From Health Care Assistant to Nurse with First Class Honours

Congratulations to Raj Surendra Venkiah who has achieved a first class result as part of his BSc (Honours) in Nursing with Buckinghamshire New University. Surendra currently works with our Adult Mental Health Home Treatment Team (HTT) based at Riverside Centre in Hillingdon, and is part of CNWL’s first cohort of nursing degree apprenticeships.

The news was unexpected for Surendra, who explains he has been overwhelmed by the achievement.

“Since the start of the course, I have been through a lot, but nothing could have stopped me. I was given an exceptional opportunity; I took it and I gave it my all,” he says.

Surendra wants to thank the Hillingdon HTT as well as the Clinical Education Team for their guidance and compassion in supporting him through the programme and personal struggles.

“I would like to thank all the staff in the Hillingdon HTT for supporting me throughout the course, they were amazing! Particular thanks to my Service Manager, Gail Golbourn for granting me the opportunity to do the course. The team always believed in me and encouraged me to develop my skills in becoming a nurse. At the beginning, they were especially supportive when I was going through hardship. I would also like to send my gratitude and say a special thank you to the Clinical Education Team.”

“And I cannot not forget my parents, because without them I would not be here. For my mother and for my late father and brother, this is for you both. To my wife Elizabeth, who sacrificed herself for me, thank you! And to my little son, Aryan, this is the best example your father could have set for you.

“Last but not least, I would like to thank CNWL for believing in my abilities and giving me this opportunity. It is wonderful to be supported through our career progression and I will be giving my all to my job. Thank you for everything and the hard work continues.”

Gail Golbourn, Inpatient, Acute and OPHA Service Manager at Riverside Centre adds:

“I love stories like this. Years as a health care assistant in HTT to a nurse with first class honours. Home grown talent.”

Surendra has now been offered a development post within the HTT.