From The Philippines To Dorset – Deputy Manager Gen's Nursing Journey

As part of our campaign highlighting the nursing care at Caring Homes, we shine a spotlight on our fantastic nurses who have come from all over the world to develop and progress as part of our team. Genevieve Lee, our Deputy Manager at Homefield Grange, shares her story.

Early Years and Opportunities

“My career in nursing began in the Philippines many years ago, but the journey from those first steps to where I am today at Caring Homes has been an eventful one.

Although becoming a qualified nurse only takes 4 years in the Philippines, it took me 9 years. I was immature and spent too much time going out and enjoying myself with friends, not realising how important my education was. I was lucky to be given lots of chances by my parents and teachers and when I finally graduated, my parents were very proud.

When I had my daughter, I decided I needed to straighten my life out, so I studied for the licensure exam for nurses. I didn’t take the exam until June 2012, but I passed first time and after I got my license, I started to do volunteer nursing job in hospitals. Then I left nursing for a while, finding online work which I could do from home. In 2015, I got married and we went to another city to settle. Thinking about my future, I felt I had wasted the years where I’d studied and trained to be a nurse, so I returned to working in a hospital again.

Motivation to Work Abroad

In the Philippines, if children are working abroad as nurses or doctors, this is considered a success for the parents. There came a point when all of my friends were already abroad, and I felt like the only one left being “unsuccessful”. I also wanted to prove that people change, so I studied in secret for the examination required to apply to work abroad. I worked 16 hours a day doing two jobs to afford the examination fees, but I passed, then applied to different agencies. I received offers from the NHS, private hospitals and care homes, including Caring Homes. When the offer letter arrived, I chose them after doing some research and comparing Caring Homes with other companies.

A Move to Dorset and Many ‘First’ Experiences

Once I had decided to make the move to the UK everything was a ‘first time’ for me. First time on an international flight (I had avoided travelling long distance as I was afraid of being too long in the aircraft). First time working abroad. First time being on my own, living on my own without my family beside me. First time being independent in everything, including taking care of my own finances.

When applying for the role I was given a number of Caring Homes to choose from. I didn’t want to be near London or a big city, so I narrowed my options down to two and read the reviews. I chose Homefield Grange which is in Dorset, near the sea and very peaceful. The people here are so kind and respectful. I arrived at Homefield Grange at the end of May 2021, and this was another first – the first time I had worked in a care home as I had been a hospital nurse in the Philippines.

I was hired as pre-registered nurse, joining the team as a senior carer at first, before I passed my OSCE exam. I passed the NMC test and got my pin in September 2021 which meant I was a qualified registered nurse.

A Smooth Transition and New Ways of Working at Caring Homes

I was so grateful to Caring Homes and Homefield as they provided me with all the support I needed. I had no problems with my immigration status, and everything was taken care of by Caring Homes, from my journey to the UK, to my exam preparation, having my dependents come over, and the renewal of my visa. It was easy for me to transition and after my first few months, I felt that I had been in the UK for a long time. I built a good relationship with the team, the Home Manager was nice and easy to approach, and I felt comfortable and happy at work.

The team in Homefield is the best. When I worked in the Philippines, having protected breaks is not a thing and because I was used to this, I continued to work that way. When my colleagues saw me not taking my breaks, they would remind me and push me to take time out. I felt special - it was nice that my colleagues were concerned about me. Every day I received notes on my desk from the staff on the floor saying, “We love you, nurse Gen”. With this, I felt more inspired and motivated to do my best as a nurse and as a colleague.

I enjoy sharing ideas with my colleagues. I enjoy the laughter we share on the floor, even when it is a challenge to complete our tasks. At the end of the day, I see everyone really tired but still with that smile on their faces. I love sharing this passion with others and knowing that it can brighten everyone’s mood on every shift. Also, I have worked with colleagues of various nationalities, and I have become more flexible in understanding different cultures.

Progress and a Promotion

In my role as a nurse, I always make sure I am doing what is expected of me – and more. I work hard not just to impress my managers but to make sure that the results I achieve have a positive affect for the team and the residents that we are taking care of. I didn’t realise that my potential to step up the ladder had been recognised and I was so grateful that my Home Manager and Regional Manager identified the qualities of a Deputy Manager in me. I was promoted to Deputy Manager exactly three years after arriving at Homefield Grange.

In my free time I love singing (karaoke) and going out with friends, always making time to see my co-workers outside working hours. I love visiting new places, doing TikTok videos and trying different foods from different restaurants. And of course, I speak to my family in the Philippines on video calls.

Working in a care home is totally different from working in a hospital. Caring for the elderly is more rewarding as you can build good relationships with the residents and their families. Working with Caring Homes you also feel loved and well-supported as a member of the team.

If time permits in the future, I hope to climb the ladder and follow in the footsteps of the current Homefield Manager who has inspired me to be the best that I can be. For now, here I am as a Deputy Manager working with the best team in the best care home in Dorset”!

Welcome to Homefield Grange Care Home in Christchurch, Dorset.

Homefield Grange is a beautiful, purpose-built home in Christchurch, offering residential, nursing, and dementia care in a modern setting. You’ll a find warm and inviting space for residents and visitors with exceptional amenities, including lounges, a cinema, a hair salon and a bistro.

The wonderful surroundings at Homefield Grange Care Home are matched by our team’s standard of care. We love to learn about those staying with us by getting to know them, so your loved one’s time here is tailored to their interests, preferences, and needs. We allow for as much independence as possible and residents choose how the care home is run.