Nursing Career: Update on UK Interview

I came across a comment by a reader named Ana on my blog today. She was asking how my interview went and since I am replying to her, I might as well give my readers an update on how my UK Interview went.

When I got to Drake International's Office which was located at the 18th Floor of Trident Tower, several interviewees were already there, silently keeping to themselves the anticipation and anxiety they were feeling. I was actually nervous too but I did not let it control my emotions because I knew nothing can be gained from being scared of the unknown.

We were all asked to go to the site at 6 AM since the knowledge assessment exam had to begin at 7 AM. This was immediately followed by the orientation about our workplace which went for an hour or so and then finally the interview proper.

There were 6 candidates for the position I was applying for (ICU nurse) but since they separated ICU-Cardiac from ICU-General, only 3 of us were competing for the position. So that meant I had 30% chance to get chosen for the job.

Drake introduced us to the 2 ladies who will be interviewing us and Drake also let us in the knowledge that it was the interviewer's first time to talk with Filipino people. For me, this meant an opportunity to showcase my talent and skills in talking about my country and about how hardworking Filipinos are.

I had my interview around 5:30 Pm (second to the last out of 20+ candidates) so that meant I had been in the building for more than 10 hours already. When I stepped inside the interview room, I put on an aura of freshness because I knew the interviewers were tired already from all the people they had talked to.

What amazed me was that it was so easy to talk with them. They only asked a few questions about my experience and was greatly interested about my life in the Philippines. There were only a few questions about nursing care stuff and we even had good laughs every now and then.

After a very enjoyable chat with the interviewers, I tried to get back to my old self and let loose all the tension I felt.

After a day, Drake called me and told me the results.

They said that BMI Healthcare (the company that was hiring) had chosen the ICU nurse (Basister) but was hesitant to let me go so they offered me a position as a Medical-Surgical ward nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital. Now, if you were in my position, you would definitely accept the offer right? And that's what I did.

Ever since I signed the contract, I have been quite busy with all the paperwork that's why I never had the chance to update my blogs. Right now, I am just awaiting their response since I have already sent them my Pack 2 and paid for the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration fee.

They said processing usually takes 5-6 months, so hopefully, I will be able to leave the country during the first quarter of the year (if God permits).

Anyway, don't hesitate to post up questions you might have and I'll try my best to keep you updated. ;)

Drake International September Interview Dates

A few months ago, I sent over my resume to Drake International and by God's grace I have finally been recognized as a potential candidate for two prestigious health care systems in the UK. I have been given the opportunity to be interviewed by BMI Healthcare under South Central for ICU- General Area and Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust on September 14, 15 and 16.

For those interviewees who have not received the schedule of date for the orientation for the interview, please refer to the information below:

Date: September 13, 2009 ( Sunday )

Venue: Ascott Hotel Makati ( located near Glorietta 4 )

Room: Belgium & India

Time: 12 Noon

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Please pray that I may be able to pass the interviews if this really is the career path that God wants me to take. I have another opportunity to work abroad as a marketing director but am quite hesitant.

Your prayers will be greatly appreciated and would surely help me to find the path that I must pursue.

Forced Sick Leave Turned Into Real Sick Leave

I have prayed for my sick leave to be granted and I got it. That was more than a month ago though. Until now, I am still on an "on-call" status and wish it will stay this way forever.

My forced sick leave has really benefited me a lot in terms of financial aspects but to tell you the truth, I am still down with the sickness. I still have a hacking cough and usually get colds by night time. I have been prescribed to take Aerius and Kastair for 30 days and I'm down to consuming half of the prescribed number of pills. However, my cough is not getting any better. I am pretty sure I have no lung condition since I have gone for an x-ray last week and my lungs are clear. Doctors have told me that this might be a case of sinusitis or asthma and I should observe it for a while before going back for a checkup.

In the mean time, I'm enjoying the benefits of my forced sick leave by taking more time to apply to more freelance jobs online. There's always a good side to everything and all you need to do is to find the good in every bad thing that happens in your life for you to know that you are still blessed. J

"Forced Leave"

Due to "low patient count" and "cost-cutting means" in our hospital, I was given only 1 day of duty per week for the last 2 weeks. I can definitely call it a forced leave.

You already know that I was given a contract to work and get paid for 1 year. But then after signing the contract, I was never given enough work days. They're doing this so they don't have to pay me. Main reason is because they have volunteers working so why should they pay me when they can get services from fresh nursing graduates for free?

Anyway, i don't care anymore. I even think it's much better this way. I get to have current and ongoing nursing experience while working on my main source of income - oDesk.

I am Officially an Employed Nurse

.. and by that I mean that I am now getting paid as a dialysis nurse!

I visited the Human Resources Department this afternoon and asked about the status of my recommendation from our supervisor and discovered that it has been approved. I was then asked to sign the contractual papers and officially will be employed as a nurse from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. How nice is that?

How quickly time flies.. A few days ago, I thought about quitting my volunteer work and venture Cebu for a paid job as a nurse there. But this happened. God is good. And he has planned my whole life ahead of me.

I believe that He meant for me and my Rio to be separated from each other so that we can both grow holistically and discover ourselves eventually.

Anyway, I am now satisfied with my current status as an employed nurse. I just hope that in time, I will be able to save up the money I will earn to help Rio fulfill our dreams of having a family.

To all nurses who are still doing volunteer work:

Never let the institution/hospital abuse your help. You don't need them. They need you. Just keep in mind to always follow up your status with the Supervisor and never forget to pray and ask for the Lords guidance and blessings. I'm absolutely sure He has a plan fr you too.

God bless all volunteer nurses out there!! :)