The first 11 refugee nurses graduated from the ReSTORE programme in South Yorkshire last month.
ReSTORE, which stands for refugee support, training, orientation, recruitment and education, is a structured programme for refugee nurses living in South Yorkshire.
The programme was established in April 2023 as a structured programme for refugees with nursing and midwifery backgrounds in their country of origin to become nurses and nurse associates in the UK.
Delivered by the South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub, it was developed to overcome the barriers faced by refugee nurses who want to work in the NHS.
ReSTORE comprises a four-step programme and strong pastoral support to help build confidence.
A celebration ceremony was held in January at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sheffield for 11 nurses who had passed their exams.
Seven of the graduates were in the first cohort of the ReSTORE programme and now hold roles as qualified nurses in a local hospital. The remaining four graduates, who are from the second cohort, are in the final stages of their journey, having passed all their clinical exams.
The programme continues to support a further 24 nurses.
The four steps of the programme are:
Step one: assessment of nurses’ qualifications, their level of English, the ability to commit to the programme and eligibility check with the NMC.
Step two: English language training and career support, which includes volunteering or healthcare support worker role within local NHS, one-to-one coaching and help with CVs and interviews.
Step three: clinical exams
Step four: support with applications for the final part of registration with NMC and help with job applications as a registered nurse.
The programme is led by two clinical nurse educators, Blerta Ilazi and Emma Matthews.
Ms Ilazi’s experience of going through the system herself inspired her to design the programme to address the specific needs of refugee nurses and help them navigate the long and complicated process.
As well as acting as an inspiration and friend to the nurses, she also plays a crucial role in fostering relationships across the system to ensure the programme’s success.
It is the only programme focusing on refugee nurses, although there are several for refugee doctors across the country.
It is hoped that as well as addressing the workforce crisis in nursing, ReSTORE will help reduce health inequalities and facilitate integration.
ReSTORE is built upon relationships with local authorities, DWP, NHS trusts, charities, and academic institutions, including the two universities in Sheffield.
It aligns with the NMC’s processes, ensuring robust support for participants.
