Just when I thought I had found my rhythm as a nurse, I stepped into the Operating Room—and realised I still had so much more to learn. It was a completely different environment, one that demanded a higher level of precision, focus, and responsibility, and it challenged me in ways I wasn’t fully prepared for.
In that space, I began to see nursing from a different perspective. Every action carried more weight, every detail mattered, and the margin for error felt smaller than ever. It pushed me to become more disciplined, more aware, and more intentional in everything I did—lessons that would later shape not only my practice, but also the direction of my journey beyond the hospital.”
From the Wards to the Operating Room
After my experiences in the Emergency Room, Medical Ward, and Surgical Ward, I thought I had already understood what it meant to be a nurse.
But stepping into the Operating Room showed me a completely different side of nursing.
The OR demanded a different level of discipline, focus, and humility. In a provincial government hospital in the Philippines, I quickly realised that this was a space where there was no room for shortcuts—only precision, preparation, and a deep respect for patient safety.
Unlike the wards, where care unfolds over hours or days, everything in the OR had to be planned, prepared, and executed with absolute accuracy, often under time pressure and with limited resources.
Learning Precision and Responsibility
One of the first things I learned in the OR was the importance of infection prevention and control in its strictest form.
I became involved in the autoclaving and sterilisation of surgical instruments, learning the full process from decontamination and careful packaging to monitoring sterilisation indicators. It completely changed how I viewed patient safety and made me realise that nursing responsibility extends far beyond what patients can see.
As time went on, I had the opportunity to observe and assist in different surgical procedures. Watching surgeons work with precision while nurses supported every step deepened my understanding of anatomy and surgical principles.
For the first time, I could clearly see how conditions I had managed in the wards were treated surgically. It connected everything—pre-operative preparation, intra-operative care, and post-operative recovery—into one continuous patient journey.
Growing Through Trust and Mentorship
I was eventually trusted to work as both a scrub nurse and a circulating nurse, roles that required constant focus and accountability.
As a scrub nurse, I learned to anticipate the surgeon’s needs, maintain a sterile field, and handle instruments with precision. As a circulating nurse, I became the patient’s voice inside the theatre—ensuring safety, coordinating with the team, checking documentation, and responding quickly to any needs during the procedure.
One of the most meaningful parts of my OR experience was having a mentor who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. In the beginning, I worked closely under his supervision, observing carefully and learning step by step. He corrected me when needed, guided me patiently, and created a space where I could grow without fear.
Over time, that guidance turned into trust. I began to work more independently, relying on everything I had learned. That transition—from being supervised to standing on my own—was one of the most empowering moments of my early career. Through that mentorship, I gained not only technical skills, but also confidence in myself.
Lessons That Stayed With Me
Working in the Operating Room also taught me humility.
There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, knowing how much was at stake. The awareness that even the smallest mistake could affect a patient’s life pushed me to practise with caution, professionalism, and constant attention to detail.
It also taught me the importance of communication and teamwork. In that environment, speaking up, double-checking, and never assuming became essential.
Looking back, ending my time in that hospital in the Operating Room felt meaningful. It brought together everything I had learned—from emergency care to ward nursing—and gave me a more complete understanding of my role as a nurse.
Those experiences became one of the strongest foundations I carried with me as I prepared for the next chapter of my journey.
Chasing a Dream Beyond the Bedside
But I knew that nursing skills alone would not be enough to take me where I wanted to go.
Understanding that communication was essential for working abroad, I made the difficult decision to work in a call centre. It was a completely different environment, but it gave me daily exposure to English-speaking customers and helped me build confidence in communication.
At the same time, I was reviewing for my IELTS exam.
I took the IELTS three times. Each attempt came with doubt and frustration, and there were moments when I questioned whether I would ever meet the required score. Then came a turning point—the NMC UK announced that international nurses could combine two IELTS scores. When I realised I had finally met the standard, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
The next step was the CBT. I reviewed while continuing to work, balancing fatigue, pressure, and preparation. There were days I came home exhausted, unsure of how I would keep going, but I did.
I was tired—but I was resilient.
Eventually, I applied through an agency in Manila and was scheduled for an interview with a UK employer. Before the interview, I completed an MCQ exam covering drug calculations and nursing knowledge. When I found out I passed, it felt like another quiet step forward.
After the interview, I received the news I had been praying for.
I got the job!
A New Beginning in the UK 🇬🇧
In August 2019, I arrived in the UK as a Staff Nurse in Colchester.
On my very first day, I was fortunate to find a place to stay with other Filipino nurses. Being surrounded by people who understood my experience made a significant difference. Through them, I gained not only housemates, but also a sense of belonging.
I also built friendships at work, which helped me adjust to both the environment and the responsibilities of my new role.
Even with that support, homesickness was something I could not avoid.
There were days when I cried—not because I regretted my decision, but because I missed home deeply. I missed my family, my comfort zone, and the life I had left behind.
At the same time, I felt grateful.
I was living the dream I had worked so hard for.
I was proud.
I was homesick.
I was thankful.
All at once.
For Those Walking the Same Path ...
This journey was not easy.
It was built on sacrifice, faith, resilience, and moments of doubt.
But it shaped me—not just as a nurse, but as a person.
If you are at the beginning of your journey, or somewhere in the middle of it, please remember this:
If it feels hard, it’s because it matters.
And one day, you will look back and realise that you made it through more than you ever thought you could.
