Nikolai arrived in the UK in 2016, leaving his friends and family behind in the Philippines to continue his nursing career.
“We were called the new generation of heroes in our country,” says Nikolai “We sacrificed being away from family, so we could provide for them. Good experience and supporting our loved ones was the main driving force for us looking for a greater nursing opportunities.”
Nikolai quickly gained experience in emergency, surgical and community nursing and now works as a community staff nurse for health visiting.
“I love this job,” says Nikolai, “my main role is to review children in the community from 0-5 years old for their health and development. I also support families and promote healthy living working closely with health visitors and school nurses. I also run blood spot screening for children under the age of one who have moved to the UK from abroad and I also support with the BCG Clinics.”
The pandemic has created challenges for Nikolai and his team working in the community, keeping themselves and families safe through proper PPE guidance, good hygiene and managerial support and video consultations where possible. More reliance on digital devices has meant Nikolai can put his technical knowledge to good use too,
“I am an avid video gamer” he says “and this has been a boon to me. I am happy helping out my colleagues in their computer troubles.
“Seeing your clients via video is something new, but it also gives them a chance to talk with someone outside of their bubble without leaving their houses. I believe it is such a big impact because it brings hope to them that somebody is out there looking out for them.”
Nikolai was nominated for a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for his patients. Health Visitor and colleague Mena Mills explains,
“Niko has the most heart-warming smile, positive attitude and humility. Before Covid, Niko would support his families in so many ways but he has gone above and beyond for families during this time. An example is through going to vulnerable families and handing out donations bags we received from a large organisation. The area we cover has a large number of vulnerable clients. He made sure he reached as many as he could. He also went over to the local food bank to give any outstanding donor bags away, it took hours but he did it!
“If he comes across a child with developmental needs he has a wonderful way of relaying this information to parents in a sensitive caring way and always follows them up in a timely manner, until they have gotten the support they need.
“He is a great asset to our service and he’s never won an award! This would be a great honour and a wonderful way for him to be recognised and appreciated.”
Nikolai reacted to winning his Cavell Star Award,
“It is amazing when people recognize you for your work! I am honoured and humbled receiving the award. I believe it is also because of guidance from my mentor, managers, and the team that has made me the nurse I am today! It is an award for me and the team as well.”