Celebrating One Year of IEN at VUNHST

February 14^th 2025, marked a significant milestone for VUNHST as it marked the first anniversary of internationally educated nurses (IENs) from Kerala, leaving India to join us here at Velindre University NHS Trust.

Over the past year, our 14 dedicated internationally educated nurses have made a profound impact, bringing invaluable skills, diverse perspectives, and most importantly unwavering commitment to patient care.

A Year of Growth and Dedication

The transition from nursing in a different healthcare system to becoming an integral part of NHS Wales has been both a challenging and rewarding journey. Many have had to adapt to new and very different clinical practices, cultural expectations, and regulatory frameworks. Despite these challenges, their resilience and determination have shone through, making them an essential part of the Velindre nursing team.

Throughout the year, our IENs have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, compassion, and adaptability. From mastering NHS protocols to building strong relationships with colleagues and patients, they have not only integrated well but have also enriched the organisation with their diverse expertise and experiences.

The Impact on Patient Care

The contribution of internationally educated nurses has been instrumental in addressing nurse shortages, ensuring that patient care remains a top priority. Their presence has strengthened our healthcare teams, enhanced patient safety, and improved the overall quality of care. Patients and colleagues alike have benefitted from their cultural competence and multilingual skills, which help to create a more inclusive and understanding healthcare environment.

Support and Development

Recognising the unique challenges faced by IENs, the Trust  has prioritised support systems to aid their transition. From a robust structured induction programme, OSCE preparation, mentoring to ongoing professional development opportunities, VUNHST remains committed to helping these nurses stay and thrive in their careers within NHS Wales.

The past year has also been a testament to the power of teamwork. The whole nursing team across Velindre Cancer Service, supported by Hannah Churchill and the Nurse Education Team, and Sarah Thomas and the wider People and OD Team, have worked together to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our IENs. Their success reflects the collaborative spirit from all staff across VCS to support our colleagues as they embedded within the day to day of service delivery, and this shows our trust values in action.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this first anniversary, we also look ahead with optimism. The lessons learned and success of our IENs sets the stage for continued recruitment and integration of skilled professionals from around the world. Their journey in NHS Wales is just beginning, and we remain dedicated to supporting their growth and contribution for years to come.

"Recruiting nurses in Kerala in November 2023 was a privilege for me professionally and personally and a Velindre first. It has been a positive experience for the whole nursing team, the service we provide and our patients and their families. The nurses are integral to our workforce, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, safe care. I would like to celebrate their 1-year anniversary on Overseas NHS Workers day and thank them for choosing to live and work in Wales’.

Viv Cooper 
Head of Nursing, Quality, Patient Experience and Integrated Care