Being a nurse, especially as a Filipino overseas, often means navigating cultural differences while providing compassionate care. At 54 years old, Arniel Bautista Arniel has embraced these challenges to build a remarkable career as the Lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner for Surgery and Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC) at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales, UK. With over two decades of experience abroad, Arniel’s journey from the Philippines to the UK exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a commitment to uplifting his fellow nurses.
Arniel’s passion for nursing was ignited at a young age, influenced by his family of nurses. “Since my young age, I always wanted to be a nurse. I am passionate about caring for people, but at the same time, I wanted to change my family’s life and future,” he shared with The Global Filipino Magazine. His initial goal was to work in the United States, but his arrival in the UK in 2000 reshaped his aspirations. “I realized I could achieve more than I planned while helping my Filipino colleagues reach their potential,” he added.
Arniel’s career began in the Philippines, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1991 and worked nearly a decade at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) as an ITU-CCU and Transplant nurse. In 2001, he became a registered nurse with the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council, marking the start of his international career in Bangor, Wales.
Adapting to life in a foreign country presented its challenges. “My biggest challenge was the language barrier,” Arniel recalled. “Aside from learning to speak English fluently, I needed to learn the Welsh language and culture.” His clinical and managerial skills, honed at NKTI, quickly gained recognition. “My manager encouraged and supported me to pursue courses to become a competent nurse,” he said, crediting his growth to supportive colleagues and his drive to excel.
Leadership and advocacy
In his current role, Arniel leads a team of Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) and Clinical Support Workers in the high-pressure environment of surgical and emergency care. “Good leadership is very important,” he emphasized. “A leader should be both a good worker and a good follower. When the team understands each other, any problem becomes easier to solve.”
Arniel’s leadership philosophy extends to his advocacy for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). “IENs should have the same opportunities as UK-born nurses. At the moment, very few nurses in Wales reach senior management levels,” he explained. As Vice President-elect of the Filipino Nurses Association UK (FNA-UK) and a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales Board Member, Arniel is dedicated to empowering his colleagues. “Through career development conferences and mentorship programs, I aim to help IENs become the best version of themselves,” he said.
Establishing the Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC)
One of Arniel’s notable achievements is leading the establishment of the Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC), a government initiative. “With the support of the Surgical Head of Nursing and the Surgical Consultant, the unit became a reality,” he shared. Today, the SDEC serves surgical, medical, and orthopedic patients, offering efficient, ANP-led services. “In one day, patients can have blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and even CT or MRI scans,” Arniel explained.
This initiative has streamlined patient care, reducing wait times and enhancing outcomes. “The unit’s success reflects the importance of teamwork and innovation in healthcare,” he noted. Arniel continues to manage both clinical and managerial aspects of the unit while mentoring trainee ANPs and ensuring the team’s skills remain up-to-date.
Arniel has played a vital role in addressing nursing workforce challenges in Wales. Over the past five years, he has participated in recruitment drives across the UK, promoting Wales’ rich culture and resources to attract talent. “Now, I am focused on retention,” he said. “I campaign for fair pay, improved working environments, and removing corridor care. For IENs, I ensure they receive the positions they deserve and support their career development.”
Arniel’s efforts have been instrumental in creating a competent and confident workforce. “A good workforce needs competent and confident staff,” he stressed. “I will continue to mentor and arrange career development conferences to prepare nurses for their next steps.”
Personal and professional growth
Despite his demanding role, Arniel remains committed to personal and professional growth. “I love my job as a clinician,” he said. His responsibilities include working as part of the surgical on-call team with tasks similar to those of a Senior House Officer. “I am aware of my skills and knowledge and ensure I work within my competency,” he added.
Arniel’s dedication extends to his advocacy for fair pay and better working conditions. “As an RCN Wales Board Member, I will fight for nurses’ rights and be a patient advocate,” he stated.
Arniel’s accomplishments include progressing from a Band 5 nurse to a Band 8a Lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner. His career trajectory reflects his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. “Through hard work and support, I have achieved what I once thought was impossible,” he remarked.
As Vice President-elect of FNA-UK, Arniel recently organized events to celebrate International Nurses Day and showcase IENs excelling in their fields. “We asked them to share their journeys and expertise during the celebration,” he said, highlighting the importance of recognizing and inspiring others.
Arniel remains focused on advocating for equality and opportunity in nursing. “My goal is for IENs to have the same opportunities as UK-born nurses,” he reiterated. His vision includes mentoring the next generation of nurses and improving healthcare delivery in Wales.
For Arniel, the journey is far from over. “I will continue doing what I am doing now,” he concluded. “Being a senior nurse with responsibilities for both managerial and clinical aspects has allowed me to gain respect and make a meaningful impact.”
