Far from home, close to purpose
A personal journey of growth, identity, and career as a nurse in the UK
By: an Internationally Educated Nurse
I still remember the day I arrived in the UK back in 2010. It was my first trip outside my home country. I felt a deep sense of trepidation stepping into this new land without a single familiar face; no friends, no family, not even a distant relative to lean on. I slowly began to understand the mix of fear and excitement of being alone in a foreign country, as it can feel daunting and exhilarating.
Adapting and support
The first few months were incredibly intense as I worked hard to adapt to the UK’s healthcare system and ensure I passed my adaptation program to become a registered nurse. I know that many nurses seek better career opportunities and an improved quality of life through migration, often driven by financial circumstances, and these experiences are reflected in the literature (Dahl et al., 2021). During those early days, I learned to become more independent, navigating tasks like opening a bank account, managing utility bills, batch cooking meals for hectic workdays, and buying groceries on my days off, which I have never done back home.
I remember feeling overwhelmed by personal problems as I thrived here in the UK, often choosing to solve them on my own so my parents wouldn't worry. At work, I often held back on sharing my challenges with colleagues, trying to maintain a strong front and not show vulnerability. To thrive as a newly registered internationally educated nurse (IEN), I relied on myself as my own support system.
While the journey of facing life in the UK alone was intimidating, I gradually built meaningful friendships and established a supportive working environment in my first ward. These connections helped ease the heaviness of missing my family. Even with technology making family conversations more accessible, it never truly replaced the warmth of in-person interactions. Unfortunately, some IENs that I know were struggling in their first placement. As a result, they decided to move from one clinical area to the next, seeking the support and sense of belonging that they needed.
Challenges
Over the past 15 years in the UK, I have encountered a variety of personal and professional challenges, often feeling as though I was navigating them on my own. Significant hurdles, such as language barriers, systemic and personal discrimination, and the expensive process of obtaining my nursing license. While it is affirming to see these experiences reflected in the academic literature, (Connor, 2016; Salami et al., 2018; Wheeler et al., 2014), these experiences remain as a challenging part of my journey.
I understand what it is like to receive discouraging remarks, such as “you will never be like her,” which can be profoundly hurtful. However, I transformed that pain into motivation to propel myself forward. I take great pride in having completed my Master’s in Advanced Practice in response to those experiences.
As I continue to grow, I strive to offer understanding and encouragement to those fellow IENs around me, avoiding any pushback that could cause fear. Reflecting on my journey in the UK, I feel a deep desire to support and inspire those who are embarking on their journey here. I recognise how challenging this experience can be, and I want them to feel welcomed, understood, and — most importantly — not alone in their journey.
If you are experiencing any of the difficulties described here, or would like support for any related challenges, we have a list of resources here that you can access.
References:
Connor, J.B. (2016) Cultural influence on coping strategies of Filipino immigrant nurses, Workplace Health & Safety, 64(5), pp.195–201. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165079916630553
Dahl, K., Bjørnnes, A.K., Lohne, V. and Nortvedt, L. (2021) Motivation, education, and expectations: experiences of Philippine immigrant nurses, SAGE open,11(2),pp.1-8. DOI:10.1177/21582440211016554
Salami, B., Meherali, S. and Covell, C. (2018) Downward occupational mobility of baccalaureate-prepared, internationally educated nurses to licensed practical nurses, International Nursing Review. 65(2), pp. 173–181. DOI: 10.1111/inr.12400
Wheeler, R.M., Foster, J.W. & Hepburn, K.W. (2014) The experience of discrimination by US and internationally educated nurses in hospital practice in the USA: a qualitative study, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(2), pp. 350–359. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12197