When Nasir was working as a nurse in Suriname, he already dreamed of a career in the Netherlands. “I wanted to keep developing myself and experience healthcare here,” he says. But it took a while before that dream became reality. “I applied as early as 2007, but it wasn’t until 2024 that I really got the opportunity through Aethon.”
Nasir started out as a care assistant, worked his way up to a nurse, and spent many years in Suriname. “There you often have to improvise: if you don’t have a splint, you use two wooden sticks and a cloth. In the Netherlands everything is well equipped. I wanted to experience that difference.”
Moving to the Netherlands was not only exciting but also emotional. “My mother found it hard that I would live so far away. In the end she gave me her blessing, with a good gut feeling, and I was able to make my dream come true in the Netherlands with my wife and son.”
Nasir, you were born for this work!
Nasir got in touch with Aethon and began working at the care organization Vilente Klinkenberg. “Aethon arranges everything. I can always rely on them. They appreciate what I do and stay in close contact. That feels great.”
His first year brought challenges. “In Suriname I worked 16-hour days. Here my body suddenly had rest, and then health issues surfaced. I even had to undergo surgery for a herniated disc. But my colleagues and Aethon supported me tremendously.”
“A moment that really stayed with me was when a care recipient told me that I was born for this work. He had no one around him, lived alone in a rundown house, and was struggling financially. His words of appreciation gave me strength, motivation, and inspiration to continue my work with even more love and patience.”
Nasir is known for his Surinamese dishes and his personal attention to residents. “I want to create a beautiful day for them every day. I often cook myself and add extra flavor to the meals. The residents call out, ‘Nasir met plezier!’ (Nasir with pleasure!) That gives me a great feeling.”
Nasir wants to keep growing professionally. “I’d like to obtain my BIG registration and maybe one day work in a hospital or move into recruitment at Aethon, as long as it’s healthcare-related! Here I can grow and feel truly appreciated.”
Joining the Dutch healthcare system means becoming part of one of the most respected healthcare frameworks in the world. Here you’ll contribute to high-quality patient care within a supportive, professional environment. Beyond your career, you’ll enjoy living in safe, clean cities with excellent public services and a vibrant cultural scene. The Dutch are very welcoming to internationals. And with English widely spoken, adapting is easy. Whether you’re interested in elderly care, disability care, or other healthcare fields, Dutch healthcare offers a place for you to work and a warm community to call home. Apply now!