S.O. is a nurse from Algeria. He came to the UK in 2000 and was granted refugee status on appeal in 2004. He now works as a staff nurse at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.
Tell us about what you do
For the past year or so I have been working as a staff nurse in the Renal Department of the Royal London Hospital. It’s very challenging and there’s a lot to learn - if I can work here I can work anywhere.
How did you get started?
It wasn’t easy but I took it step by step. When I first arrived I couldn’t speak any English and I didn’t know if I would get a positive answer from the Home Office. I did free English courses at three different colleges and worked hard. For a few years I kept studying and hoping and in 2004 I was granted leave to remain. Sometimes I don’t know how I kept myself motivated - there was just something inside me that told me to keep going.
How did you start working as a nurse in the UK?
I had to pass an English exam and then did six months supervised practice in a hospital. I got some advice and training from Praxis [a charity based in Bethnal Green]. They gave me money to buy books and kept in touch with me. I know so many people still struggling to pass their exams; you have to be really determined to get there.
What do you like about your job?
I enjoy the atmosphere at the hospital. It’s really multi-cultural and I get to meet people from so many nationalities. So far I have translated for two patients from English to Arabic and sometimes the patients speak to me in French – it makes them really happy.
What advice would you give to a newly arrived asylum seeker?
It’s not a choice to come here and starting from the beginning is hard but try to have some objectives and keep going. Hard work is fruitful.
What are your plans for the future?
I have been studying and working hard since I came here so I need to relax and think about the future. I would like to improve my skills, there’s so much you can do with nursing.
Links
Praxis
