SASN CAREGIVING Graduate makes Good in the UK

I am Ivy Villanueva from Batch 18 of St. Augustine School of Nursing (SASN) Caloocan.
I graduated under the Care Giver Program in November 2005.

Just before graduation, I started to look around and see how I could work abroad. It was so challenging during those times to secure a visa.. But I never stopped until I got one. When I heard for the first time about coming to UK thru a student visa, I had doubts as to how reliable it was and secondly, I was not also sure if I had enough money to work with.

After a lot of contemplation, I still decided to go. I told myself not to worry because I am equipped with the knowledge and skills that I’ve gained from St. Augustine School of Nursing and that this is the best way to get to UK. I prayed hard. Two months have passed from the time my application documents were submitted to the British Embassy and during that time, 9 of 10 applications were denied. But after two weeks, I got an interview appointment. I prayed hard once more and after the interview, I was granted a VISA.

In April of 2006, I was standing inside one of the airports in England. As a holder of a student visa I was so scared of the idea of having to attend school once more. . I was worried sick as to what my fate will be, whether I will pass my course or not. . The methodologies in teaching subjects here include lectures with recitation, essay writing, long quizzes and daily homework. But things went well for me as 95% of the course content I’ve already learned from my studies in SASN. Then came the days of work. It was also an easy transition because I was confident of what I was doing. I have seen students who did not acquire their knowledge from the Philippines who struggled a bit at first but managed to cope up later.

I have finished my National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 and I am currently in Level 3 which is Leadership Role in a supervisory level. There is an immigration rule now that after you’ve got your certificate in level 3 and if you have I think two to three years of work experience here, your student visa can be converted into a work visa so I am looking forward to finish and finally have my NVQ 3 certificate of qualification since I also have more than three years of work experience.

In terms of income, NVQ level 2 students start with £1200 per month without over time. Generally, the salary depends on the company, your performance and NVQ Level Qualification. There were lots of changes that happened to me and still happening. I have managed to help my family and relatives. I helped my parents in their house improvement efforts. I am currently amortizing a condo unit and I have so many projects in line to improve the financial status of my family and the needy as well.

To my fellow SASN graduate students and to those who will be graduating soon, you are already equipped so don’t be scared because you can. With your knowledge and skills plus prayers you will likely be in a worthy situation. And to those who plan to come here in UK, just email me at eyesberg1@yahoo.com. God Bless you all and more power to St. Augustine School of Nursing. I will always be here to help.