After suffering a horrific attack in her street, nurse Kristine’s injuries meant she struggled financially whilst out of work recovering.

Kristine works as a band 5 nurse in one of the NHS Trusts in London and she had only been in her role for a couple of months before the incident took place, so she did not qualify for sick pay.

Talking about her role, Kristine said, “It’s a great job, I’m really enjoying it. My job is based in the elective admissions ward caring for patients before surgery, and that involves receiving patients, giving regular medication and patient care, and passing them through for surgery.

“Before this job, I was a band 3 nurse, working more like an assistant, taking vital signs and responsible for the basic stuff… I came from the Philippines where I nursed, and I’ve also had prior nursing jobs in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, too.”

However, despite her career experience in different countries, Kristine has always wanted to work in the UK.

“It’s been a long dream of mine to move to the UK ever since I first became a nurse, and it took me seven years, but I finally got here. I wanted to work in the UK because I can live in London, I can bring my husband, and I can stay here permanently.”

What’s more, Kristine says that her job here in the UK is one of the best she’s had.

“The thing that I most love about my job is the people I get to interact with. The patients, my colleagues, the management, just everyone. Compared with my previous nursing roles, this is one of the best. The patient experience is the best, and the people are very friendly and welcoming.”

Unfortunately, Kristine experienced something that nobody should go through after just three months of living in London.

“In February, I was mugged by a boy who was trying to take my phone. I didn’t give it to him, so he stabbed me in my arms and hit my veins and arteries, but luckily my organs were saved.

“Luckily, my neighbours were there to help, and I was immediately rushed to the hospital. I was crying and pleading to my fellow nurses and doctors to save my hands as I cannot imagine a life as a nurse without them, I need my hands to save lives. The surgeon promised to salvage whatever they could, before I was put to sleep for major surgery.

“When I woke up, I remember feeling relieved that my hands were both still intact. I spent seven days in the hospital, and during that time my colleagues were very supportive.”

To recover from surgery and heal her wounds, Kristine needed three months off work. However, because she was new to my role, she didn’t qualify for NHS sick pay and had only been on a band 3 nurse salary while her Nursing Pin was being processed by the NMC.

“My husband eventually was able to join me in London and became my carer,” says Kristine “but he couldn’t care for me and find a job, and I needed him because I couldn’t shower or change my clothes or do any of the basic stuff for myself. We started worrying about affording the essentials. We needed help.

“My mental health was struggling with the trauma of the attack, and because the crime happened on the street where I lived, Kings college moved me to a safe house where I would feel protected while I recovered. However, it was only for a limited time.”

Kristine and her husband had limited funds for a rental deposit did not know where to turn for help, but they reached out to the Filipino Nurses Association UK for advice and thankfully, they pointed Kristine in the direction of Cavell.

“One of the Filipino nursing leaders stayed in touch with me throughout my recovery, and when I told her about my financial problems, she recommended that I reach out to Cavell. I was reluctant to send my application because I was pretty new to the Trust, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to get a response at all. But I was glad and surprised that a response came right away!

“From there, my husband and I were able to secure a new place to live thanks to Cavell’s help. I felt that I got the support that I needed at a difficult time in my life. The whole thing was handled very smoothly and it took a lot of weight from my shoulders.”

Kristine is very happy for her life to be returning to normal now, living in a safer area that doesn’t remind her of the attack.

“I was able to return to work in June and everybody has been very supportive. My team gave me some light responsibilities for the first month, and now everything is back to normal. My husband found a job too so we can manage financially now.” Kristine added, “I think Cavell is a very important organisation for nurses, and more nurses should know about the support available.

“Without Cavell’s help, I would have ended up in debt, without a home, and in a really dark place mentally, while trying to heal from something that nobody should ever have to experience.

“They took away my worries which helped me focus on getting better and getting back to the job that I love.

“Unfortunately, too many nurses are struggling financially, and when faced with an unexpected bill, long-term sickness, or an emergency, they can’t make ends meet.”

What would you say to anybody thinking of fundraising for Cavell?

“Your donation would be utilised in a very good way as it would be going towards supporting NHS key workers. I just want people to know that a charity like Cavell exists to support nurses in times when they feel there’s no one to help; Cavell do their best to give you what you need without adding any stress. They are just sincere in what they are doing, and they want the best for everyone.

“I can’t express in enough words how much Cavell helped us.”

Contact Cavell