From CMC Vellore to Manchester, UK:A Journey of Faith, Compassion and Purpose
I often reflect on a young nurse standing in the busy Accident and Emergency Department of Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India, wondering what the future would hold. Those early days shaped me forever. I still remember walking through crowded corridors, hearing ambulance sirens, caring for patients with life-changing injuries, and witnessing both joy and heartbreak in the same shift. As a young nurse, I learned that nursing was not simply about clinical skills. It was about compassion, kindness and being present when people needed you most.
Little did I know that God was preparing me for a journey far beyond anything I could imagine. In 2002, I left India and moved to Manchester, United Kingdom. Leaving family, friends and everything familiar was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I arrived with a suitcase, faith, and the hope of building a new future.
Like many internationally educated nurses, there were moments of self-doubt. A new country, a different healthcare system, unfamiliar accents and cultural differences all presented challenges. Yet every challenge became an opportunity to grow. I began my NHS journey as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. The pace felt familiar, reminding me of my days in Vellore. Over time, I progressed to Sister in the Surgical Assessment Unit, then became a Nurse Practitioner in the Out of Hours Service.
Each role taught me valuable lessons about leadership, resilience and serving others. My career continued to develop as I became a Matron in the Out of Hours Team, later moving to Medicine as a Matron, and now serving as Lead Nurse for Enhanced Therapeutic Observation and Care (ETOC) across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
However, the titles are not what matter most to me. What matters are the people I have met along the way. The patient who thanked me during a difficult time. The newly qualified nurse who gained confidence and flourished. The colleague who needed encouragement. The families who trusted us with the care of their loved ones.
Compassion and inclusivity have always been at the heart of everything I do. I believe every person deserves to feel heard, valued and respected, regardless of their background, culture, faith or circumstances. My greatest source of strength has been my faith in God.There were times when the path ahead was unclear, but I have learned a simple truth: God never leaves us alone. He never places us in a situation where we cannot thrive. Sometimes He stretches us beyond our comfort zone because He sees potential that we cannot yet see in ourselves.
To every nurse reading this across the world: believe in yourself. Your current circumstances do not define your future. Keep learning, keep caring and keep trusting God's plan. A young nurse in the Emergency Department of CMC Vellore could never have imagined leading a Trust-wide programme in one of the UK's largest NHS organisations. Yet here I am, grateful for every step of the journey.
My story is proof that when faith, hard work and compassion come together, ordinary nurses can create extraordinary stories that inspire others to dream bigger, serve better and never give up.
Brighty Jayson Moses,
Lead Nurse, ETOH Manchester Foundation Trust
