A nurse who moved from Nigeria to work at Westmorland General Hospital (WMG) has spoken of the pride she feels helping patients, to mark International Nurses Day.

Rachel Onyinyechi Kamalu is one of many international nurses from University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT) to speak about her experiences to mark the day on May 12, which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

The 40-year-old nurse from Lagos in Nigeria, moved to Kendal this year to work in the theatres department at WGH.

Ms Kamalu worked as a nurse in Lagos for 15 years before taking up her new post in January.

Her husband and her two young children are joining her soon in Kendal.

“Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria so it is a very busy city,” she said.

“Coming over to UK was, for me, a change of environment and to advance my nursing career in a more developed society.

“Kendal is a nice quiet town with friendly and easy going people with lots of beautiful lakes and mountain views.

“I’m happy working in Morecambe Bay.

“At the moment I’m learning lots of new things on the job and my new colleagues are very supportive and willing to respond to questions when asked.

“It’s a great working environment under the guidance of a wonderful manager.”

Ms Kamalu said helping patients to recover is ‘satisfying’ and ‘motivating.’

“For me, being a nurse is my way of doing my best for people,” she said.

“I have always been compassionate, kind and empathetic, but nursing has taught and groomed me to be these and much more.

“Since patients come in ill and get better by the day, just by the efforts you put in as an individual or as part of a team, it is satisfying and motivating.

“The nursing profession is a noble one.

“From the time of Florence Nightingale who was the founder of nursing up until now, it hasn't changed.

“Nursing is the same all over the world.

“Service to humanity always come first.”

Sue Smith, OBE, executive chief nurse and deputy chief executive of UHMBT, said: “We are hugely grateful to our international nurses for the excellent compassionate care they give to our patients.

“Our trust is enriched by their presence and, as we are celebrating Nurses Day 2021, I would like to thank each and everyone one of them for their hard work and dedication to the nursing profession."