Overseas NHS Workers' Day: Celebrating the impact of 228 International Nurses at CNWL

My name is Emilia Samuel, and I’m from Nigeria.

I arrived in the UK in December 2023 as an international mental health nurse and currently work at CNWL. Since arriving, I’ve received incredible support in adjusting both professionally and personally. The team has been welcoming, and I’ve had access to valuable resources to help me settle in. While there are cultural differences, particularly in healthcare delivery, I appreciate the UK’s emphasis on diversity and its patient-centred approach.

I’ve also enjoyed exploring the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. A highlight of my experience has been the Mental Health Act legislation in practice. Looking forward, I aspire to continue growing as a nurse and contribute more to mental health awareness both in Nigeria and the UK.

My name is Temwani Zimba I have been in the UK for almost 2 years, based in Milton Keynes, I am from Zambia.

I was trained there and practiced for 12years before I relocated to the UK. I am dual trained and have experience in both mental health and Adult nursing. Throughout the application process to arriving in the UK, staff were there to answer any questions and offer encouragement, this made the whole process smooth and less stressful. I have found that people here live simple lives and are easily content.

I bring with me a range of skills that I have horned over the years, being duo trained I provide both physical and mental health to my patients.  I have been supported to grow professionally such that I am now a charge nurse. My family joined me last year and it has been the highlight so far.

My name is Ndey Nichol, a Gambian international recruited Nurse to CNWL. 

I have always wanted to broaden my knowledge and skills in nursing and this opportunity was given to me when I was recruited by CNWL in 2024. I arrived in the UK 4/04/24 with so much anxiety and uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Luckily,  been integrated to the country was not a much hassle as I presumed.

This ranges from been given learning and supportive trainings offered by the trust to the welfare management services in the form of pastoral support.

The most fascinating thing about the UK for me is the diversity and cultural tolerance. You have so many opportunities to sharpen and broaden your skill towards career development as well. Not to mention how everyone around you endeavors to make you feel comfortable and heard. Professionally,  I feel so empowered and much skilled in leadership skills, decision making, communication and confidence in myself.

For me it's been a continuous learning process as I learn new things daily.

I am from South Korea and I work as a School staff nurse from Westminster and K&C School Nursing team.

The IR team has provided amazing support in helping me take the final step toward becoming a registered UK nurse. Nathaniel de Villiers, the project manager, provided tremendous encouragement throughout the process, which could be a challenging and stressful time. Additionally, my team lead Tiffany Holt, my line manager Faris Badani, and all my team members have given me invaluable support, which I am truly grateful!

My current workplace is very multi-cultural environment and working with nurses from diverse backgrounds is an amazing experience. We regularly discuss and sharing insights from our various experiences, like a group supervision. These discussions help us understand different approaches to patient care and allowing us to integrate best practices into our work and ensure that we provide the best possible care to our clients. I really enjoy working with my team, because it enables me to practice and provide care to clients professionally and efficiently.

 Interestingly, I learned about the UK healthcare system at university, and it was fascinating to see how it operates and how well-established primary care is here. In terms of nursing practice, there were not many differences. However, there are many training sessions and drop-in sessions with specialist leads in our team, which provide valuable support and help me practice safely.

As a school staff nurse, I work as an educator, advocate, and manager while also signposting patients to appropriate services. I have received compliments from service users and collaborate with schools to help them join the Asthma Friendly School, aiming to improve asthma awareness and management in schools.

I enjoy working as a school nurse. To enhance my knowledge and provide better support, I aspire to become a Specialist Community Public Health School Nurse and work with children and young people to improve health outcomes.

My name is Mary, I am a mental health nurse and from Kenya. I have been in the UK for 2 years and I am based at the Campbell Centre in Milton Keynes.

My journey as an international nurse has been a rollercoaster ride of experiences, emotions, and personal growth. Despite the challenges, the rewards have far outweighed the difficulties as I had a lot of support from the senior management team. The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients from diverse backgrounds and contribute to global healthcare has been truly fulfilling.

I hope that sharing my story inspires and encourages other aspiring international nurses to embark on this incredible journey, embracing the good, the bad, and the ugly, and emerging as stronger and more compassionate healthcare professionals.

My name is Mustapha MS Jallow and I’ve lived in the UK since November 2023. 

I’ve been a nurse for overall 5 years now and I cannot imagine being in any other field. I am from West Africa, The Gambia.

Upon arrival, it was quite challenging, meeting new people and a completely different culture was quite overwhelming but one of my favorite personality traits is my ability to adapt. This was made possible frankly by the unending support from the CNWL pastoral team but above all the IR manager Nathaniel. From settling in to food supplies that lasted at least a couple of weeks. Trained and prepared fully for the OSCE exam and quite comfortably joined the NMC register with no struggles.

Culture shock was only an expression I’ve heard of until I arrived in the UK and the amazement continued. But, making friends not only among my cohort but also at work has made this transition smooth for me totally. I picked up hobbies and activities that kept me active and engaged. 

I’ve been a nurse for a few years but what is most amazing for me in the UK is how completely different the systems are in terms of work and how much supportive members of staff are. 

Starting the role as a band 5 was not the easiest thing but I was supported enough to be  able to be an asset on any team I work in. 11 months into the role, I qualified as a band 6 and the support is unending. 

Being a nurse is a privilege for many but for me, it is a way of life and I will go above and beyond to make the people that are in my care. I am an asset, and a strong one.!

Being respected and recognized significantly as a determined young nurse and willing to carry a team has been my favorite part of being a nurse but the best part is how I integrate with other staff members and the fact that I can do so well in the same way I can make the world a better environment. 

My name is Anjana, and I have been living in the UK for approximately 1 year and 6 months. Originally from India, I made the move to the UK in 2023, eager to expand my nursing career and experience the UK's healthcare system.

Since moving to the UK in 2023, I've received tremendous support from my mentors,colleagues and the CNWL NHS Foundation Trust. I've integrated well into the UK, adapting to the new culture and healthcare system. I'm fascinated by the NHS's patient-centered approach and the opportunities for professional growth.

As a Registered Mental Health Nurse, I feel I'm developing professionally, enhancing my skills and knowledge. My contribution to nursing in the UK is my unique perspective, skills, and experience.

A highlight for me has been working with a multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality care to our patients.

My name is Bijila Jose, and I moved to the UK from India in 2023.

I have approximately one year and five months of experience working at CNWL. Since arriving, I have been fortunate to receive incredible support from the Trust in areas like accommodation, trainings to develop the professional skills and provided a friendly environment to adapt to a new country. From induction programs to mentorship, the transition has been made smoother through guidance and encouragement.

Settling into the UK has been an enriching experience. I have embraced the diversity, professionalism, and strong teamwork culture within the trust. What has fascinated me most is the emphasis on continuous learning and supervision under the experienced members which has inspired me to keep growing in my profession.

I truly feel that I am developing both personally and professionally. Every day presents new opportunities to learn, refine my skills, and make a meaningful impact on patient care. My contribution to nursing in the UK is my dedication to compassionate care and my willingness to learn new things daily

The highlight of my journey so far has been identified by me is the appreciation that I received from the students when I gave them new resources and knowledge regarding the clinical settings. I am looking forward for developing a career progression in CNWL.

My name is Clive Simenda, Internationally recruited Mental health Nurse from Zambia in April 2023. 

I am a GSA Reducing Restrictive Practice Clinical Tutor for CNWL and have been delivering training for 1 year with the Safety Team.

I assist in the delivery of comprehensive Trust wide training on the prevention and management of violence and aggression, for all levels of staff.

I participate in the development, review and updating of the course content ensuring that all training promotes a recovery focused approach.

I ensure delivery of Trust wide training to all staff, to enable them to prevent and manage aggression and violence in accordance to Trust policy and best practice.

I find this role very fulfilling as it gives me an opportunity to be part of the team that fosters reduction of all types of restrictive practices across the trust, shifting focus on Primary and Secondary prevention strategies (e.g. care planning, PBS, Trauma Informed Care and De-escalation).

I'm Hazel; originally from Tanzania, I’ve been in the UK for over a year, working as a mental health nurse at Vincent Square Eating Disorder Service. My integration into the UK healthcare system has been a rewarding experience, supported by a strong network of colleagues, mentors, and professional development opportunities, including an effective induction process.

Culturally, I appreciate the UK’s diversity and inclusive environment. While there have been differences in clinical practices, I’ve embraced these changes through continuous learning and adapting to provide the best care. I especially value that nurses’ voices are highly regarded here.

A highlight of my career has been leading key work and co-facilitating an online carers’ group. Looking ahead, I aim to further develop professionally, gain additional qualifications, and continue contributing to the nursing field while supporting future generations.

My name is Naima Osman, and I’ve been living in the UK for about one and a half years.

I am a mental health nurse and originally from Kenya, I have a total of five years of nursing experience. I came to the UK in October 2023, and it has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions of my life. Since joining the healthcare system here, I have received immense support from both the trust and the hospital where I currently work. The induction and training provided have been thorough, and the mentorship I’ve received has been invaluable. My colleagues and managers have always been approachable, offering guidance as I navigated the transition from Kenyan nursing practices to those in the UK.

The support extended to me has been both professional and personal, from access to continuous professional development courses to assistance with settling in, making my transition smooth and encouraging. This environment has helped me develop a deeper understanding of UK nursing standards, as well as grow in my practice. I feel I am not only adapting but also thriving, and I am excited about the professional development I am experiencing in this new healthcare setting.

Integrating into the UK’s culture and the healthcare system has been both enlightening and rewarding. The differences in patient management, the interdisciplinary approach to care, and the focus on patient-centred care are aspects I have learned to embrace and appreciate. My contribution lies in the diverse experience I bring, particularly in both physical and mental health care. In Kenya, I gained comprehensive knowledge in managing a wide range of health conditions, which has enriched my practice here in the UK.

A personal highlight for me has been seeing the advanced ways in which we manage patients here, particularly the holistic and collaborative approach to care. The emphasis on mental health alongside physical health has been a great learning experience, and I look forward to continuing to develop and contribute in these areas.