As we celebrate International Nurses' Day this Monday 12 May, we're sharing the stories of some of our amazing nursing colleagues who work across Hampshire Hospitals.
Meet Ismaila Agyei, Deputy Charge Nurse at Hampshire Hospitals:
What inspired you to become a nurse?
Growing up in Ghana, I witnessed how compassionate nursing care could transform lives in communities with limited resources. My grandmother, who has diabetes, was my inspiration. She once had a hypoglycemic episode, and I'll never forget the helplessness I felt, watching her struggle while waiting for medical help. In that moment, I promised myself I would learn how to care for her properly. This personal experience opened my eyes to how vital nursing care is - not just for patients, but for their families too. What began as a desire to help my grandmother grew into a passion for caring for anyone in need of health support.
What has been your nursing journey?
My journey began at nursing school in Ghana, where I trained for four years at University of Health and Allied Sciences (Class of 2019). In May 2022, I joined Hampshire Hospitals as an internationally recruited nurse, starting in the Respiratory Ward at Basingstoke. The transition was challenging but rewarding - I'll never forget my first successful emergency response to a patient in respiratory distress. In March 2023, I moved to Winchester's Outpatient Department, where I discovered my passion for leadership. Last November, I became Deputy Charge Nurse, initially on secondment and now permanently.
What path did you take to become a deputy charge nurse?
The path wasn't linear. After proving my clinical skills in the Respiratory Ward, I sought opportunities to develop leadership abilities in Outpatients. I volunteered to mentor new staff, took charge of clinic coordination, and shadowed senior nurses. When my manager encouraged me to apply for the Deputy Charge Nurse secondment, I initially doubted myself - but the team believed in me that gave me courage. The six-month secondment was intense but transformative, teaching me everything from roster management to conflict resolution.
What or who has influenced your approach to nursing and patient care?
My first ward manager in Ghana taught me that nursing is about seeing a person, not just the illness. At Hampshire Hospitals, my current line manager demonstrated how calm, consistent leadership creates the best environment for both staff and patients. I'll always remember how she handled a difficult situation of a distressed patient - her patience and professionalism became my model for nursing leadership.
What has been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your role and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was transitioning to the NHS system - different names for the same medications, documentation, and cultural expectations. Early on, I struggled with the pace of acute care. I overcame this by creating my own reference guides, asking countless questions (special thanks to my first mentor, Joe!), observing senior colleagues and doing my own research after work. As Deputy Charge Nurse, balancing clinical duties with managerial responsibilities is another challenge. Maintaining open communication with my team has been the key.
What has been your biggest achievement in your role so far?
I have been the champion for implementing “paperlite” system in Outpatients Ophthalmology unit that reduced waiting times and paper usage while maintaining care quality. I’m also a Lead Nurse for the vascular wound care clinic. But personally, my proudest moment was when a cousin who is in School of Pharmacy (University of Development Studies, Ghana) told me,"seeing you in Band 6 role makes me believe I can do it too."
Can you share one of your most memorable patient or colleague interactions?
I'll never forget how the entire Outpatient team congratulated me for taking up the Band 6 role. It made me feel truly part of the Hampshire Hospitals family and the belief and support from the team.
What advice would you give to aspiring international nurses?
Believe in yourself and never stop learning; Embrace being a lifelong learner; your first year will feel overwhelming in the UK, but every challenge makes you stronger; find mentors (both UK and internationally trained), don't hesitate to ask questions, and remember that your unique perspective as an international nurse is valuable. Most importantly, be patient, adjustment takes time.
What is the best thing about being a nurse?
Those moments when you make someone feel truly cared for - whether it's holding a patient's hand during difficult news, seeing relief when you explain their treatment clearly, or watching a junior colleague grow in confidence because of your guidance.
What makes an excellent nurse?
Clinical skills are essential, but I believe the best nurses combine these things:
1) Compassion to consider your patients as individuals and acknowledge diversity.
2) Resilience to keep giving their best even on tough days.
3) The modesty to keep learning from patients, colleagues, and every experience.
4) Being professional at all times.
