Ginalyn shares her NHS experience for South Asian Heritage Month
Here in Croydon, we're proud of our diverse team and the unique perspectives each of our colleagues brings. South Asian Heritage Month provides us with an opportunity to learn more about the cultures that shape our workforce and to celebrate the shared values of inclusion, respect, and unity.
To celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, we are sharing honest blogs from our South Asian colleagues on their NHS experience.
An honest and unedited blog entry, from Ginalyn Ranara, Matron for Surgery
When you know you wanted to become a nurse?
When my ambition to be a flight stewardess fell through as I did not meet the height requirement. 😂 This is true.
What inspired you to pursue a nursing career abroad?
Year 2001 was peak for demand of nurses abroad both US and UK. I have seen career progression and life changing development of nurses from abroad THUS why not go for it? At that time, I knew that that was the right decision to make and I made it happen.
Do you remember the cohort you came with, are you still in touch?
Our cohort was the first batch of 10 nurses from different regions in the Philippines to come over to CUH (was Mayday Hospital during our arrival) on July 2001. We became a family and created our new home here in Croydon. Like any other internationally trained nurses, 5 nurses of our cohort relocated to Australia and USA but we are in contact with them and attend special occasions as a family. The other 5 nurses remained loyal to CUH:
- Jescelyn Villamor- Advanced Anaesthetic/Scrub nurse
- Judith Sollano- Senior Sister ITU/HDU
- Dorothy Dargantes- Senior Staff Nurse ITU/HD
- Pet Edig- Senior Staff nurse ITU/HDU
- and me!
What was it like adjusting to life in the UK?
I've had an amazing 23 years of working in Croydon and I can't see myself working anywhere else. My roots have ingrained in this hospital and will remain here up to my retirement. I am where I am now because of my work colleagues and senior managers who have supported me in my journey from adaptation in ED to my current role as one of the Matrons for Surgery.
What was your first impression of Croydon University Hospital?
Awesome busy and invigorating but the houses and rooms in Croydon are small though, was a bit shocking but I am way over it now.
What advice would you give to future nurses, who are considering being an international nurse?
Follow your dreams, aim high and don't stop learning.
Keep an eye on future communications for more blogs and join us in embracing the rich heritage and stories of the South Asian community. Let's come together to celebrate and learn from one another!