In the spotlight: Clinical Educators International team

Team Spotlight:

International Clinical Educators

We’re getting to know teams across the Trust in a new feature, ‘Team Spotlight’ where we find out about teams and the many different ways that LTHT people work together to make sure hospitals in Leeds are working. Want to put your team in the spotlight? Get in touch via communications.lth@nhs.net

In this issue we are meeting a small team of three, who work within the wider Education Practitioner team supporting international nurses at the Trust.

In October last year, LTHT welcomed Adam Tucker, Hannah Chapman and Iris Bituin who started in a new clinical education role supporting International Nurses with their transition to UK practice. All three are keen advocates of education and are delighted to work with the Education Practitioner team supporting over 100 international nurse trainees who have travelled to work in Leeds from countries around the world.

Meet the team

Iris qualified 26 years ago in the Philippines working in ophthalmology and urology departments before moving to the UK and basing herself in Birmingham, where she continued her career as a surgical nurse. Iris then relocated to Leeds where she has recently become a surgical sister. Adam has provided healthcare for 27 years, in a variety of roles and settings from a care assistant to ward manager; from critical care to rehabilitation settings and most recently worked in infectious diseases and travel medicine.

Hannah has worked in healthcare since 2012 and has a passion for helping others. As a registered nurse, Hannah has worked across different trusts in surgery, theatres, and emergency medicine.

Q&A

What happens on an average day?

There is no average day for an international clinical educator! We spend time supporting International nurses in clinical practice, helping prepare them for their clinical exams by teaching either in the work setting or at University. We may be greeting trainees at the airports as they land or ensuring that they are attending their exams in another city. We act as a point of advice for ward staff and have to keep abreast of a wide range of world news. We work in a pastoral and supportive role too.

How do the team make a difference at LTHT?

We make a difference by helping the international nurses settle into Leeds. All of the nurses are an asset to the Leeds hospitals family. We make a difference by supporting the nurses to pass their clinical exams and progress into independent practice within the workplace team by achieving their goals and we provide additional support for the clinical areas and ward staff.

What do you enjoy about working in the team?

Over a very short time we have evolved as a close-knit team that shares skills and supports each other. We share common experiences with a varied and diverse group of learners. Each individual has their own unique personality and strengths that enhances the team.

Any recent achievements?

We are overjoyed to share the news that all Cohort 3 international nurses have just passed their clinical examinations. We have also welcomed another cohort of 60 international nurses to Leeds over December and January.