The Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) is delighted to announce that 12 International Nursing Associations in England will receive grants ranging from £5,000 up to £12,500 to support advanced pastoral care, professional development and the health and wellbeing of international nurses working within the NHS in England.
Funds will benefit both newly arrived and established international nurses in England. Support will include seminars for nurses that provide culturally sensitive advanced pastoral care and mentoring, the building of digital platforms where nurses can be signposted to information that is specific to their cultural needs, as well as providing workshops for career development.
The Small Grants project is part of a programme of work which is planned by the FNF Academy to extend its reach to nurses across the globe.
Sheila Lloyd, Director of Nursing, Florence Nightingale Academy said: “I am delighted and very proud to have received such high-quality applications for the FNF small grants programme from nurses representing our profession across the globe.
“The commitment, compassion, and determination from organisations to support and enhance the experience of international nurses, is truly humbling. This level of care is always important and even more so during a global pandemic. The grants will go a long way in ensuring our international nurses working in the NHS in England feel valued and supported.”
This grant scheme is sponsored by Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England and aligns to both the CNO’s priorities and the NHS People Plan.
Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “International nurses have played a leading role in the fight against Covid and we are delighted to continue welcoming thousands of new nurses into the NHS, where they will have the opportunity to make a real difference.
“The work of the international nursing associations is not only supporting the professional growth of our nurses, but also providing the pastoral, health and wellbeing support that is an absolute priority.
“The Small Grants Scheme enables the associations to enhance the excellent support they already offer and helps strengthen our international networks and workforce.”