HC-One Nursing colleagues across the UK have been sharing their inspirational stories to encourage others to consider a nursing career in social care to mark International Nurses’ Day on May 12, 2025.
The theme for this year’s International Nurses’ Day is ‘Our Nurses. Our future. Caring for Nurses strengthens economies’ which emphasises the critical role Nurses play not only in healthcare but also in the broader economic wellbeing of societies. It highlights the importance of investing in the nursing workforce to ensure resilient health systems and sustainable development.
International Nurses’ Day is an annual event which honours the invaluable contribution of Nurses across the world and coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Letizia, also known as ‘Tizzy’, Taylor, aged 28, a Nurse Associate at Jack Dormand Care Home in Horden, Peterlee, County Durham, began her career with a Diploma in Animal Management before entering social care in 2015 as a Domiciliary Care Assistant.
Joining HC-One’s Grampian Court Care Home in 2018, she progressed to Senior Care Assistant after completing a Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ apprenticeship.
In 2021, Letizia transferred to HC-One’s Jack Dormand care home where she pursued clinical training through HC-One’s Care Assistant Development Programme and a Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship.
In 2023, Letizia embarked on a Nurse Associate Apprenticeship (NAA) with the Open University, appreciating the affordability, flexibility and practical experience of the two-year foundation degree. Letizia completed the Nurse Associate Apprenticeship and is now working as a Nurse Associate at Jack Dormand Care Home. She plans to continue in her nursing journey and go on to complete her Registered Nurse Bachelor’s Degree in the near future.
Letizia Taylor, Nursing Associate at Jack Dormand Care Home, commented:
“I have always had a passion for learning and developing my skills. I had an interest in the clinical side to health care, and I enjoy spending as much time as I could with the Nurses to gain insight into different clinical procedures.
“There are lots of progression and development opportunities available through completing an apprenticeship. Choosing to do an apprenticeship has helped me to improve my skills and knowledge, and to allow me to provide high quality care by understanding the theory behind it.”
Daniel Tabe, aged 60, a Senior Carer and Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice at Silverwood Care Home in Beeston, Nottingham, was inspired to enter social care by his parents’ work as whilst he was still at school and during the holidays, Daniel would accompany his mother to a hospital where she used to work as a midwife and his father as an Administrator. . As a teenager, he served meals to hospital patients which fostered his compassion and empathy.
Joining HC-One in 2019, Daniel advanced from Carer to Night Senior Carer, earning a Level 2 Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship (Merit) and Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship (Distinction). In 2023, he began a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship with the Open University, aiming to join Silverwood’s nursing team.
Daniel Tabe, Senior Carer and Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice at Silverwood Care Home, said:
“Reflecting on my career journey, every day comes with new challenges but the smiles of those vulnerable individuals in my care remind me of why I chose to follow this career path.
“I would encourage anyone considering a nursing career in social care to go for it including anyone thinking about completing an apprenticeship. The decision to complete an apprenticeship will open many doors for you on your way to excellence in your career.”
Priscillah Musenga, aged 56, Home Manager at HC-One Scotland’s Drummohr Care Home in Wallyford, Musselburgh, East Lothian, started her career in Zambia as a General Registered Nurse. She later became a Nursing Matron at 27-years-old.
After moving to the UK in 2005, she worked in a Jewish care home, embracing its culturally rich approach to care. Priscillah advanced from Charge Nurse to Senior Clinical Lead before joining HC-One in 2022, as Deputy Manager at Drummohr Care Home. She completed a master’s in Dementia Studies, a bachelor’s in Adult Nursing and a Diploma in Leadership and Management, earning her promotion to Home Manager.
Priscillah Musenga, Home Manager at HC-One Scotland’s Drummohr Care Home, commented:
“My experiences have helped me develop my practice including meeting a lot of people in the community where I live. I am actively involved in assessing people’s needs prior to moving to the care home, listening to families fears and anxieties that they encounter when making decisions to move their loved ones into care, and I enjoy being part of the team involved in providing care.
“Building trust as a Nurse, with empathy and receiving feedback about care you have provided is extremely rewarding. You’re make a difference to people’s lives and that is an experience that enhances my approach to care and my practice.”
Anna Selby, Executive Director of Quality & Nominated Individual at HC-One, commented:
“I was proud to call myself a Nurse for 30 years, but I am even more proud of the work our Nurses do in HC-One, flying the flag for Adult Social Care Nursing and showing up with kindness and integrity in often challenging circumstances.
“We are really excited to be able to further progress the reputation of our Nurses and support their continued professional development.
“You hold a unique role in the world of nursing, supporting others to ensure outcomes for our residents, most notably with a quality of life build around the special relationships you form and the technical skill you demonstrate. Happy International Nurses’ Day to all our Nurses and carers.”