Vanessa Capinpin and Somia Chacko, who have recently relocated to work at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from their home countries, are celebrating Overseas NHS Workers Day by sharing their inspirational stories.
As part of the celebration, Vanessa and Somia have shared what it feels like to work at the trust and how staff have helped them transition to settle them into their new lives.
“Best supportive system for international nurses”
Originally from the southern state of India, Somia Chacko, 37, started working as a registered nurse in ward 11 in 2020 at The James Cook University Hospital.
When talking about how she first stepped into the world of nursing, she said: “I first became interested in nursing around the later stages of my school, as I noted that the values of nursing aligned with my personality.
“I found out that nursing is very gratifying and motivating and it also enables individuals like me to provide care to those in need.”
Following a period of working at James Cook, Somia shifted her base to the Friarage Hospital, where she commenced her new role as discharge facilitator.
Although starting a role in a new team may be nerve-wracking for some, Somia was welcomed with open arms at the Friarage site team.
“Reliable, dedicated and supportive” was how she described her team.
International nurses across the country may have to overcome obstacles such as cultural changes or social barriers, but Somia believes that the trust has the best supportive system for nurses like her.
She added:
“The trust not only supports international nurses during the transition period but also helps provide career progression opportunities for individuals like myself.”
“Opened our doors to reach our dream”
As a child, Vanessa Capinpin was inspired by her family members who were in the medical background to pursue a career as a nurse. She looked up to them while growing up and decided that she was meant to work in a field where care was at the forefront of everything.
Fast forward to 2024 and Vanessa, 37, is currently working as a therapeutic care support worker (TCSW) at the trust whilst preparing for her OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), a qualification examination for international nurses to practice in the UK.
She said: “My work may be challenging at times, but my manager Sarah, Natalie and all my seniors are always there to make sure I am well supported.
“My TCSW colleagues are with me at every stage of my new career which has boosted my confidence.”
She also credits her success to Debi McKeown, trust’s interim nurse workforce lead.
Debi has played a key role in helping spouses of international nurses like Vanessa, who are nurses in their home countries, to work in the trust in an eligible role whilst they prepare for the OSCE qualification.
Vanessa added:
“I want to thank Debi Mckeown for the programme she leads for spouses of international nurses who are also nurses in their home country – enabling us to gain valuable experience before qualifying as registered nurses.
“You have opened the doors for us to reach our dream and be part of the trust. Forever grateful for your support.”