on a Master of Health Administration degree.   

Now, he’s part of Silver Cross’s stellar ICU team, and his enthusiasm is contagious.“This is the best hospital I’ve ever worked in,” he said. “Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. And the ICU team is really amazing – from the nursing leadership to my coworkers. They’re so helpful.” 

“International nurses like Anas offer so many advantages to U.S. hospitals, not the least of which is a lower reliance on agency or traveling nurses, which means consistent quality of care and improved nurse retention,” Mutterer said. “The original idea for recruiting international nurses began during the days of the pandemic and was fully embraced by our Nursing Accuity Committee to ensure safe staffing while decreasing reliance on agency nurses. These nurses not only bring diverse perspectives and global expertise, they also bring a deep commitment to healing—qualities that make us even stronger TOGETHER!” 

The hospital has received commitments from several other international nurses and four laboratory technicians who will be joining Silver Cross in the near future. 

“Anas fits like a glove,” ICU Manager Sonya DuCharme, RN, BSN, CNRN, shared. “His years of experience and critical thinking speaks for itself. We’re thrilled to have him on our team!” 

When he’s not working, Alramahi enjoys taking his daughters to the park (Millenium Park is a favorite), and he looks forward to exploring all that the area and country has to offer. 

To learn more about employment opportunities at Silver Cross Hospital, visit silvercross.org/careers/