NHS Tayside has welcomed its first cohort of overseas nurses as part of an international recruitment programme to enhance the nursing workforce.
Samuel Kayode and Omotayo Aloyah are among the first international nurses to join NHS Tayside through a Scottish Government initiative to recruit nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (AHPs) from overseas. Another group of nurses is planned to arrive in January 2023 with further cohorts arriving every eight weeks.
Samuel will be taking up post as a theatre nurse at Ninewells Hospital. He said, “I always wanted to work for the NHS as it is an organisation which provides a high standard of care. I chose Scotland particularly as I had read that Scotland is a beautiful country to visit and the people are friendly. Dundee was a good choice as it is not too big a city.
“I am very much looking forward to learning from the team I will be working with and improving my current skills. Helping people who are in pain or unwell really means so much to me. I am grateful for all the support I have received from everyone which has enabled me to come to Scotland.”
Omotayo, who will be working in the hospital’s respiratory ward, said, “I was keen to advance my career and to see how nurses work other than those in Africa. I saw the Scottish Government recruitment advert and looked into it. From what I found out the idea of working in Scotland appealed to me.
“I am looking forward to giving my best care to my patients and continue with evidenced-based learning. I think nursing as a career is a lovely way to give back to the community.”
As part of the international induction programme, NHS Tayside is providing a package of support to the new recruits which includes short-term accommodation, orientation, an education programme, assistance with their professional registration and pastoral care to allow them to settle into their new role, work environment and also into life in Scotland.
This programme and support before and after arrival was developed in collaboration by a number of NHS Tayside teams including HR recruitment, professional practice and development, volunteer services, spiritual care and nursing.
Senior recruitment adviser Keira Macdonald said, “We are really pleased to welcome Omotayo and Samuel to NHS Tayside and are looking forward to supporting them through their initial programme and beyond.
“Our aim has been to collaborate with a number of teams within the organisation who can help to create a supportive educational programme and introduction to our Board and local area to aid a smooth transition for new nurses from their home countries to Scotland.”
Joanna Reekie, senior nurse in professional and practice development, added, “We are excited to be embarking on this programme with our first recruits and we will work together with Omotayo and Samuel to enhance the process for future cohorts joining NHS Tayside.”
NHS Tayside is using a blended approach to international recruitment by working in partnership with an agency to source overseas nurses, midwifes and AHPs, as well as direct recruitment where candidates apply for advertised vacancies.
The Board is also working with the University of Dundee to support a number of international nurses who are completing MSc programmes to complete their professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which will allow them to take up posts as registered nurses in NHS Tayside early next year.