Publish date: 12 May 2026
To celebrate International Nurses Day 2026, we spoke to Helen Smith, an emergency care co-ordinator, who told us about her role, career journey and greatest achievement. Read more below.
As an emergency care co-ordinator (previously known as a bed manager), my role is all about keeping the hospital flowing safely and efficiently. I coordinate the use of beds throughout my shift, always thinking ahead to how decisions will impact the next 24 hours. A big part of this is making sure patients are moved to the right place at the right time, while still meeting key performance targets.
I’m also involved in managing the patient journey from referral through to discharge, working closely with different teams to help things run as smoothly as possible. No two days are the same, and it often involves making quick decisions and adapting to changing pressures across the site.
As the senior nurse on site, I also provide leadership and support to staff, helping with decision-making and ensuring we continue to deliver safe, high-quality care for our patients.
Can you tell us about your nursing career journey?
I began my nursing career in 1994 after completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Philippines. In 2001, I moved to the UK, where my nursing journey continued to evolve. Working within the NHS allowed me to broaden my experience, particularly in areas such as care of the elderly and infection control, which helped shape my understanding of patient safety and compassionate care.
In 2015, I completed a BSc in Practice Development at Northumbria University, which supported my growth both clinically and professionally. I later joined Northumbria Healthcare as a staff nurse in the Short Stay Assessment and Ambulatory Care unit, where I progressed into a Sister role. Each step in my career has given me new challenges and opportunities to learn, building my confidence and leadership skills over time.
During the pandemic, I moved into bed management and was promoted to bed manager, now known as an emergency care co-ordinator. This role has been both challenging and rewarding, requiring quick decision-making and strong teamwork to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey was undertaking a 13-month secondment as a clinical educator. I supported international nurses in preparing for their OSCE exams, helping them gain their NMC registration and begin their careers in the UK. Having started my own journey overseas, this experience was especially close to my heart, and it was incredibly fulfilling to support others in achieving their goals. It also inspired me to further develop my teaching skills, leading me to pursue and obtained my Post Graduate Certificate in Education in Sunderland University.
Looking back, my career has been shaped by continuous learning, resilience, and a passion for supporting both patients and colleagues. Each experience has contributed to the nurse and leader I am today.
What do you enjoy most about nursing?
What I enjoy most about nursing is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, especially during some of their most vulnerable moments. It’s incredibly rewarding to receive feedback from patients who feel they’ve been cared for with compassion and treated like family. Knowing you’ve helped someone feel better and supported them through their journey means a lot.
I also find great fulfilment in supporting other nurses. During my time as a clinical educator, it was very rewarding to see international nurses achieve their goals and gain their NMC registration. Having experienced that journey myself, it felt especially meaningful to give back.
I genuinely enjoy sharing my knowledge, experience, and values with the next generation of nurses, helping them grow in confidence and develop into compassionate professionals.
Is there a main standout moment or greatest achievement during your nursing career?
One of the standout moments in my nursing career was during my time as a clinical educator. Being part of the international multi-professional recruitment team was incredibly meaningful, as we worked together to support international nurses in starting their careers in the UK.
A particularly proud moment was when our team was nominated and shortlisted for the “Building a Caring Future” staff awards in the Non-Clinical Team of the Year category. Although we did not win, it was a great honour to be recognised and appreciated for the work we were doing.
For me, that experience was not just about the nomination, but about being part of a team that made a real difference in supporting others. It reinforced how important collaboration, dedication, and compassion are in everything we do within nursing.
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
Throughout my 32 years in nursing, I have experienced a wide range of roles - from bedside care and clinical practice to management and education. Each stage of my journey has been meaningful, but I have discovered that my true passion lies in teaching and supporting others.
Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to grow in an educational role, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of nurses. Supporting learners, sharing my experiences, and seeing others gain confidence and achieve their goals is something I find incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me of my own journey and the people who supported me along the way.
In line with the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future,” I hope to play a part in encouraging more people to consider nursing as a career, especially within Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Nursing is not just a profession - it is a calling that offers purpose, growth, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives every day.
By sharing my story and passion for nursing, I hope to inspire others from all backgrounds to join the profession and become part of a compassionate and dedicated workforce, helping to shape the future of healthcare.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about starting their nursing career at Northumbria Healthcare?
I would say that Northumbria Healthcare is one of the best NHS employers I have worked for. It has played a huge part in shaping my career, helping me grow not only in clinical practice, but also in management and nursing education.
Having moved to the UK myself in 2001, I understand how big and sometimes challenging that step can be. Starting a nursing career in a new country comes with many uncertainties, but my experience with Northumbria Healthcare has been very positive and supportive. I felt welcomed, guided, and given opportunities to develop at every stage of my journey.
For anyone considering this path, you will find a workplace that values learning, supports your growth, and encourages you to reach your full potential. More importantly, you will become part of a team that is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care.
I would strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about nursing to take that step. It can be a life-changing experience - not just for your career, but for you as a person as well.