EEAST welcome international nurses to frontline workforce

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has strengthened its frontline workforce in Essex and Hertfordshire by recruiting twenty experienced international nurses.

The majority of the nurses hail from the Philippines, bringing with them years of experience and a wealth of expertise in the nursing profession to contribute to the ambulance service.

Some of the nurses have also gained valuable experience in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The international nurses are based in Basildon, Chelmsford, Harlow, Stevenage and Southend.

Upon arriving in the UK, the nurses underwent the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and successfully completed their exams, enabling them to register and practice as qualified nurses under the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

After completing their emergency care assistant training, the nurses began working shifts on a frontline ambulance. They later advanced their skills by completing their pre-hospital nurse practitioner training, enhancing their scope of practice to deliver high-quality emergency care.

John Pagui-En, a trainee Pre-hospital Nurse Practitioner, said:

“The process of adapting to a new system, culture, and professional environment has been an eye-opening experience.

“The opportunity to work in the UK healthcare system has been an incredibly enriching part of my career journey and I look forward to continuing to learn and contribute to the team here.”

Lisa Fautley, Head of Clinical Operations for mid and south Essex at EEAST, said:

“My team and I have been absolutely delighted to have welcomed our international nurses into our mid and south Essex operational teams over recent months.

“They have all been supported well by their managers to settle into their roles working on frontline ambulances and adapt to this environment, which is vastly different from working within a hospital setting.

“Their new colleagues have also been extremely kind by offering practical support, generosity and mentorship so they can be comfortable at work as well as in their new homes.”

If you want a job that gives you the opportunity to make a difference, start your #CareerForLife with EEAST today. You can find out more about careers and volunteering opportunities at www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team.