Starting a Career in UK Care as an International Nurse

When Marlborough’s Deputy Manager Murnila made the decision to move from Malaysia to the UK, it wasn’t just a career move, it was a life changing step.

After over a decade working in fast paced hospital environments, and following the loss of her husband, she chose to start again in a completely new country. What she didn’t expect was how that decision would reshape not only her career, but her entire perspective on care.

Fast forward to today, and she has progressed from Care Assistant to Deputy Manager in just a few short years.

We sat down with her to hear more about her journey, what care really means to her, and why she believes it’s so much more than just a job.

Tell us a bit about your background, how did your career in care begin?

For me, nursing was always my only choice. From a young age, I was always the person who wanted to help others. If someone was hurt, I’d be the first to go and try to do something for them.

I trained as a nurse in Malaysia and worked in hospitals for over 10 years, mostly in emergency settings. I liked the fast pace and the environment, and I thought that was where I would always be.

Why did you decide to move to the UK?

After I lost my husband in 2020, I knew I needed to make a change. In Asian culture, family is everything. When something like that happens, there’s often a strong expectation that you stay close to home, surrounded by family, and that they will take care of you. But for me, it was important to show that I could stand on my own two feet.

My parents had always encouraged us to go abroad and explore opportunities beyond home, but those opportunities didn’t come until later.

I saw an opportunity through a family friend, just a forwarded message and I made the decision overnight. I told my parents, “I’m going for it.”

It was a big step, not just moving to a new country, but stepping into independence in a way that challenged those expectations. I wanted my parents to know that I could take care of myself, that I could build my own future.

How did you find the process of moving to the UK?

I had the interview at Anavo and got through, then I completed my English test back home. I came to the UK on a care visa while waiting for my NMC registration.

At the time, I didn’t realise I could have done the theory nursing test in my home country, so I completed it here instead. Although I passed my English test before arriving, it wasn’t sufficient for my NMC registration, so I retook the OET in the UK. After that, I completed the CBT, which is the theory exam for nursing.

Before sitting my OSCE, I chose to attend a five day private course in the UK to better understand the system, as I wanted to be fully prepared.

In the beginning, the process wasn’t very clear to me, but once I understood the steps, it became quite straightforward. Anavo supported me from the very beginning and made the transition of moving to the UK a lot easier.

What was it like transitioning from hospital care to a care home?

It completely changed my perspective. In hospitals, everything is focused on treatment. But in a care home, it’s about quality of life.

Working in this setting has shown me that nursing is not only about clinical skills and procedures. It’s also about compassion, dignity, and advocacy, making sure residents can live their later years with comfort, respect, and the best possible quality of life.

You’re not just giving medication; you’re advocating for residents. You’re working with families, understanding what matters most to that person, and making sure they are comfortable and happy.

That was something new for me, and something I’ve really come to value.

There are often misconceptions about working in care, what would you say to that?

A lot of people think working in a care home is easier than a hospital. It’s not. A nurse is a nurse. The responsibility is still there, sometimes even more.

In a care home, you are the one monitoring changes, making decisions, and communicating with doctors. You build relationships with residents and their families, and that makes it even more personal. It’s different, but it’s not easier.

You’ve progressed quickly at Anavo, what has that journey been like?

I feel very grateful. I started as a carer, then became a nurse within 10 months, and not long after, I was given the opportunity to step into a management role as Deputy Manager.

What stood out to me is that it didn’t matter that I was new to the country. I was given the opportunity based on my ability and my willingness to learn.

I’ve also had incredible support along the way. Having the right manager and team around you makes all the difference.

What do you love most about working in care now?

It’s the relationships. In a care home, you get to know people properly, their personalities, their stories, and what makes them happy.

You’re there to give them the best possible quality of life, especially in their later years. That’s something really meaningful. At the end of the day, when you go home knowing you’ve done your best for someone, that feeling is very special.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in care?

You need to have compassion. It’s not just a job where you come in, do tasks, and go home. It’s about spending time with people, understanding them, and putting yourself in their shoes, especially when caring for those living with dementia.

If you genuinely care, you will find it rewarding in a way that’s hard to describe.

At Anavo, we’re proud to support people to build meaningful careers, no matter where they start.

If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, feel supported, and make an impact every day, there’s a place for you here. Click here to learn about a career in care at Anavo.