Originally from the Philippines, Andhie’s journey to becoming a nurse working in the spinal care unit of a hospital in the UK has spanned over a decade of care, experience, and travel. Andhie has been working as a nurse for over 13 years and took the OET Test to further her professional development and achieve a life she’d always hoped for in the UK.
Early career
Andhie’s nursing career began in the Philippines, and she started work as an A&E nurse, a role she fulfilled for ten years in Saudi Arabia. Reflecting on why her experiences have been so valuable, Andhie shares, "being a nurse is not just about giving medication, it’s about making a difference in someone’s life."
After a decade in Saudi Arabia, Andhie returned to the Philippines in early 2020. The pandemic struck soon after, prompting her to pause and think about what her future looked like and her career path. During this period, she focused on a plan to move to the UK.
Determined to succeed, Andhie started her OET Test preparation in late 2020, balancing her studies with a shift job a call centre. She credits her success to the support of a private coach and the 9.0 Niner Review Center, both having supported her study and preparation efforts for test day.
"I panicked at first during registration," Andhie recalls, "but then I focused on the OET Test and thought of the brighter future ahead of me once I pass the exam."
Andhie took her OET Test in Makati, passing on her first attempt in March 2021. Her hard work paid off, and by September 2021, she was on her way to the UK.
A new chapter in the UK
Transitioning to her new role in the UK, Andhie now works at a local hospital. Here, she enjoys helping her patients and offering them comfort.
"At present, I am working in a spinal unit where patients have limited movement. It may be physically exhausting at times, but it is fulfilling to be part of a team that gives hope to patients who think they are hopeless, and help them gain their independence where possible," she explains.
Andhie’s entry into the UK healthcare system was easy, thanks to the multicultural environment and strong support from her Filipino community within her trust.
"This is a multicultural country, and I work in a trust where religion, ethnicity, and gender don’t matter. Also, we have a large Filipino community in our trust which makes me feel at home," - Andhie
For Andhie, the real shock was the weather. “We arrived here during winter, and I didn’t expect it to be that intense. But now, I am adjusting to it," she shares.
Despite these challenges, she found the experience enriching. Working in the UK not only allowed her to support her family back home but also to enjoy a balanced life and travel to new places.
"Working in the UK now serves as a reward for myself. I now have better work-life balance and can travel to different countries that I never thought I would visit.”
The OET effect
Andhie’s success with the OET Test has been pivotal in her career. The assessment’s relevance to her profession helped her apply the knowledge directly to her daily tasks.
"OET appealed because it’s very specific to my profession. I can relate to the test, and I can really use the learnings from the test to my day-to-day work," - Andhie
The OET Test also provided a boost to her communication skills, which she believes have made her a better nurse.
"It's important to be a capable professional who can communicate well with patients and colleagues. Before, I just said to the patients that they need to do this or that because it’s the doctor’s advice, but after taking the OET Test, I learned to show empathy and focus on the patient’s needs," Andhie notes.
Andhie’s achievements are proof of what one can achieve with the right amount of drive, and support. From the Philippines to Saudi Arabia and now the UK, Andhie is keen to share her story and advice with other aspiring nurses.