It’s International Nurses’ Day (Tuesday 12 May) and we’re celebrating and reflecting on the amazing work of our nurses.

Over the last year, we’ve seen some excellent achievements and received some great feedback about the care our nurses provided to our patients.

From saving a life at 30,000 feet to the Trust’s first children’s nursing associate, from one nurse receiving an RCN Rising Star award to another being called “an absolute star” by the daughter of a patient on end of life care, here are just a few highlights of our nurses’ achievements.

As a small gesture, Chief Nurse Nic Kane and Deputy Chief Nurses Beth Williams and Anna Page delivered fruit baskets to our nursing teams, thanking them for the care they provide.

We have nearly 2,700 nurses from 90 different countries and they work in a variety of roles across our Trust, providing care and supporting patients and their families through what can be difficult and unpredictable times.

Jade Gesulture, Charge Nurse on Mandarin A, started her career in her home country, the Philippines before moving to the UK in 2021.

Jade lived with her grandparents so working on an elderly care ward resonates with her.

She said:

I feel like I have a special bond caring for the elderly as I grew up with my grandparents around.

“For me, nursing is about providing the best care for the patient and I have a lot of compassion when looking after them.

Acute Medical Nurse, Aura Ursu who also started her career in her home country, Romania before coming to UK 11 years ago.

Aura said:

I wanted to be able to make a difference to others in my career so nursing felt like the right career to do this.

“It’s so rewarding to see the patients getting better and go home knowing that I supported and comforted people throughout their stay in hospital.

One of our roles is a nursing associate, a position that helps bridge the gap between a healthcare assistant and a registered nurse, helping to deliver and monitor care once you have been assessed.

Children’s A&E Nursing Associate Victoria Calvert took us through a typical day in her role, showing the different tasks she does during a shift.