Michael Duran | “Supporting people in their most vulnerable moments and doing so as part of a team is the most rewarding feeling.”

As we celebrate International Nurses’ Day, we highlight the inspiring journey of a nurse who made his way from the Philippines to the UK, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for patient care.

As we celebrate International Nurses’ Day, we highlight the inspiring journey of a nurse who made his way from the Philippines to the UK, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for patient care.

Michael arrived in the UK in 2017, bringing with him a strong foundation in nursing, having worked across the surgical ward, Emergency Department (ED), and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a private hospital in the Philippines.

“I worked in a private hospital for about four years before starting my application to come to the UK,” he shares. “The transition wasn’t easy. Adapting to a new country, a different healthcare system, unfamiliar surroundings, and even the cold weather was a big change from the tropical climate I was used to. Language and accents posed challenges too, but over time, those things became easier.”

Despite the initial difficulties, Michael remained focused on his goals. “I was away from my family for the first year, which was tough, but in 2018, I was grateful to be reunited with my wife and son here in the UK.”

Michael began his UK nursing career as a Band 5 Staff Nurse in respiratory care, on what is now known as Ward 11. “The team was incredibly welcoming and made my transition smoother than I expected,” he recalls.

After nearly two years, he sought to broaden his experience and moved to the rehabilitation ward, where he focused on discharge planning and supporting patients with long-term care needs. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like many others, I worked through the first and second waves of the pandemic, which was one of the most challenging times of my career and of all our lives,” he reflects.

In December 2021, Michael returned to his roots in intensive care. “My background in the Philippines was in ICU, so moving into critical care here felt like continuing a journey I had started long ago.”

Since then, he has taken on increasing responsibilities. In 2022, Michael was accepted into the critical care programme and has since progressed into the role of Senior Charge Nurse, balancing both clinical duties and managerial responsibilities.

“I’m very fortunate to work in such a supportive and inclusive environment,” he says. “Early on, I didn’t see myself progressing, but others saw something in me and encouraged me to grow. The support from senior colleagues, the Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) team, and peers has made all the difference.”

Michael’s passion for critical care is clear. “We care for the most acutely unwell patients in the hospital, those who need life-saving interventions, and we also support their families during incredibly difficult times. The work is complex and demanding, involving ventilators, multi-organ support, and constant decision-making.”

He adds, “Above all, safety and patient wellbeing guide every action we take. Being able to support people in their most vulnerable moments and doing so as a team is truly the most fulfilling part of what we do.”