Publish date: 10 May 2024
I’ve always had a passion to help people, so naturally wanted to work in health sector. I never thought of doing any other course, than a health-related one. That was just my passion, from the word go.
I’m originally from Zambia, in southern Africa, and prior to coming to the UK, I was working as a Mental Health Nurse in that country, for more than 10 years.
After researching it, I felt that AWP would be a great organisation to work for. I joined AWP in 2021, during lockdown, initially working in secure services at Blackberry Hill Hospital on Wickham unit, in Bristol.
I’m currently working in the Senior Nurse Team as an Integration Nurse for the community of Internationally Educated Nurses at AWP. In my current role, I support the Lead Nurse for IENs, Kathy, to ensure our Internationally Educated Nurses are supported upon arrival and going forward with regards to clinical competencies as well as prepare them for intensive NMC OSCE Exam which is a prerequisite for them to get on NMC register.
Having the experience of healthcare system from overseas is something that really helped me blend into the new system. We don’t just deal with one type of Service user at AWP, or those from the same race or background. It’s diverse, so it’s really motivating to see staff also coming from different backgrounds embracing diversity.
The nurses at AWP clearly have a real passion for what they do. Each day, you can see that they have this passion for nursing and helping Service users. They are passionate about the care that they provide, even though the environment we work in can be very challenging. It takes that passion to work in an environment, with Service users of varying behavioural challenges.
The best thing about working as a Nurse, for me, is seeing Service user who was previously unable to do things on their own, become able to do those things. Seeing someone regain that independence surely gives me the sense of accomplishment.
If a young person is thinking about becoming a nurse, I would encourage them, especially if they have that passion. It’s a great career and very rewarding. It will make you feel fulfilled.
