Meet Aji, co-founder of our Globally Trained Nurses Forum, which supports and aims to empower internationally educated nurses in our hospitals.
Originally Aji trained as a nurse and midwife in Kerala, India and joined us in 2020. She now works as a Bereavement Specialist Nurse as well as being a BME Champion Lead.
We spoke to Aji about her journey from India to Leeds, the value globally trained nurses bring to healthcare teams:
1. Where did you originally train, and how does working as a nurse in Leeds differ from your previous experience?
I trained as a registered nurse and midwife in Kerala, India, and gained experience in both bedside nursing and nurse education, later working as an Associate Professor teaching and mentoring nursing students for over nine years. Moving to Leeds Hospitals in 2020 opened a completely new chapter in my career. I began as a staff nurse on the Neuro Stroke Unit, progressed to an education practitioner supporting internationally educated nurses to achieve their nursing and midwifery council registration through the Leeds Competence Centre, and now work as a bereavement specialist nurse.
Today, I have the privilege of supporting bereaved families, patients and colleagues through some of life’s most difficult moments, while also co-chairing the Globally Trained Nurses Forum. What I value most about the Trust is that it has encouraged me to grow beyond my clinical role, turning ideas into meaningful initiatives that support both patients and staff.
2. What do you feel are the positives of having diverse training experiences, and how do globally trained nurses add value and impact to healthcare teams?
My nursing education in India covered adult nursing, midwifery, child health and mental health, giving me a broad foundation from the start of my career. Combined with my experience in teaching and working in different healthcare settings, it has shaped the way I approach care, leadership and education.
Globally trained nurses bring more than clinical knowledge – we bring different perspectives, cultural understanding, resourcefulness and innovative ways of thinking. Our experiences help us connect with diverse communities, encourage fresh ideas and strengthen healthcare teams by learning from one another. Every internationally educated nurse brings a unique story, and together those experiences help make the NHS stronger.
3. What has been your proudest achievement since joining our Trust?
There have been many proud moments, but what means the most to me is creating initiatives that continue to support others. Helping establish the the Trust’s Staff Grief Cafés, developing the Managers’ Bereavement Toolkit to support bereaved staff, and providing bereavement listening and signposting for families have all been incredibly meaningful.
I am also proud to co-chair the Globally Trained Nurses Forum, helping internationally educated nurses feel welcomed, supported and empowered to develop their careers. It has been a privilege to see colleagues gain confidence and progress into new opportunities.
Being recognised with the Outstanding Shared Decision-Making Leader Award 2025 and now the Leadership in Practice Award 2026 has been an honour, but the greatest reward is knowing that my work has made a positive difference to people’s lives.
4. What does receiving this award mean to you?
Receiving the Leadership in Practice Award 2026 by Globally Trained Nurses Forum is incredibly special because it recognises a journey that began thousands of miles away in Kerala and has continued to grow at here at the Trust. It reminds me that leadership isn’t about position – it’s about creating opportunities, supporting others and making a lasting difference.
This award belongs not only to me but also to the colleagues, mentors and leaders who believed in me, encouraged and gave me opportunities to grow. I hope it inspires other internationally educated nurses to believe that their ideas, experiences and leadership can have a real impact.
5. Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey, including support received, learning experiences, culture, or advice for other globally trained nurses?
My journey has taught me that every experience has value. From teaching nursing students in India, to supporting internationally educated nurses, bereaved families and colleagues at the Trust, every step has helped shape the leader I am today.
I am grateful for the encouragement and opportunities I have received at Leeds, which has given me the confidence to develop new initiatives and contribute beyond my own role.
My advice to other internationally educated nurses is simple: Never underestimate what you bring with you. Your experiences, skills and ideas are valuable. Be curious, get involved, volunteer for opportunities and don’t be afraid to lead. Sometimes the biggest difference you make starts with one small idea and the courage to act on it.