28/05/2021
Ā£ to Php
Azimo – 67.26
WU – 67.68
Remitly – 66.82
Wise – 67.84
World remit – 67.68
Kabayan – 67.75
UK
Building a score.
Trying out Vanquis since this is the only one I got pre-approved among the others.
Check out my Vanquis Card referral link and we could both earn Ā£25 once you apply and spend on your new card (Terms and conditions apply).
Better days to come
I know I always say to myself that Iām used to being told off because of what I have experienced as a kid and as a nurse back in my country, but, there are some events that I couldnāt get out of my head. Just like what happened today.
If my manager hadnāt e-mailed a ālearning curveā reminding staff of what one miss could do and affect a domino of misses, the scenario which happened in my shift would not have crossed my mind.
What I have gone through (in my head) today proves that having a decade of experience means that I should not be overconfident on being dependant on my clinical eye and assessment. I mean sure, itās a bonus given the years I spent working in a hospital, however; I should keep in mind that Iām not practicing in my own country anymore.
These are one of those moments where Iāll categorise as – learning it the hard way. Ouch š£
Good thing about my managers is that they make a point on the āno blameā emphasis when they sent out the reminders.
I, on the other hand, as a person of conscience, replied and apologise for the mistakes Iāve done. They replied back emphasizing the content of the e-mail which was āworking as a teamā which somehow lifted some of my spirit (back in the country, my bosses would mostly blame and point people who made errors – which is not healthy and totally opposite of what is here). My mind immediately highlighted the words āthere were other team members who could have helped with things that were missedā – as the one handling the bay, I should be the one accountable but my managers thought so otherwise.
I am a bit down now but I know that better days are coming.
Always be thankful for the days to come.
Registering to a local GP and using the NHS app
Hi UKRNs, OFWs and fellow readers,
Its another wonderful spring day. šš¬š§š·
REGISTERING with a GP
One of the most important things when coming to the UK is to register yourselves with your local GP (doctor).
As you all know, getting treatment and prescriptions in the UK is different from what we were used to back in our countries. In the Philippines, those of us who have worked in medical institutions found it easy to have apppointments since we can just tap or message our doctor colleagues to gain treatment advises and prescriptions. Phone calls and reservations are also options if you want advises from specialists/ consultants which are done in their clinics.
Since I lived in a province which is situated in the far southwest of the Philippines (Maguindanao), we have limited medical resources including specialists doctors and consultants unlike that of Metro Manila. Though we have Davao City which is a 4-6hr drive, there are only a number of residents who could afford travel and lodging.
In contrast, here in the UK, they have strict rules wherein people should register with their local GP. Local for the reason that there are only certain areas in your cities which GPs can cover. Fret not though because most of them are very accessible in terms of parking and commute.
Click the links below to get to the gov.uk website or read the leaflet for further instructions or questions.
šš¼How to Register with a GP šš¼ (gov.uk site)
šš¼How to Register with a GP leafletšš¼
Using the NHS app
To register with the app, you must have your NHS number and IDs ready. If you have no NHS number, there is an option in the app which you just have to click.
In my case, I already registered with my local GP before registering with the app. I provided proper identification and after finishing up the application, my NHS number flashed on the main page.
The app contains various functions such as:
- Seeking advice from GP – can be thru e-mails and phone calls
- GP surgery appointments, services such as getting sick notes, letters, inquiring about recent tests and hospital and referral appointments
- Ordering repeat prescriptions and nominating a pharmacy – usually the GP will call you regarding the medicine they prescribed, ask you some questions regarding assessment and medicine effects
- Accessing your health record (the best feature for me)
Going digital in these times really is convenient. Imagine the time and money you can save just by going through your phone.
KUDOS to first world perks!
KUDOS to the NHS! ššš
Philippine Embasy Services, OFW Guidelines and OWWA Registration check
So, I came across this page in facebook and site on the web.
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY
As you all know, the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in London provides frontline services to a lot of Filipino citizens working in the UK and Ireland. The services they offer as stated in the site are as follows:
1) Legislation of documents (Notarials, Affidavit, NBI fingerprinting, etc)
2) Civil registry (reports of birth, marriage and death)
3) Re-acquisition/ retention of Philippine Citizenship
4) Assistance to nationals
5) VISA
6) Overseas voter registration (For appointments to register as an OFW voter, contact londonpe.consular@dfa.gov.ph)
7) Consular outreach mission
As of the moment, they remain closed due to the extended national lockdown and stay at home restrictions. Appointments booked and scheduled are sadly cancelled until further notice.
Advisories are also listed in the site for those who are having difficulties such as:
a) death or detention of Philippine citizens
b) extension of passport validity (still subjected to thorough evaluation process)
Payments on the other hand are only accepted through modes of contactless or post.
GUIDELINES for OFWS
While also browsing the site, I came across this guideline.
Number 1 is not applicable to me since I was employed through an agency in the Philippines but for those who came here as a dependent to their partners or transferred from another country, you can check it out.
Number 2, nevertheless, got my attention for the reason of securing an OEC from POLO prior to going home. (Really donāt know much about this guideline but Iāll try to research more on this – if you guys have information on this please comment and clarify)
OWWA MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
After reading the guidelines above, I browsed to check for OWWA Registration.
Though I already knew that having an OEC (if coming from the PH) automatically makes us members of OWWA, I still tried and inquired the e-mail provided.
*You can google and download the OFW Information sheet here (http://philcongen-toronto.com/consular/docs/ofwinformationsheet.pdf)
After a few days, Iāve got this e-mail from them.
If you guys have any additional info, feel free to contact and message me. I would be glad to credit you and edit details Iāve put up on this blog.
Cheers!
Bit by bit…
So, Iāve decided to change the content of this blog. Instead of doing posts on seminars and trainings in the Philippines, I will be having contents which will help aspiring and current OFW nurses here in UK.
These will be random things which some Filipinos might find useful.
Just the other day, my cohort asked me if I have registered myself on NMC online – which I havenāt. He then told me of his girlfriendās situation which was she hasnāt paid the annual registration fee for the NMC – which then resulted to an unrenewed registration.
** Take note that an unrenewed registration means one cannot practice oneās profession.
Long story short, he said her matron temporarily put her back on a Band 4 status – meaning she is back to limited responsibilities as the professional body need an active PIN and registration when practicing nursing in England.
REGISTRATION and LOGGING IN
To register and log in, just go to https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/nmc-online/
Application will be a breeze if you enter the e-mail address you used during the Overseas Applicant Registration (http://www.ireg.nmc-uk.org)
Once your done, complete and finalize your details. In my case, I opted for the convenient direct debit so that I couldnāt forget to pay on time.
For a more detailed guide on registering for NMC Online. Use this PDF guide from NMC Online (https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/registration/nmc-online-user-guide.pdf)
Next time Iāll try writing and posting experiences and useful topics which Filipino OFWs might find useful here.
Cheers!
-robertjt
thenursedad 