Pauline Joyce Aspa – A research nurse on moving from the Philippines to the UK for the NHS.
As part of its marking of the NHS 75th anniversary, NHS England has collected staff stories from among its workforce to highlight some of the people who make the health service what it is.
These include 17 members of nursing staff. NHS England has kindly given permission to Nursing Times to republish their stories.
Name and job title
Pauline Joyce Aspa, research nurse, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
When did you start in the NHS?
January 2019.
Why did you choose to work in the NHS?
Three years ago, I choose to work in the NHS to start a new adventure here in the United Kingdom with my then fiancé, now husband.
We have been working as registered nurses for 7 years in our home country, the Philippines.
We both thought that moving to the UK and working for the NHS would help us grow not only professionally but would also allow for our personal growth.
We were also encouraged by some of our friends who have had the privilege of working in the NHS before us.
Describe what you do in 100 words
I am responsible for setting up observational and interventional research studies. As a research nurse, I manage the delivery of the study with the study and clinical teams.
It is our responsibility to obtain informed consent from patients or their families and recruit them into studies. We always prioritise the patient’s safety.
I actively promote research. Torbay Hospital is part of the South West Peninsula Local Clinical Research Network and I am involved in the Critical Care Community of Practice.
This is a platform where sites across the South West region share and discuss strategies to improve critical care studies across the region.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I feel proud and excited to be working in research for the NHS. All the projects we work on can shape clinical best practice and change health care for years to come.
I love working alongside a smart, creative and passionate group of people, sharing the same goal and contributing to the advancement of healthcare.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Inclusive.
- You can find more NHS staff stories, plus volunteer stories and retirement fellowship stories on the NHS England website