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Nurse, Myla Diosalan, shares her life-changing journey working for the NHS when she moved to the UK 22 years ago  

My journey as a nurse in the UK is a life-changing one. It started twenty two years ago when I took my examinations and qualified as a nurse. It was an achievement that my father was elated to know because he was the one who encouraged me to be a nurse.

I’m currently a band 5 staff nurse and before coming to UK, I trained in St Paul’s Hospital, one of the best hospitals in Iloilo City; where I resided.

St Paul’s Hospital inspired me and gave me the confidence that I needed to be able to work abroad. Since 2000 I have worked in several specialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology and geriatrics and palliative care.

During this time my skills have greatly improved as well as my ability to communicate well with patients and their families.

I learned that a nurse’s duty does not operate solely around medications and needles. It goes beyond this to encompass the virtues of compassion and holistic care.  I take the greatest pride in the act of making patients time with us the best it can be; making them laugh, and I’m grateful for the opportunity of being able to care for them.

Philippines Independence Day is on the 12 June and is an important day for me. Every time my family and fellow Filipinos celebrate our Flag day, I am transported to my roots. My memories of my youth and my early career as a nurse in the Philippines pinch my heart strings with a sense of longing. I am reminded that I am a Filipino and this is my identity wherever I go.

Ashington is my home now, but the Philippines gave me a noble birthmark. As I listen to our national anthem and see my beloved flag raised on Independence Day, I stand tall and proud, as a Filipino nurse, brought up in a culture characterized by spirituality, resilience, love of family and commitment to service.

Mabuhay ang bawat Pilipino! ( which means Long live the Filipino people.)