Nursing
Mitzi Garcia From the Philippines to Southampton
Mitzi Garcia's transformative two-decade journey at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) stands as a testament to resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Her story is not just a personal narrative but a reflection of the opportunities for career advancement and personal growth that UHS offers to its employees. As we delve into Mitzi's remarkable journey, we uncover a narrative of triumph over challenges, mentorship, career progression, and a commitment to both personal and professional development.
The Beginning: A Leap of Faith
Mitzi's journey began with a courageous decision—to move from the Philippines to Southampton in pursuit of her nursing career. Mitzi was one of the first Filipino nursing cohorts to come over to UHS back in 2000. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, she shares, "UHS, with its location and accessibility, felt like a bigger hospital with a lot of opportunities. The feedback I received from the panels before the interview was very good, and they made us feel welcome. That's what really stuck with me."
Transitioning to a new country brought its unique set of challenges, particularly the language barrier and the need for additional skills training. “Coming from a smaller hospital in the Philippines, I initially worried about my experience. However, UHS operates on fairness and parity principles. I felt included, offered the same clinical placement, and received training that expanded my expertise." Recalls Mitzi.
Mitzi's determination, adherence to codes of conduct, and unwavering support from mentors and clinical facilitators helped her navigate the initial hurdles, setting the stage for a successful career at UHS.
Early Years at UHS: Building the Foundation
Mitzi's early years as a nurse at UHS were marked by openness and honesty. Recalling those days, she shares, "Language was a barrier, but being honest with the team about what I was comfortable with and willing to try, with feedback for improvement, helped me become a better and safer practitioner."
Colleagues like Janet Hicks and Juser Jimena played a pivotal role in shaping Mitzi's career during these formative years, laying the foundation, enhancing Mitzi’s self-confidence to achieve more. "Janet encouraged me, pushed me to my limits, and played a key role in my decision to move to the general hospital," she acknowledges. The foundation laid during these years in the day surgery unit at the Royal South Hants proved crucial for Mitzi's subsequent development.
Climbing the Ranks: A Journey of Excellence
Mitzi's career progression within UHS exemplifies the ethos of continuous development. "If you're keen to progress and develop, you don't have to wait for opportunities; you need to seek them personally," she notes. From starting as a band 3 overseas nurse to becoming a matron, Mitzi's journey was marked by intentional upskilling and a proactive approach to seeking opportunities.
Drawing inspiration from colleagues such as Sarah Herbert (UHS’ Deputy CNO now) spurred Mitzi on to pursue a Matron role within the Trust. An intriguing revelation emerges as Mitzi shares, "I didn't realize I was being groomed for the role by my matron, Wendy Morgan, who believed in my capabilities. She sued to say you can do it. Why don't you try doing this? That really paved the way for my journey to Matron.”
Mitzi also reflects on why she’s been at UHS for over 20 years “The reason I stayed here apart from the opportunities is the work life balance. UHS feels like a second family, and the values align with my own, focusing on putting patients first and developing the team to provide safe and effective care."
Mitzi's ascent within UHS has been characterised by more than just personal success. She actively identified and encouraged fellow Filipino and international nurses to apply for more senior roles, fostering an environment where more colleagues could progress in their careers. "Seeing more Filipino nurses in senior positions uplifted the standards and encouraged others," Mitzi affirms.
Embracing Opportunities: Professional Development
Mitzi's commitment to professional development is evident through her pursuit of a master's in leadership and management, engagement in the Florence Nightingale Foundation training, and active involvement in establishing leadership opportunities for theatre staff. She emphasises, "There are numerous avenues for development, both within the trust and externally."
This commitment to ongoing education and growth not only speaks to Mitzi's dedication but also aligns with UHS's ethos of nurturing talent and providing pathways for career growth.
Mitzi's Impact: Leading by Example
A cornerstone of Mitzi's leadership style is visibility. "The only way you could make a difference or have an impact is by experiencing first-hand what your team is going through. It fosters a sense of unity," she emphasises. Mitzi's impact extends beyond the hospital, as she has mentored individuals who have risen to become matrons and contributed to the increased diversity in senior roles.
Mitzi's dedication to patient well-being and her positive influence on her team is evident in initiatives like leading the limb reconstruction service during UHS's transition to a major trauma centre. This not only put Southampton on the map as a centre for training but also attracted practitioners and surgeons, showcasing Mitzi's leadership on a national and international scale.
Mitzi Garcia's journey at University Hospital Southampton is not just a story; it is a beacon of inspiration for colleagues and aspiring healthcare professionals. It celebrates achievements but, more importantly, highlights the organizational culture at UHS that fosters growth, diversity, and excellence.
As UHS continues to uphold its values of inclusivity, support, and excellence, Mitzi's journey becomes a living testament to these principles. Her future aspirations, coupled with ongoing education and training, signal a trajectory of continued success. Mitzi's story echoes through UHS, encouraging colleagues and aspiring healthcare professionals to embrace their journeys with resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.
