International Nurses’ Day
To celebrate International Nurses Day, we spoke to Thomson, one of our incredible Nurses’ in Braefield Care Home about his experience in Nursing and his journey from Kerala to Ballymena;
What inspired you to become a Nurse?
I always think being healthy and disease free is what matters and not money or anything else. A Nurse is able to help someone in their most frustrating and worrying times, by assisting them and to help their road to recovery. This opportunity was always my inspiration to be a Nurse!
What motivated you to pursue a nursing career abroad?
I come from Kerala a southern state of India and there are a lot of Nurses there. Among them, a majority live abroad including the UK. The stories of work culture in the UK that I learned from them truly inspired me to be a Nurse in the UK.
How did you learn about the opportunity to work with Healthcare Ireland in Northern Ireland?
My friends used to work with this company from the beginning, when it was founded!
What cultural differences have you noticed between nursing in India and Northern Ireland?
Nurses are considered the backbone of the healthcare system and are respected well. Of course the pay is also a lot better compared to my home country!
What do you enjoy most about your role as a Nurse in Braefield Care Home?
I enjoy talking to people especially the residents. These days the work place is more multicultural and it is interesting to talk to colleagues to know more about their country and their culture.
What has been your proudest moment as a Nurse so far?
When I see I bring smile on people’s faces as I walk in, which is so fulfilling.
What do you enjoy most about working with older residents?
I like to listen to them. It’s always good to have someone there to listen to you express yourself. This is an area of care the older population is lacking in some care facilities.
What are your future goals or aspirations in nursing?
People who know me are pushing me to take up responsibilities and grow in the profession. But I am happy in my comfort zone and I have not decided what to do next.
Is there anything you would like to see more of in terms of support or development for international Nurses?
Encourage each Home to have some staff parties and outings!
Thanks to Thomson for sharing his story and experiences with us. This year, we are looking forward to doing more to support the development of our Nurses, developing our preceptorship programme and working with NIPEC on the Care Home Nursing Career Pathway.