Joni Abellana, originally from the Philippines, has been a nurse for more than 15 years and started at Cygnet in October 2022. For the past seven years she has worked in the United Arab Emirates and now works at Cygnet Brunel in Bristol, which provides neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative rehabilitation for men with mental health difficulties and acquired brain injuries.
Likewise, Edith Gwata, of Zimbabwe, has been with Cygnet since April 2021 after initially training in one of Zimbabwe’s biggest hospitals, Parirenyatwa. She is based at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke, which provides emergency admissions services for men and women, and a pathway for women to rehabilitation including a specialist service for personality disorder.
Talking about what inspired them into a nursing career Joni said: “It may sound cliché but I started to have a passion with caring for people at a very young age. Initially I wanted to become a doctor but I have no regrets becoming a nurse. I gained not just personal but professional growth and development.”
For Edith, the reasons were personal. She explained: “I have had good examples to aspire to. My aunt was a Matron and used to carry herself in a professional manner even at home or family gatherings, and I envied her uniform when we visited the hospital. That made me feel determined that I really wanted to be a nurse and be a symbol of hope and authority.
“Then when my mum died in 2003, I vowed to help and save other people’s mums. Her death made me become compassionate and understanding and these qualities added to my desires of being a nurse and helped me to be the nurse that I am today.”
As part of Cygnet’s international recruitment policy, nurses will have a minimum of 2 years current psychiatric nursing experience. All are registered nurses in their country of origin. This could be a diploma in nursing or a bachelor of nursing dependent on the country.
Any nurse put forward to a site will have a minimum score of 7 in the IELTS (International English Language Test) and all nurses will have had Occupational Health Checks during the screening process.
International nurses enjoy a benefits package including a £2,000 welcome bonus at the end of their first week, Visa, Immigration Health Surcharge & Certificate of Sponsorship for 3 years paid for, as well as flights and transfers from the UK airport to accommodation paid for. Additionally, a house deposit and their first month rent paid is paid for, as well as their OSCE training and exam.
Cygnet sponsor international nurses for three years with the option to apply for another two. After five years a nurse can be eligible for indefinite leave to remain.
Joni admitted that adjusting to a new country can be difficult and brings certain challenges.
She added: “Clearing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was a bit of a challenge, but with the support of Cygnet, I was able to pass the exam at the first attempt. That has definitely been my proudest achievement so far.
“I find the people at work and in the UK generally to be very polite and approachable which somehow made it easier for me to adjust to the culture and the environment.
“The induction process is crucial to helping international nurses settle to their new environment. It was a great experience to shadow and work alongside experienced nurses who were accommodating and have offered great support as I adjust to my new role. Cygnet really encourage a culture of asking questions so the nurse feels safe to ask about things they are unsure about.”
Edith agreed, saying: “I too feared the OSCEs. It created an immense fear of thinking if I go back home today how will I be perceived.
“In my case the biggest challenge was separating with my kids. I would sometimes break down and cry on bad days just by looking at their pictures. I was scared of making any mistake or saying the wrong things. The amount of new systems that I had to know within a short space of time felt overwhelming.”
Talking about the biggest differences between working as a nurse in the UK and the Philippines, Joni said: “I can honestly say that I have never felt safer and more secure than I feel practicing my profession here. With the UKs laws, tolerance and equality, I am more free to express my concerns to better cater to the patient’s needs. I feel that I am a valued member of the team working as a nurse in the UK.
“I always say that a greatest accomplishment a nurse can have is when a patient shows his or her gratitude to you. A simple saying such as “thanks to you” is a great fulfilment, knowing that somehow, you have touched someone’s life and that you have made a difference.”
For Edith, the biggest surprise was the cultural differences. She explained: “There is a lot of difference in the way things are done here. Time keeping is of the essence here, everything seems to start on time unlike back home. In most places, the respect and politeness is remarkable.
“A big difference is the system, although care remains care and has same principles, the systems we have to navigate here are more complex. Not only are we practical nurses, but we also do administrative roles which might be a challenge for hands-on nurses. Etiquette is a bit different here too. You don’t need to be standing for seniors and everyone gets addressed with their first names no matter their position.”
Offering her advice for anyone considering relocating to another country for their career, Joni said: “You have to be ready, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. You need to become whole as a person to take care of people and be willing to learn and demonstrate resilience every day. Do not forget to look after yourself so you can be best placed to be effective in your practice.”
Edith added: “I would encourage anyone to keep an open and positive mind while adjusting to a new culture. Accept any support which is available to you.
“It is such a rewarding career and you get to go home knowing that you have done your best and the patients in your care are satisfied. Having a patient recover and get discharged after a long hospital stay gives a great sense of achievement.”