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Working in Wales can really take you places in your career

Sian Thomas, a Consultant Nurse for Child Health in South Wales, and Nurse of the Year 2016, talks about why everyone looking for a rewarding nursing career should put Wales at the top of their list.

Sian Thomas
Sian Thomas: working in Wales is empowering

Sian Thomas, 49, is a Consultant Nurse for Child Health in South Wales. Nursing in Wales over the past 31 years has allowed her to develop tailor-made initiatives that meet the needs of her patients, work that resulted in her winning the Royal College of Nursing Wales ‘Nurse of the Year’ Award in 2016.

'Nursing in Wales is empowering. We pride ourselves on our resilience and the knowledge that our duty of care to our patients really does make a difference. I was lucky enough to receive the ‘Nurse of the Year 2016’ award from the Royal College of Nursing for my work in developing innovative support systems for children with very complex health needs.

'Whether you’re a newly qualified nurse or you’ve been nursing for years, a move to Wales can really take you places in your career – I’m living proof of that. Add to that the strong sense of community, affordable homes and stunning natural landscape – what’s not to like? I’d encourage everyone looking for a rewarding nursing career to put Wales at the top of their list.'

Five reasons why British and international nurses should choose Wales:

STAFFING LEVELS

Wales is the first nation in Europe to introduce a law to protect nursing staff levels so you have more time to care sensitively for patients.

SUPPORT TO RELOCATE

Wales has a strong sense of community, affordable housing and great schools. If you’re tempted, we have a number of relocation packages which will help your move to Wales go as smoothly as possible.

FLEXIBLE OPTIONS TO SUIT YOU

Our family-friendly working arrangements, including flexible hours, childcare vouchers and on-site crèche, means more time for you and your family to enjoy all Wales has to offer, from vibrant cities to unspoilt coastline and stunning countryside.

CAREER PROGRESSION

Supported by the Welsh Post Registration Career Framework for Nurses and Midwifery 20:20, we offer opportunities for you to progress your career to clinical nurse specialist roles, advanced practitioner roles and consultant nurse and midwife roles.

VALUE FOR THE PROFESSION

We put patients at the centre of care and recognise the value of nurses in achieving this, which is why we are committed to supporting your continued professional development at all stages of your career. We’ve maintained the NHS bursary for those ordinarily resident in the UK who wish to join the profession and will commit to spend the first two years of their career in Wales. We also provide funding to support those looking to return to the profession to undertake their return to practice training in Wales.

 


Welsh Government



Find out more about nursing in Wales