NEW HORIZONS
Innovative Support and Development Program for International Healthcare Professionals
Beyond Retention
Despite almost half of nurses and midwives being trained outside the UK (NMC data report, 2021-22), there has been limited attention to supporting long term retention of internationally recruited healthcare professionals (International Journal of Nursing Studies, 2022).
Experiencing a sense of isolation, alienation, or feeling left out, is not uncommon in the first months upon arrival in the UK. In addition to possible language barriers, the cultural differences between colleagues and added challenge of settling into a new working environment can impact a person's wellbeing and sense of belonging.
New Horizons
This support and development program for newly recruited international healthcare professionals offers:
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new thinking
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supportive practices
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within a peer network
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direct involvement from line managers
Through experiential learning, participants will be supported to settle into their new roles and new organisations, with opportunities to share, be heard, celebrated, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
With direct involvement from their line managers, as well as other colleagues with an international background, participants will be recognised for the value they bring and supported in their personal and professional growth in the context of cultural integration.
It has been a great source of inspiration and encouragement
New Horizons Program Participant, January 2025
Participants’ self-assessed abilities and practices, across 10 main dimensions:
resilience
understanding how to better support my personal resilience: 100% participants improved or significantly improved their resilience, particularly relevant for succeeding in a new role, in a new country
inclusivity
my ability to better manage inclusivity and cultural difference: 100% of participants improved or significantly improved their sense of inclusivity, a key outcome for the program
relationships
my ability to develop positive relationships: 100% of participants improved or significantly improved their ability to develop positive relationships, highly beneficial for themselves and everyone around them
communication
my ability to communicate effectively work-related issues with colleagues: 100% of participants improved or significantly improved their communications skills at work, essential for a successful integration
completion
100% completion rate
attendance
91% adjusted attendance (76% actual with 15% apologies)
engagement
100% of participants 'would recommend the program to my colleagues'
statistics collected from a New Horizons program cohort finishing January 2025
It helped increase my confidence. It allowed me to increase my support system, by giving me an outlet to discuss and share my thoughts, experiences and feelings
New Horizons Program Participant, January 2025
