Testimonials

May Wah Bonnie Cheng, Charge Nurse, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, C4 – Cardiac ICU and transplant unit

"I am from Hong Kong, but went to train as a RN in England in the late 80s.  In 2007 I learnt of possible nursing vacancies in the UAE from an HCL International advert in the RCN journal.  I sent in my CV immediately to apply for a post in Abu Dhabi.  Shortly, I received some forms that I needed to fill regarding my present nursing position and experiences. I received a phone call very soon after I had sent in the forms.  They invited me to attend an interview held in a hotel at Victoria, London in late September.  The HCL International representatives received me warmly in the morning before the interview.  They provided me with information of the hospital and the team that I was going to interview with.  This had helped me to calm my nerves prior to meeting the team.

I was offered a charge nurse post in the cardiac ICU at the end of the interview.  The HCL International representatives negotiated on my behalf in order to secure a better employment package.  In November, I accepted the employment officially in writing.   I eventually got hold of an entry visa from the UAE immigration authority in mid-April. 

I was given nearly two weeks hospital as well as nursing orientation.  During the nursing orientation, I was shown some mandatory training such as basic life support, drugs infusion pumps. I was then required to pass the test/exam on basic life support and drugs calculation in order to complete the orientation. I also received two weeks clinical orientation.  I was assigned to a preceptor of whom I worked with for those two weeks.  She was really nice and helpful in getting me to understand the routines.  During the last 3 months, I have been working on completing my level 1 and 2 competency.  I have also attended seminars and study days, using both my days off as well as assigned in-service training days.

Although I have gained good clinical and managerial knowledge and experiences from working with the NHS for the last 20 years, I am learning from my colleagues and patients everyday.  Not only that, I am nursing patients with cardiac diseases and patients after kidney or liver transplants.  These areas are completely new to me, and I want to learn more.  The hospital is very supportive in developing staff.  I have also been asked to work in paediatric ICU that is also new to me, even though I worked in a neonatal and paediatric cardiac ICU before I went to England.  Therefore, clinically I have opportunities to learn about other specialties.

Communication with patients in order to optimize nursing care is a daily challenge.  In the last 3 months, I have learnt to speak basic greetings in Arabic, and some useful words that would help me to nurse.  I want to overcome this challenge by learning to speak Arabic fluently one day soon, so that I can take care of patients in a more personal and effective level without relying on a interpreter. "

Abu Dhabi is a lively and interesting city to live.  There is a lot to do and see.  Food, shopping, social life and weather are all amazing.  Thank you to the HCL-international team for making my “wanderlust” and “exploration” possible in this part of the world.  The team has been very communicative and efficient during my application process.  They were also very understanding, sympathetic and helpful when I was anxiously waiting for news from the hospital."

Patricia Ann Dobie from Lancashire, Charge nurse, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City

"After a 22 year Nursing career  in the NHS and at an incredibly youthful 44 years old I wanted continued security and yet I also wanted a change. I suppose I wanted the best of both worlds. So out of curiosity I put nursing in the UAE into Google, and several Nursing agencies popped up. I made my choice, (HCL International), submitted  my CV and was contacted by  a recruitment specialist . After a long discussion  I felt this person had real experience of this process and was not just reading off a card. So 3 weeks later I had a successful interview in Manchester, followed by an opportunity to talk to Hospital staff and the head of HR. I was given  a job offer and my “package “was clearly outlined including a married contract which ensured a residency visa for my husband .

In my case it took 5 months from job offer to “mobilization” .Now I am here I understand why and  how this process can be influenced by listening to my recruitment consultant and producing or returning documentation promptly .

When I  arrived in Abu Dhabi I was met at the Airport by an HCL International representative and escorted to my Accommodation - a one bed roomed apartment,  less than 1 minute  from the beach .This tower stands within a group of 3, exclusively for hospital staff and their families.  The furniture was very basic but we soon took advantage of the furniture allowance and it is now a very comfortable home. I am now charge nurse in a specialist out patient clinic within a main hospital.  I have all the familiarity of working within my specialist area of practice yet all the new and exciting experiences that accompanies living and working in a beautiful Emirate with exceptional people. I was very fortunate to have chosen HCL. I have been fully supported during  this process and indeed  afterwards with check up phone calls and emails which were incredibly reassuring when you are adjusting to a living in a in a new country. With the help of HCL I think I have found the best of both worlds."

Dr Saleel Latheef, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City

"At the beginning of December 2007, I had just finished my MRCS exam, and the urge to move to the Middle East took over. Regular searches of BMJ Careers yielded no luck, until one day I looked into the Middle East jobs section and found an ad for an ER job in Abu Dhabi. I immediately contacted Jirina at HCL, whose prompt reply set the ball rolling for my move. Having lived in the UK for the last 7 years and having a small family, I was looking forward to moving back to the Middle East. I was very keen on bringing the kids up in Dubai or somewhere nearby. Over the next couple of months, my CV was sent to various hospitals around the area. The best option turned out to be the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Contacts with HR in SKMC followed and on the 18th of February 2008 I had an interview over the telephone. On the 25th I was offered the job of House Doctor in ER. Due to the requirement of 3 months notice before resigning my post in the UK, I handed in my resignation the very next day. A lot of paper work followed and the job offer was finalised in April. Despite Visa restrictions and delays in getting Police clearance in Abu Dhabi, I am due to start work in July 2008. Throughout these 6-7 months, Jirina has kept in constant touch via Email or phone, enquiring about any problems and has been extremely supportive. Even while she was away on annual leave I was never left without a contact, which Catherine took over in Jirina's absence.
The service I have received with HCL has been outstanding and left no queries unanswered."

Rinu J, orginially from India and currently working in Abu Dhabi on a 60 bed medical ICU Unit. Going to Detroit, USA as an ICU nurse

There are no words to describe HCL International. Really amazing. People are very supportive and encouraging, especially to those who are weak. Very approachable and always keeping personal relationships between the clients. They are always very quick in implementing paper work and documentation for immigration. Thank you, Rinu.

J.Thomas, placed in California, USA

I wanted to write and thank you so much for being so supportive to me and my husband over the last few months.
I am overjoyed that not only have you found me a job near my sister in California, I am now pleased to tell you that I have passed my NCLEX and received the letter today!

Please thank Elaine and the team for pushing me so hard!! ( I know at time's I was a bit grumpy - but without the mentorship and push from them - I am not sure the outcome would be so good today!). I cant wait to see you out here next week (Dubai) as I know you need my NCLEX certificate for my file.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!
J. Thomas and family

Jenny B, ER nurse, originally from London working in A&E, placed in Texas, USA, ER Dept.

I can't believe it - I am so happy !  I called my husband as soon as I left you and he was thrilled I got the job! Thank you so much for meeting me from the station today (and the hugs!) I will send you my new babies passport details as soon as I receive it. Donna - can you believe it - New baby - new job - new LIFE IN TEXAS!!!!!!

Thanks to the team too!

USA candidate, Bisi currently based in Dubai but has been offered a position for a North Carolina Hospital

Hi Miss Rebecca, I don't know how to thank you. You have really lifted my spirits because if it wasn't for you and HCL, my dreams wouldn't have come to true. I want to assure you that I will not disappoint you in my Nclex Examination.I feel so honoured and I owe you many more thanks.