At our The Lane Fox Remeo Respiratory Centre in Surrey, senior respiratory nurse Shiena has carved out a remarkable path in nursing – one marked by resilience, ambition, and a passion for leadership.
Her most recent achievement, completing the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) Early Career Nurse and Midwife Leadership Programme, is the latest chapter in a story defined by growth and determination.
Finding Her Voice
Originally from the Philippines, Shiena arrived in the UK as an international student nurse, having gained experience in hospitals across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Philippines. Adjusting to the UK system came with its challenges, including passing the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), an exam she failed on the first attempt. But for Shiena, setbacks were never the end of the story.
Her dedication paid off. Over time, she not only became a registered nurse but advanced to a senior position in respiratory care. Alongside her clinical responsibilities, she also took on the role of link nurse for diabetes, improving compliance in quality control checks and staff training within the service.
The Leadership Opportunity
In late 2023, Michelle Freeman, then Hospital Director at Remeo and now Active Care Group’s Group Director of Nursing, encouraged Shiena to consider the Florence Nightingale Foundation’s leadership programme. Recognising the opportunity for professional growth, Shiena decided to pursue it.
She applied and was selected. “I never say no to an opportunity,” she reflects. “I’m ambitious, and I know each step helps me grow.”
The course combined in-person sessions with remote learning, bringing together around 40 early-career nurses and midwives from across the UK. For Shiena, it was a deeply personal journey. “At first, I was nervous. You’re expected to speak up, share your story, and put yourself out there. But stepping out of my comfort zone is what helped me grow the most”.
Growth Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the program, Shiena developed a Quality Improvement (QI) project focused on her diabetes training work at Remeo. Since taking on that responsibility, compliance among staff has risen significantly, and the project allowed her to formalise and showcase that progress.
But for Shiena, the most significant change wasn’t something you could measure on paper – it was how she felt inside. “Before, I wasn’t confident speaking in public. I used to hold back and stay quiet. However, I’ve grown in terms of confidence; now I speak up and contribute. I feel much more comfortable sharing my thoughts and being part of the conversation.”
Shiena was invited to participate in a national forum on nursing management, leadership and framework development. As part of her ongoing involvement with the Florence Nightingale Foundation, she was also asked to serve as a subject matter expert for a new preceptorship course of the foundation’s key projects aimed at supporting early-career nurses.
The programme also provided the opportunity to build a national network of nursing peers from across the UK. Maintaining these connections has offered valuable insights into different approaches to nursing practice and leadership, encouraging reflection and adaptation within her professional role.
Looking Ahead
Attending the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey capped off the experience, reminding her of the broader impact and legacy of nursing.
Now, Shiena has her sights set on assuming additional leadership responsibilities, whether in clinical roles, education, or management. “I want to keep learning, keep growing. I’m passionate about improving patient care and supporting staff well-being. That’s where I feel I can make the biggest difference.”
If Shiena’s story has inspired you, why not visit our careers page to learn more about the great career opportunities we’ve at Active Care Group? Click here to discover more.