Welcoming our nurses from overseas
Silpa, from India, has worked at PAHT for three years
Working at Princess Alexandra Hospital as an international nurse Our ambition as a trust is to deliver outstanding healthcare to our local community. In order to achieve this, our trust objectives, the five Ps, focus on our patients; people; performance; places and pounds with patients at the centre of all we do and putting quality first. We have a clear set of values and behaviours that are lived by our staff to provide the best possible care for patients and the best working environment for our staff.
we are respectful and treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves we are caring and always put patients first we are responsible and always say what we are going to do we are committed and strive to be the best
About us The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is a small-medium sized general hospital and provides a range of services including 24/7 A&E, an intensive care unit and a Level 2 neonatal intensive care unit across three hospital sites in Harlow, Bishops Stortford and Epping. Our breast unit at St. Margaret’s Hospital is one of the largest breast cancer clinical trials facilities in North London, Essex and Hertfordshire. More information about the trust can be found at www.pah.nhs.uk
Our international nurse recruitment programme We are extremely proud of our nursing and midwifery team who strive to deliver caring and compassionate high quality care to our patients and work closely with doctors, physiotherapists and other members of the healthcare team to ensure we are delivering the best outcomes for patients each and every day.
As a PAHT nurse, you will have access to our training and development programmes and you will be supported to undertake training to help you reach your potential. We will support you to develop your career with us and we encourage nurses to rotate to different areas across the trust to gain clinical experience.
We understand how difficult it can be moving to a new country so on arrival at PAHT you will be supported by our dedicated practice development team who will work with you for 3 weeks preparing you for your objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE). All international nurses must have an OSCE in order to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work in the UK.
We are one of the few trusts to have a truly multi professional approach to learning and you may find yourself on a training course alongside pharmacists, ODPs or occupational therapists.
“The team at the trust were so supportive. The training made a huge difference, making the exam easier to take as we had a number of practice sessions.�
Dare, from Nigeria, has worked at PAHT for one year
We work closely with the universities of Essex and Hertfordshire, and Anglia Ruskin, supporting nursing students on their clinical placements and a range of other students such as paramedics, nursing associates and assistant practitioners making sure they have the best student placements.
Swathi, from India, has worked at PAHT for 2 years
Photo courtesy of Harlow Council
“The PDT support has been invaluable. The team are always accessible.�
Our practise development team (PDT) are experienced in helping you settle into life in the UK and being a PAHT nurse. Saritha one of our practice development nurses, came to PAHT as an overseas nurse and so understands many of the worries you may have and will help you settle in. In the first few weeks you will visit the ward or department you have been allocated to and will be allocated a mentor.
You will sit your OSCE at the end of the fourth week in the trust and will then join your ward as a staff nurse (registered nurse). You will have local orientation and support on the ward from your colleagues and mentor and from our clinical practice educators who will work alongside you as you get used to working in the UK.
After successful completion of your OSCE, and gaining UK registration, you will then be enrolled in a one-year preceptorship programme. The aim of the preceptorship programme is to ensure the process of adapting to UK policies and processes both clinically and professionally are embedded in your daily practice. The preceptorship programme also provides a support mechanism for all new registered nurses, with a preceptor being allocated to you within your clinical area. This will enable you to work with your preceptor who will support and guide you in all areas of your development. During the programme, you will also attend several in house study days which will underpin your existing knowledge and help you develop further knowledge and skills, which will give you a solid platform for you to progress in your nursing career.
Saritha, from India, has worked at PAHT for 15 years
“Harlow is a quiet and peaceful town full of trees. It is safe and the people are really nice.”
“Most flats and apartments readily available in Harlow walking distance of the hospital.”
What we provide As well as helping you with your OSCE, we will also help you with accommodation and other support. Accommodation We provide accommodation either in single rooms or shared flats, either in the hospital grounds or within a short distance of the hospital. The lease for hospital accommodation is for 6 months and we will pay for the first 4 weeks rent. The trust has a number of contacts with lettings agencies as well as local support networks to provide support and advice on finding your own flat or house in Harlow.
Financial support We know how difficult it can be when you first arrive in a new country and set up a new home. To help you with this, we will give you £200 welcome pack to help with those initial costs.
“ Living in Harlow is really good, it is not far from the busy life of London and it is very serene. Accessible to shops and leisure places – the people are really nice too.” Terri-Gel, from the Philippines, has worked at PAHT for 18 years
About Harlow Harlow has a diverse culture with many international restaurants and shops within the town and nearby. It has plenty of sports and leisure activities including a theatre, cinemas, museums, libraries, sports clubs and leisure centres. Harlow Town Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Britain and offers many attractions for the whole family.
Having two train stations, getting away is easy too. London is just 20 minutes away by train, Stansted airport a short bus ride and Heathrow airport reachable by bus or train. There are 31 primary and secondary schools in Harlow providing education for young people, and educational attainment in Harlow’s secondary schools is above both county and national averages. There is a number of further education opportunities including Harlow College and Sir Charles Khao University.
“Harlow is very beautiful and a less noisy place. The town centre and hospital are within walking distance.”
Photo courtesy of Harlow Council
Our staff benefit from: ulti faith service and equality and • M inclusion groups
• S taff health and wellbeing and employee assistance programme
• Staff concessions in our onsite restaurant
nsite hospital crèche 0700h to 1800h • O ages 0 to 2 and 2 to 5
• A n onsite healthcare library and knowledge service that supports staff, including students on placement, in their practice of evidence-based healthcare. development and training • Personal opportunities • F lexible working (dependent on eligibility)
• NHS Pension scheme • Cycle to work and new care schemes • N HS discounts - a range of benefits to suit all ages and interests, to help make your work and home life easier. http://www.healthservicediscounts.com
“Harlow is a good place to bring up children, a nice quiet place to live.”
Adesola, from Nigeria, has worked at PAHT for 1 year.
“ Many opportunities to undertake continued professional development.”
Photo courtesy of Harlow Council
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Hamstel Road, Harlow CM20 1QX paht.recruitment@nhs.net 01279 827 977