Dennis Algabre

Nursing Auxiliary, Belfast City Hospital

It was good to meet people from other hospitals and hear about their experiences

I’m originally from the Philippines and have been working in the Medical Ward in Belfast City Hospital for the past year and a half. I received a letter about the UNISON Weekend Residential for A&B Grade Nurses and decided to apply because I wanted to get more information about Agenda for Change in particular.

I wasn’t sure what to expect and when I arrived I felt a bit isolated because I didn’t know anyone at first. But I was quickly invited to join some other people who arrived and then I met someone who also worked in Belfast City Hospital. The topics that were covered were interesting, particularly the changing role of nursing auxiliaries. We had discussions in small groups which were enjoyable and it was good to meet people from other hospitals and hear about their experiences.

I was conscious about the language barrier, that I sometimes can’t express exactly what I want to say and I was a bit shy, but everyone was very friendly. The fact that it was an overnight event meant that everyone had time to get to know each other over a drink.

I am interested in doing other courses with UNISON, finding out more about my role as a nursing auxiliary and also computers.