Kimani Kariuki from Kenya, Alex Asiam from United Arab Emirates and Kename Nichols from Trinidad have all passed their Objective Structured Clinical Examinations and have started working on the acute inpatient wards in Lincoln after joining Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) earlier this year.

Anestine Snell-Rodriguez and Sabita Sookhoo, both from Trinidad, have both recently arrived and are being supported by the Trust’s international recruitment team to gain their Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) qualification.

The quintet’s arrival is part of an exciting recruitment project launched by the Trust to enhance its care offering by attracting the best nursing talent from overseas.

Kay Gilman, Head of Workforce Transformation, said: “We’re delighted to have welcomed these international nurses to complement our workforce. 

“Through their experiences in other countries, we can learn so much from them, which will only benefit the care we provide to our service users.

“We are working very hard to ensure our international recruits have a positive and enjoyable experience. We work collaboratively with other trusts in the county and provide support networks to help them integrate into the Lincolnshire community.”

Kimani was first to pass his exams and has now started work on Conolly Ward in Lincoln, an inpatient ward for adults who are experiencing severe, short-term episodes of mental illness.

He said: “When I got here it was a big change with the environment, culture and weather, but I am really enjoying Lincoln and everyone is so friendly.

“I am very grateful to the team. They have helped me every step of the way.”

Alex Asiam, who is working with Kimani on Conolly Ward, added: “I am really enjoying working here – it is a great environment. There are so many opportunities to learn new skills and have new experiences!”

As part of the recruitment project, LPFT expects to bring more mental health nurses and allied health professionals into the Trust throughout 2022.

Thursday 12 May also marks International Nurses Day – a great opportunity for NHS trusts to thank all their nursing staff for their hard work and dedication.

For more information about job opportunities available at LPFT, visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/jobs, or for more information about our international recruitment, visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/work-for-us/nurses/international-nurse-recruitment-programme