Meet Zun, an international nurse bringing compassionate care to Rowcroft’s community
Zun Kay Khaing is one of Rowcroft’s remarkable international nurses. Having relocated from Singapore to South Devon’s shores, Zun brings her warmth and nursing experience to the hospice. In this blog, Zun shares her journey – from navigating exams and adapting to the English weather to becoming part of the Rowcroft team and finding comfort in her new seaside home.
New beginnings
“I went into nursing in Singapore following my university studies,” says Zun. “Over the past ten years, I’ve cared for patients with chronic illnesses, dementia, and I’ve worked in palliative care. I’m particularly drawn to palliative care because it allows me to see my patients daily and get to know them. I enjoy building a strong rapport with my patients.
“I had been considering a move to Europe when I saw that Rowcroft were hiring. It seemed like a fantastic opportunity. When I learned that Rowcroft is based in Devon, I was impressed by the environment and views at the hospice, and Devon itself seemed like a lovely place to live, so I decided to apply for a nursing position. Following my second interview, I was happy to receive a job offer, which I gladly accepted. Then, I started preparing for my move to Devon!”
A part of the Rowcroft team
“I’ve really enjoyed working at Rowcroft. The staff here are lovely, and I enjoy providing care to our patients. The mentality for patient care at Rowcroft is incredibly compassionate. I’ve noticed that person-centred care is a priority at Rowcroft, which is wonderful because, in my experience, this approach can sometimes become difficult or overlooked when there are many patients to care for. The holistic care at Rowcroft is fantastic as well; it’s not just about caring for the patients but their families too. I’m loving being a part of the Rowcroft team.”
Zun’s exam triumphs
“There were lots of exams I needed to take before starting my role. I’m happy to say I’ve completed and passed them all! First, I took an occupational English test. Then, I took an exam on the theory of nursing in the UK. Even though I’m a registered nurse in my home country, there are differences in nursing practices that I needed to learn. My final exam was the OSCE, a practical nursing exam. This is a difficult exam, but I’m proud to say that I passed on my first try!”
Weathering the change
“I have experienced a few challenges living in England. The first is the weather. It’s been difficult to adjust since summers in my hometown are much hotter! However, I’ve heard that South Devon is warmer than the north, so I’m glad to be in a sunnier part of England. Hopefully, I’ll get used to it soon! Another difficulty has been the language. Sometimes, I find it hard to understand the different accents and phrases here.”
Calm by the coast
“I’ve found Devon to be a lovely place to live. On my days off, I’ve been exploring more of the UK, but I truly enjoy the calm in Devon. While many cities feel crowded and busy, Torbay is much quieter and more peaceful. I especially love living by the sea; it’s lovely to walk down to the beach any time. My hometown is also by the seaside, so it feels familiar and comforting. The environment at Rowcroft is wonderful too. The gardens are beautiful, and I’ve enjoyed walking through them with our patients.”