"There is a lot of diversity - people from all different types of backgrounds work for the NHS. I feel very lucky to work here."

Meet Louie who shares her experience as an international nurse.

Louie Horne

Senior Matron / Deputy ADON

As a nurse, Louie enjoys having a close relationship with her patients and is involved in every aspect of their care.

What is it like working for the NHS?

There is a lot of diversity - people from all different types of backgrounds work for the NHS. I feel very lucky to work here. I love living in England and I think the NHS looks after me, as well. 

How does the NHS support you? 

The mentorship programme for international nurses is very good. I have mentors who helped me with my leadership skills and encouraged me to do my graduate studies. They really supported me, but it’s also a lot of hard work.

How has your career progressed? 

There is so much career potential for international nurses in the NHS.  I was a Band 5 nurse, but my mentors encouraged me to take a critical care course. From there, I really found my niche – I became a sister in critical care, and then, a matron.  I think my mentors saw that I am a hard worker - I always give 200%. 

Now, I mentor over 500 international nurses. I tell them that it will be hard work initially, but it will pay off and you will achieve your dreams. 

  • Yes, I’m especially proud of how we’ve dealt with the pandemic and everything we do in the NHS. Some people don’t always see all the hard work, but during the pandemic, the world acknowledged how important our role is.  

  • In my role, I have a close relationship with my patients. I think they understand and really appreciate our work. We receive letters from patients and they’re always so heart-warming and thankful. 

    Working for the NHS is a very fulfilling role. You look after your patients’ entire well being – you need to know what's going on in their home, how they are going to rehabilitate and how they are feeling – so it’s care that covers their physical, social and mental health. 

  • Working for the NHS is a very fulfilling role. You look after your patients’ entire well being – you need to know what's going on in their home, how they are going to rehabilitate and how they are feeling – so it’s care that covers their physical, social and mental health. 

     

  • Before I moved here, I’d never had tea with milk before – we just drink it black at home – but now it’s my comfort. Wherever I go, I look for British tea. 

  • If you work for the NHS, you have a lot of holiday time that you can spread across the year. The beauty of living in the UK is that you’re in the centre of Europe. In just a few hours, you can holiday in Rome or Barcelona. My friends work in America and Australia, and they don’t get to travel like this - we talk about these things!

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