I started university in the Philippines at 16 years old and to be completely honest, at that age, I was unsure of what I wanted to do as a career. I spent two years in university studying Marine Biology, and then Communications/Journalism- two very different degrees that I started but couldn’t see myself pursuing careers in. 

I eventually went into nursing in 2002 and from that day on, I never looked back because I felt like I had found my calling. Something that to this day I find hard to explain in words. 

I understand that being a nurse can open up doors for career advancement, but the biggest factor that drew me into the profession is how rewarding it is to know that, in our own little way, we can make a difference in the lives of the people that we care for.

Since leaving university in 2006, I have worked in different capacities and settings, but I always wanted to be in a role that was patient facing because that was where I felt the most satisfaction from the job.

I joined the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in June 2021 as a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant at the CCC-Liverpool Outpatients department.

After almost two years in the post, I was looking for further career advancement within the Trust and elsewhere. The Outpatients matron at the time had a chat with me and said that there may be a way the Trust can help me register as a nurse in the UK since I was a qualified nurse in my home country before moving to the UK in 2008.

The Trust funded my OSCE preparation and NMC OSCE, and in August of 2023 I was a fully registered nurse, subsequently moving to a Band 5 role at the Chemotherapy Unit at CCC-Liverpool.

By December 2024, I successfully interviewed for a Band 6 Senior Chemotherapy Nurse position which I officially started late January 2025.

I’m so proud of the progression I have seen in my career since joining the Trust. I’m very grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from my managers and the Trust as a whole.

In my current role, I feel like myself and the rest of the team take pride in the difference that we make to our patients’ journeys and that in turn makes the job very rewarding. 

Even though it can be physically and emotionally taxing at times as we care for our patient so deeply, working in a team that is harmonious, encouraging and supportive makes every working day that little bit easier.

I feel like the Trust is honestly committed to its values - actively supporting staff to develop their knowledge and skills through further educational development, having open conversations within teams and managers where everyone is empowered to speak and offer suggestions for the improvement of the team and the service in general, and being committed to ensuring inclusion and integration of new staff.

If you are worried about not having enough experience to apply for a job at Clatterbride - don’t be! CCC as a Trust is very supportive of its staff’s development within their roles and there are many further career opportunities within the Trust - trust me, I have firsthand experience of that commitment!

With the Trust’s support, paired with a willingness to learn and work hard, you will soon find yourself a progressive and rewarding career at CCC.