International nursing recruit Leena Sankar has been promoted to a band 6 nursing position with Bedfordshire Community Health Services (BCHS).

When did you join the Trust?
Myself and three nursing colleagues from India successfully applied to join the Trust through its international recruitment programme, arriving in spring 2022.

How were you supported by the Trust?
The amount of support provided by the trust in all walks of our recruitment, placement and getting settled in UK was incredible. We received a warm welcome at Heathrow by the great nurse leaders of the trust and were given an introduction about the trust values, services and expectations from us.

Would you recommend ELFT to any other international healthcare professionals?
Absolutely. It is great working with ELFT.

Do you feel supported as a healthcare professional?
Working as a community sister added more to my clinical expertise and body of knowledge. I am thankful for all the support and encouragement throughout for the new job role as Band 6 community sister and look forward to continuing to grow along with the Trust.”

What was your biggest challenge in relocating to the UK and working for the NHS?
Everyone has been so warm and friendly, which has made moving to the UK a really nice experience. My biggest challenge was getting my UK driving licence. Before I passed my test I did a lot of walking to appointments!

What is the best food you have discovered in the UK?
I love mac ‘n’ cheese. It is delicious,

East London NHS Foundation Trust has appointed 74 international recruit nurses from 10 countries.

Any international nurses interested in joining ELFT can email elft.internationalrecruits@nhs.net for more information.

Watch an interview with Leena: