Recently, the Filipino Nurses Association-UK (FNA-UK) successfully hosted a significant career development event at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Cardiff, South Wales. This impactful initiative aimed to address the increasing challenges faced by nurses aspiring to attain higher band roles but unsure where to seek support for career progression. Supporting Filipino nurses in the UK to achieve more senior positions remains a core mission of the FNA-UK.
The event successfully drew a diverse group of attendees, with the majority being Filipino nurses. Participants from India and Nigeria also joined, showcasing the program’s wide appeal and relevance across different nationalities in the healthcare sector. The variety of attendees underscored the importance of addressing the career development needs of internationally educated nurses in the UK.
Attendees engaged in workshops, keynote presentations delivered by seasoned professionals in the nursing field and networking sessions designed to equip them with the tools and knowledge to navigate career advancement. The program covered essential topics such as leadership development, mentorship opportunities, and practical steps for attaining higher band roles in nursing.
The event commenced with an inspiring welcome address delivered by Babette Llanos, FNA-UK’s Country Director for Wales and Arniel Bautista Hernando, Vice President of the FNA-UK. Their remarks set a positive tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of empowering nurses and highlighted FNA-UK’s mission to support internationally educated nurses and outlined the organization’s vision for future events aimed at enhancing career development across Wales and the UK.
Throughout the day, participants were treated to a range of thought-provoking and informative sessions led by key figures in the nursing profession:
- Lilibeth Dela Rama from CNO GEM shared an inspiring piece for nurses aiming to break through professional barriers.
- Dr. Paul John Alegado, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, led an insightful session on Academic Writing and Reflective Writing, providing practical tips on how to improve these essential skills for career progression.
- Katherine Daniel, Senior Nurse in Ophthalmology at ABUHB, captivated the audience by sharing her personal career journey and delivering valuable lessons on leadership and management in the healthcare field. Her story resonated with many attendees, inspiring them to persevere in their own professional paths.
- Arlene Bautista, Head of Clinical Education and Professional Development, delivered an engaging presentation focused on Education in nursing, emphasizing the role of continuous learning and skill development in achieving higher band roles.
The major highlight of the event was in the afternoon, when Ariel Lanada, Divisional Lead for Practice and Education at Oxford University, and the current President of the FNA-UK, facilitated an interactive and engaging Interview Skills workshop. This session allowed participants to actively practice and improve their interview techniques, an essential skill for those looking to advance to leadership and specialized roles.
The event was a resounding success and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees expressed their satisfaction both in person and through Mentimeter, an online feedback platform, commending the FNA-UK for organizing such an impactful initiative. Many participants shared that they felt more confident and better equipped to pursue their career goals after attending.
One attendee shared: “ it was very informative and definitely applied the learning I gained.”
Another participant expressed: ” truly amazing day, highly recommended.”
The enthusiasm from the participants was heartening, reflecting the importance of events like this in addressing the professional growth of nurses. This is just the beginning, as FNA-UK has plans to expand similar career development events across Wales, ensuring that nurses from other regions and nationalities also benefit from these initiatives. This continued dedication aims to extend support to nurses, helping them overcome career barriers and achieve higher professional milestones within the healthcare sector.
This conference marked a significant step in equipping nurses with the resources and support they need to advance in their careers. With such a positive response, FNA-UK is set to become a leading voice in promoting career development for nurses in the UK. More events like this are anticipated in the future, as FNA-UK continues its mission to support the nursing community, not just in Wales but across the UK. Looking ahead, FNA-UK’s initiatives will play a crucial role in ensuring that internationally educated nurses receive the guidance and opportunities necessary to thrive and contribute to the UK’s healthcare system.
