Newcastle’s original cohort of nurses – many of whom were working in hospitals in the Philippines, Singapore and India – joined the frontline in 2004 when the Trust’s overseas recruitment programme began.
Following a warm ‘Geordie’ welcome upon arrival to the UK, the trust’s pastoral team supported their new colleagues by organising accommodation and helping them to get settled into their new life in the North East of England.
A total of 36 nurses were part of our first international nursing community – they were followed by a further two cohorts later in the year – and they gathered for a very special event, marking their time in the North East where they have forged great friendships with work colleagues and others, as well as bringing up their own families.
Personal and professional reflections
They met in Shearer’s Bar in one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings, St James Park where they held a joyous evening of celebrations to reflecting on the many achievements they have made in both their professional careers and personal lives.
Executive Director of Nursing Ian Joy said “Our colleagues entrusted their lives and those of their families by choosing to move to Newcastle and in turn they have brought so many important qualities to our nursing community.
“Our wards and clinics are enriched by how they share their diverse and colourful cultures and values.
I and my team are constantly inspired by the sacrifice made by those who move to join us and their compassionate approach to providing high quality care for our patients.
Ian Joy, Executive Director of Nursing
“It’s fantastic to see so many stay with us and honour this important milestone – here’s to many more years of celebrations.”
Meet some of our fabulous international nursing colleagues
Grein Jagna-An is a staff nurse on orthopaedic ward 19 at the Freeman Hospital. She said “It was daunting moving to a completely different country, starting a life here in Newcastle and getting used to an entirely different culture and way of living.
“However I felt that the Trust here in Newcastle was very welcoming during this transition and supported me to build on the career I started in Philippines. Here, I was afforded the opportunity to develop my clinical skills and knowledge as a nurse in orthopaedics.”
Grein’s husband Elmer also works in Newcastle Hospitals as a production supervisor in the sterile services unit, and her daughter works in the NHS as well.
Rosceny Jane Tanajura is also a staff nurse working in cardiology at Freeman Hospital. “Twenty years ago, I made the hardest decision to leave home and family in search of the future.
I came to Newcastle full of uncertainty but with faith and purpose. Together with my husband we built a happy home, and a comfortable enough life for our two Filipino-turned-Geordie kids.
Rosceny, a staff nurse working in cardiology
“The kind Newcastle community made us feel at home from day one. I have friends who became family, colleagues who became friends and most of all a job that I love which I do with caring hands and heart.”
Zi-orchi Vicenti and Christina Spruce are nurse practitioners working in urgent and emergency care. Christina said “I was posted as staff nurse in the Emergency Department at the Newcastle General Hospital. Each and every one of my colleagues has supported and accepted me as one of their own.
“I owe my deepest gratitude to my seniors, colleagues and great friends in the Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit where I have happily worked as senior nurse practitioner for the last 10 years.”
We feel so welcome and have enjoyed our experiences at the hospitals over the last twenty years.
Zi-orchi, a nurse practitioner working in Newcastle’s Urgent Treatment Centres
Maria Lourdes Valdez Bautista is a staff nurse in the neurosurgical unit. She said she was motivated to leave the Philippines to pursue a nursing career in Newcastle because of the “countless opportunities.”
“Ever since moving here, our lives changed for the better.
I’m so proud to be part of the NHS and to serve as a nurse, for our patients and for the people, knowing that I am making a positive difference to people’s lives.
Maria, a staff nurse in neurosurgery
Jeshua Lucena is a staff nurse on an older people’s ward at Freeman Hospital. She said “I came across from Singapore because I wanted to further develop my horizons as a nurse. Even though 20 years has passed I am still in older people’s medicine and the reason is simply my passion, love and commitment in looking after our elderly patients.”
Donna Calsarin, a staff nurse in the RVI’s Emergency Department says she was motivated by the opportunity to earn more, learn more and take on new challenges.
The UK has a diverse range of cultures, embraces influences, culturally rich and such a welcoming country. I couldn’t be more grateful and thankful to be part of it!
Donna, a staff nurse in Newastle's Emergency Department
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of Newcastle NHS Trust. We always work and serve with commitment, love, compassion and dedication – we were driven by our desires and ambitions to attain success for ourselves and our families.” said Rowena Magnaye, a staff nurse on the haemodialysis unit of Ward 31, Freeman Hospital.
Angelyn Tabunda Pasaoa, a sister on the same unit added “I am very grateful that I am part of this industry where I have been given the opportunity to gain my confidence and reach my potential.”
Newcastle is my second home.
Angelyn, a sister on the haemodialysis unit
