4 February 2022
Today (Friday 4 March) marks the second Overseas NHS Workers Day. Here at SaTH we are proud to support this initiative launched by The Doctors’ Association UK, in recognition of the extraordinary contribution of our international staff, on which the NHS relies.
It is an opportunity for us all to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our international colleagues, many of whom have progressed within the Trust and become long-standing members of staff.
International doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers are highly valued members of our workforce, bringing a uniqueness, diversity, and skillset that enriches the care we provide.
In the last three years, SaTH has recruited a high number of overseas workers from a wide range of countries, including 401 nurses, 11 radiographers and 10 therapists.
The Trust also offers a wide range of support to those who move from overseas, including a pastoral support programme and help with covering costs.
One of those whose exceptional work at the Trust has helped more than 200 international nurses prepare for and pass their own exams is Jamie Henry, Professional Development Nurse in our International Nursing Team.
Jamie used her own experience as an overseas nurse to support and guide the international nurses at SaTH. Last year, she was crowned the winner in the ‘Rising Star’ category at the Nursing Times Awards 2021 for her work.
Rhia Boyode, Director of People & Organisational Development at SaTH, said: “I am pleased to see the dedication of overseas workers being celebrated through this initiative, and we thank each one for their ongoing contributions to the Trust and the communities we serve.
Case Studies
Bindu Rajesh, Professional Development Nurse
I am so honoured that I was given this opportunity to share my journey as an overseas nurse in the UK. As you can imagine, it was not easy at all, but looking back I am so proud of myself for how far I have come.
I first came to the UK in April 2007 as a supervised practice nurse. I completed the Overseas Nurses Programme through the University of Sunderland, then was placed in a nursing home in Shawbury to do adaptation. The visa was only for 10 month and within that time I had to complete my portfolios and a 2,000 word essay on reflective practice.
I had left my two young children back home with my parents. Being away from them was extremely difficult and my only wish was saving money so that I could bring my family over, so I worked overtime and extra shifts. My adaptation period was not easy, everything was new to me, but my dream was to work in a hospital where I can progress in my career. I found a full-time job in a nursing home in Shrewsbury where I worked for 6 years. I learned plenty of new skills there including leadership, management, communication, care plan writing, incident reporting etc.
Once I had my permanent residency granted, I applied in hospital and got selected. I improved my leadership and organising skills, and very quickly became a valued member of the team, but I wanted to progress further and so I eventually applied for a band 6 post in ward 27. This was the time when our Trust started recruiting overseas nurses and I was thrilled to hear about it. I genuinely loved providing training and supervision to the new nurses. I was so proud of myself.
I worked on ward 27 for 21 months before being given the golden opportunity to join the international recruitment project as a Professional Development Nurse. This was my dream coming true. I love teaching the nurses, sharing my knowledge with them and supporting them. I was once in their place and so can understand exactly how they feel and how much our support will mean to them. I started a YouTube channel to give new nurses some ideas and advice, and most of the new nurses who join our Trust know me through my channel!
My journey as an overseas nurse was not easy, but I have many memories to cherish and many faces to remember, including patients who thanked me for being there for them and those who hugged me tight when leaving the wards. These are the things that keep me going forward, full of hopes and expectations.
Asha Nair, Professional Development Nurse
I completed my nursing degree in India and worked in the Accident and Emergency Department there. I came to UK 11 years ago. I did a degree in International Healthcare and Nursing at Northampton University. I worked as a staff nurse at Morris Care Centre, Wellington. I have always been ambitious and wanted to work in a hospital. I joined the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust in 2016 as a bank staff nurse. I worked in AMU, Respiratory ward, Endocrine, Day surgery unit, Frail and complex, Endoscopy and patient safety department.
I became a permanent staff nurse on the stroke ward from 2019. I was amazed by the dedication and commitment of our hospital staff during the pandemic.
I joined the International nurse team in 2021 and I am working as a Professional Development Nurse. I am well supported by the manager and my colleagues.
Whilst working at SaTH, I have completed level 6 Infection Prevention and Control course and shadowed an IPC nurse. I also completed level 7 Professional Nurse Advocate Training and currently providing supervision sessions to those who need.
It’s a pleasure to work at SaTH, and receive the support and motivation from my colleagues and senior managers. I would recommend anyone with aspiration to learn and develop in your career to join the Shrewsbury and Telford hospital NHS Trust.