A senior nurse at Hereford County Hospital is being highlighted by health chiefs from NHS England – Midlands this International Nurses Day 2024 (12 May), for her promotion to an advanced role and becoming the first international nurse prescriber at her trust.

Across the region, the NHS will be marking the day by celebrating the incredible dedication and commitment of our amazing nursing staff who go above and beyond to deliver excellent and selfless care.

Rina Rose Amarille-Morales joined Wye Valley NHS Trust in 2018 to work towards becoming a registered UK nurse, after the trust set up a recruitment drive in her native Philippines.

Rina applied for an interview with the trust’s recruitment reps in the Philippines and was offered the role. Speaking about her role and the support she’s received, Rina said: “The continuous support for international nurses, especially in my trust in Wye Valley from the first day to now, has been amazing. I’ve had all of the backing I’ve needed to excel in my role and develop and settle into my new life here.

“I love everything about sciences and the medical field and in my current role in the heart service function, I get to deal with so many different people. Being there for my patients is really important to me.

“I’ve now been in post more than five years and have really developed my cardiology nursing skills. We have an elderly population, as well as younger people, and the service really makes a difference to those people.

“It’s important to make sure my patients are educated to be able to manage their condition, and are aware and informed of signs to look out for, how to manage their medication and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.”

Reflecting on her learning highlights since moving to the UK, and her next career steps, Rina added: “I went to college in the Philippines, but did a clinical assessment module at Masters level at Cardiff University in 2021. I liked the idea of doing things on my own, and learning the written elements including essays and referencing, which I wasn’t used to. Thankfully I had lots of help from my great colleagues.

“I’ve also recently done a prescribing course and am the first international nurse at the trust to become a nurse prescriber, so I have a lot more responsibility and can give more to my patients, which I’m really proud of.

“I can confidently prescribe what our patients with heart failure need on the day of their appointment, which gives me a sense of achievement.

“We don’t have these specialisms in the Philippines, so being able to expand my skills and knowledge in the UK has been a great opportunity for me that I wouldn’t have had otherwise, so I’m really grateful for that.

“I’ve recently been successful in applying for a trainee advanced clinical practitioner position and will be joining the acute medicine team in July, which I’m thrilled about.”

With her mum living in Crieff in Scotland, Rina knew about the nursing opportunities in the UK, and that she’d be able to study, become a nurse and bring her family here. She said: “At the time I didn’t know anything about the Midlands – only London and Scotland. I needed somewhere practical I could work, to suit our family lifestyle, so I chose the country over the high cost of living and pace of bigger cities.

“I thought I’d move to Scotland at some point but Hereford captured my heart and my husband has his job here, so we are settled and love the simplicity of our life here and the friendly people.”

Adding her advice to potential international nursing recruits, Rina said: “If anyone is thinking about coming to the UK to become a nurse, I’d say go for it! But be prepared to adapt and be realistic about your expectations.

“You may be homesick at first but focus on your goals and what you want to do. There are so many opportunities here so be brave to face obstacles and focus on moving forward and getting support from those around you.

“Always aim for your dreams and strive to do what you want. You have to try even if you don’t succeed at first, there are other opportunities.”

Lucy Flanagan, Chief Nursing Officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to celebrate all of our nurses on International Nurses Day. Rina is a shining example of the great achievements being made by our nursing teams and the professionalism, dedication and care and compassion they demonstrate to deliver the best possible care to our patients.”

Professor Nina Morgan, Regional Chief Nurse at NHS England – Midlands, said: “I am incredibly proud of all our nurses, who provide outstanding care to our patients every day. International Nurses Day is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of all nurses across the NHS, from the Midlands, the UK and beyond.

“Rina has shown what can be achieved by joining the NHS as an international nurse, and the benefits our patients get in return, so I’d like to thank her and all of our nurses for the huge contribution they give to patient care across the Midlands.”

For more information on becoming a nurse click here.