Celebrating International Nurses Day with our team

We are celebrating a group of superheroes who do not ware capes (Edna Mode would be very proud). On international nurses day this year, we are celebrating and recognising this group of talented and dedicated individuals who often go above and beyond in the course of their duties to provide the very best care and not always with the best conditions.

We are of course referring to all nurses around the world.  Some work in very professional, purpose-built hospitals and clinics and nursing homes such as St Luke’s Hospital, but many work out in very remote, rural areas.  The nearest hospital could be many hours away over treacherous terrain or in areas affected by war or where criminal gangs operate.  Nurses across the globe are a very dedicated, resilient and committed group of healthcare workers who are valued for all their bring to the care of their patients.

Did you know that St Luke’s has a very international team of nurses? Our nurses come from the across the UK and further afield including from the Philippines, Nepal, India, South Korea, Sierra Leon, Zimbabwe, Czech Republic and Nigeria.

We spoke to our nurses about what inspired them to join the nursing profession:

Siboniso Tshuma (Bonnie) is a registered nurse at St Luke’s. Bonnie joined the organisation in 2002.  We caught up with Bonnie this week to ask her about her career and what drew her to St Luke’s Hospital.

“Goodness, I have been here for 24 years now.  I can remember my first day of work, the 29th November 2002. I started as a bank auxiliary nurse and progressed onto night duties for quite some time.”

What drew you to St Luke’s?  Why did you focus your career here?

“Once I started working for St Luke’s, I found it such a supportive organisation. They really encouraged me to progress with my training and career – all the way through my NVQs.  Then I decided to study to become a registered nurse.  I realised that I could really make a difference once I had that training.  I would be able to make assessments myself and act on my experience to improve the lives of our patients.”

“What I love about my job and the training, skills and experience it has given me is that I can make someone’s day in a clinical way, I can now go above and beyond the basics as I have the knowledge and skills. I find it so rewarding to be able to make a difference, be it just that day or the impact could be to better their life.  That’s what my job enables me to do.”

Louise Evans started with St Luke’s hospital as a registered nurse in 2023 following a very successful career in the NHS.  After her retirement from the Health Service, Louise was approached by a recruitment agency helping St Luke’s find experienced and dedicated nurses.

“I felt that I still had something else to give back to patients, so I was happy to visit St Luke’ s for an informal discussion with Richard, the Chief Executive and Vendula, Matron.  That chat turned into a two and half hour visit! St Luke’s had such a lovely feel to it and everyone I met seemed so committed to supporting all the patients and residents.  My experience of St Luke’s is very different to the NHS – the culture and feeling of the organisation.”

What is the best part of your job?

“I love the whole team approach to care. Our aim is to create a very safe discharge for each patient.  You know that they have everything they need to be safe at home. We have the time and expertise to make sure that they have medication, their food and support all in place.”

A big thank you to all our nurses who have given the patients at St Luke's their time, passion, dedication and commitment. You are all superheroes - definitely no capes required.