Happy International Nurses' Day
Happy International Nurses' Day. Today we’re celebrating the brilliant nurses across KCHFT who go above and beyond every day to support patients, families and communities across the county.
This year’s theme, ‘empowered nurses save lives’, is all about making sure nurses have the support, resources, authority and safety they need to do what they do best.
Thank you to every KCHFT nurse for your compassion, skill and dedication, you make a difference every single day. Read our stories below covering nurses who have been empowered here at KCHFT to be the best they can be.
Sabina Howard: 'I want to help create a culture where my colleagues are empowered'
Registered Nurse Sabina Howard, who is also a newly-appointed staff governor, highlights the value of nurses’ lived experience, the importance of feeling confident to speak up and how empowerment supports better decisions for colleagues and patients across KCHFT.
"I believe nurses bring unique and valuable insight’s into the challenges our patients face and the services designed to support them.
"As a staff governor I want to help create a culture where my colleagues feel valued and empowered to share their ideas and concerns — ensuring frontline realities are reflected in the decisions that shape our services.
"As a nurse, I’m passionate about learning and development, and am always asking what I can do better. This role gives me the opportunity to better understand how our trust works and learn from experienced leaders. This will inevitably inform and strengthen the way I represent my colleagues and patients as a staff governor."
Martha Cullen: 'I create space for colleagues to pause and talk'
Nurse Advocate Martha Cullen reflects on the power of her role in supporting other nurses.
"If you’d asked me a few years ago where I’d end up, I don’t think I would have said Professional Nurse Advocate. My journey into nursing and into this role, hasn’t been a straight road. But looking back, every step has led me here.
"For me, International Nurses Day is about recognising not just what we do, but how much we carry, often quietly. In my role, I create a space for colleagues to pause and talk. Nursing can be overwhelming at times, and we don’t always give ourselves permission to reflect on what we’ve experienced. Through restorative clinical supervision, I support people to work through those moments, or simply to feel heard.
"Even a short conversation can make a difference. You can see it in someone’s face when they realise they’re not alone. I’m still learning every day, but one thing I’m certain of is this: Caring for others also means caring for each other. That’s what this role means to me."
Sulaimon Ayinde: 'Neighbourhood health brings me back to why I became a nurse'
Senior Nurse Sulaimon Ayinde works within the Neighbourhood Health Team supporting patients across FHR PCN with a focus on proactive, community-based care.
"I have been a nurse for 16 years, my journey started in Nigeria, where caring for others is part of everyday life. It is something you grow up with, supporting your family and your community, and looking out for those around you. That naturally led me into nursing and it is something that still shapes how I approach my work today as a Senior Nurse within the Neighbourhood Health Team working with FHR PCN.
"When I first started working in urgent care, I was often seeing patients when they were already very unwell. While that work is important, it also made me think more about what happens before people reach that point, and how we can support them earlier.
"What I value about neighbourhood health is the strong focus on prevention and partnership. We are identifying people earlier, working closely with GPs and colleagues across the PCN, and building care around the individual rather than just the condition. It feels more joined up and more personal.
"Moving to the UK gave me the opportunity to experience a different healthcare system and continue developing my skills, but those core values have stayed with me. They influence how I connect with patients and how I think about the care we provide.
"For me, it reflects the reason I became a nurse in the first place. It is about understanding the whole person, supporting them within their community and helping them stay well for longer, rather than only stepping in when something has gone wrong.
"As we mark International Nurses Day, it is a chance to reflect on how empowered I feel as a nurse. Being part of a neighbourhood approach shows how we can make a real difference, not just in moments of crisis, but in supporting people to live healthier, more independent lives at home."
Grahame Hardy: 'I have been empowered to put wellbeing first'
Grahame Hardy is a specialist nurse for dementia and is a Wellbeing Champion, supporting colleagues at KCHFT.
"I became a nurse in 1986 after quite literally tossing a coin between nursing and art. Nursing won and it has been my career for nearly 40 years.
"In the early days, being a male nurse, especially in mental health, was not always easy. There was a lot of stigma and I lost friendships because of it. But I found something far more important, a career that gave me purpose.
"Over the years, I have worked in many roles across the NHS, and I have seen just how much nursing has changed. One of the biggest shifts has been around mental health and wellbeing, which is now rightly recognised as essential in all areas of care.
"As a wellbeing champion, I have been empowered to put wellbeing first at KCHFT I support colleagues across our community hospitals. Sometimes that means listening, sometimes it is signposting to appropriate support services. I have also experienced my own mental health challenges, which helps me relate to others and offer genuine support.
"For me, wellbeing is about making sure no one feels alone. Nursing is about caring for people, and that includes each other."
Yetty Aloa: 'No matter where you start, with the right support you can grow'
Yetty first shared her story in 2022, when she had just joined KCHFT as an international nurse, arriving in the UK from Nigeria with years of experience and a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
“I remember arriving in the country with new dreams and many uncertainties,” Yetty said. “But I was so warmly welcomed by the trust, from the team who supported us when we arrived, to my colleagues at Deal Hospital. It made such a difference to settling into a new environment.”
Despite having seven years of nursing experience, adapting to a new healthcare system brought its own challenges. “I quickly realised there was still so much to learn, relearn and unlearn,” she explained. “At times it felt quite daunting and I felt lost. But the guidance, support and training I received helped build my confidence and made the transition much easier.”
Yetty Aloa, Staff Nurse, Victoria Hospital
Over time, that support has helped Yetty grow not just in confidence, but in her sense of belonging and purpose. “Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown. I now feel empowered to give my best to my patients every day.”
Since her first interview, Yetty’s life outside of work has also flourished. Her husband and daughter, who were still in Nigeria when she first arrived, have now joined her in the UK. Her husband is also working here, and their family has grown with the arrival of their youngest daughter, now two years old. Living close to the seaside has become a special part of family life - something Yetty is grateful for as she continues her nursing career.
Reflecting on her journey this International Nurses’ Day, Yetty highlights the importance of resilience, teamwork and support. “Every nurse’s journey is unique, but the impact we make is shared,” she said. “No matter where you start, with the right support and determination, you can grow, thrive and truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
Emmanuel Ntim: 'I remained focused, worked diligently and committed myself to learning'
When Emmanuel Ntim arrived in the UK from Ghana in December 2024, he was stepping into an entirely new chapter of his life and career.
Moving to a new country came with excitement, but also uncertainty. Without family nearby, adjusting to a new environment felt overwhelming at times as he worked to settle both personally and professionally.
But Emmanuel says the support he received at KCHFT made all the difference.
“Fortunately, I was supported by an incredible matron, Sabrina, whose guidance and encouragement made a significant difference,” he says. “Alongside her, the wider team created an environment where I felt welcomed and motivated to give my best.”
Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Emmanuel focused on learning, developing and adapting to a new healthcare system.
“I remained focused, worked diligently and committed myself to learning and growing every day,” he says.
That hard work quickly paid off. In just eight months, Emmanuel was successful in securing a Band 6 role – an achievement he describes as both rewarding and motivating.
“My efforts did not go unnoticed, which I’m deeply grateful for.”
Looking back on his journey so far, Emmanuel says his experience reflects the importance of perseverance and support.
“This journey reflects my belief in perseverance, hard work and staying committed even when circumstances feel uncertain. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset and support, growth is always possible.”
His story is a powerful example of how support, opportunity and determination can empower nurses to thrive – no matter where their journey begins.
Smitha George: 'What empowers me most is mentoring new nurses to build confidence'
Smitha George’s nursing journey spans more than three decades and throughout that time, supporting others has become one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
After qualifying as a Registered Nurse in India in 1995, Smitha moved to the UK in 2000 and joined KCHFT in 2002. Since then, she has built a wealth of experience across community hospitals, progressing from Staff Nurse to Ward Sister and now Practice Development Nurse.
Her career journey reflects years of hard work, growth and the opportunities available to nurses who are supported to develop.
Now in her role as Practice Development Nurse, Smitha plays a key role in supporting clinical teams and helping colleagues grow in confidence.
She leads education and mentorship for staff, promotes evidence-based practice and supports quality improvement initiatives — all while working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care.
For Smitha, one of her proudest achievements has been helping other nurses thrive.
“My greatest achievement has been contributing to positive and sustainable changes in clinical practice by mentoring and supporting nurses at different stages of their careers,” she says. “Seeing improvements in staff confidence, skills and patient outcomes has been deeply rewarding and reinforces the impact of my role.”
She says empowering others is what continues to inspire her every day.
“What empowers me most is mentoring new nurses to build confidence, supporting colleagues through training and helping to implement positive changes in practice,” she explains. “I feel my knowledge and experience have made a real difference to patient care.”
Smitha is also quick to recognise the people who have supported her own journey.
“I would not be where I am today without the support and collaboration of my colleagues.”
This International Nurses’ Day, Smitha is celebrating the dedication of nurses everywhere.
“I wish a very Happy International Nurses Day to all the incredible nurses. I would also like to offer my heartfelt thanks to my Community Hospital colleagues for your compassion, resilience, dedication and hard work — you truly make a difference every day.”
Her story highlights how empowering nurses doesn’t just shape individual careers — it creates a ripple effect that helps entire teams grow and deliver the best care possible.
Tina Tindell: 'I am proud to reflect on a career shaped by compassion'
Tina Tindell is Specialist Safeguarding Advisor for children and worked in the NHS for over 40 years.
"I knew I wanted to be a nurse from a young age, driven by a desire to help people. When it came to choosing where to train, I had my heart set on a well known London teaching hospital. During the interview process, I asked how students were supported following a serious incident involving a trainee.
"The response lacked compassion and reassurance, and that moment stayed with me. It highlighted how important kindness, safety and support are within nursing environments, particularly for those who are learning and developing their practice.
"I chose to train at a different hospital in east London, serving a diverse and deprived community. The compassion shown to students, including strong pastoral support and a sense of belonging, shaped my values as a nurse. It taught me that when nurses feel supported and respected, they are better able to care for others.
"My career has since spanned acute care, community nursing, health visiting, perinatal mental health and safeguarding. Working across hospital and community settings has reinforced the importance of professional judgement, reflection and collaboration, particularly when managing complex safeguarding concerns.
"In my current safeguarding role, I support practitioners across KCHFT who are managing complex and sometimes distressing situations. Alongside this, my role as a Health and Wellbeing Champion allows me to support colleagues with their own wellbeing, offering space for reflection and signposting to appropriate support. Both roles reinforce how important it is for nurses to feel supported, in order to support others.
"On International Nurses Day, I am proud to reflect on a career shaped by compassion and the belief that when nurses are truly supported, absolutely everyone benefits."
Joyce Masimba: 'You carry people’s stories with you. But you don’t do it alone’' *Trigger warning, references to domestic and sexual abuse*
Trigger warning: This story includes references to domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Joyce Masimba is Education and Domestic Abuse Lead in KCHFT's Health Visiting Service.
"I remember sitting with a young mum who had fled an abusive relationship to keep her children safe. She was exhausted but determined to rebuild her life.
As she began to talk, she shared that even after giving birth, she had been raped by her husband while still recovering. That moment has stayed with me. It reinforced that domestic abuse is about far more than physical harm. It is about control, fear and taking away someone’s sense of safety.
"I’m Joyce Masimba, a domestic abuse lead and health visitor at KCHFT. I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and supporting families through some of their most difficult moments is what drives me.
"The work can be emotionally challenging, but I’ve never felt I’ve had to carry it alone. Supervision, support from colleagues and safeguarding teams all help me process what I hear and continue to support others safely. Just as importantly, I’ve had opportunities to grow through training, mentorship and working closely with partners such as the police and refuge services.
"I’m also passionate about supporting colleagues, particularly internationally trained nurses. As a workplace representative, I advocate for others to make sure their voices are heard and that no one is left behind.
"This International Nurses Day, the theme of empowerment really resonates with me. Empowerment is about giving people a voice, helping them feel heard and making sure they are supported to move forward, whether that is the families we care for or the colleagues we work alongside."
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