At Avocet Court Care Home, Nurse Nicholas Mensah has discovered a new world of opportunity and connection that he hadn’t expected when he first arrived in the UK.
Originally from Ghana, where he trained and worked as a nurse in hospitals and infectious disease centres, Nicholas has embraced life at Avocet Court in Ipswich with passion, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to those he cares for.
Nicholas’s nursing journey began in Ghana, where he trained as a nurse and worked in challenging healthcare environments. His early career included stints in tuberculosis and rabies centres, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he became a member of Ghana’s National Infection Team. From testing individuals arriving at airports to working in critical care and isolation units, he saw firsthand the impact of infectious diseases and provided essential care to those in need. When the pandemic began to ease, Nicholas set his sights on furthering his career internationally, eventually leading him to the UK.
In Ghana, care homes are rare, as families typically care for elderly loved ones at home or with the help of live-in carers. So, when Nicholas began working in a care home, it was a new experience.
Originally starting as a Care Associate in Ipswich, he worked diligently to gain his UK nursing PIN, envisioning a possible path within the NHS. But as time passed, Nicholas found himself drawn to the close-knit and fulfilling environment at Avocet Court.
The sense of community and family at Avocet Court quickly won Nicholas’s heart. “It’s a real family feel,” he shared. “The residents become an extension of your family, and you get to know them and their stories deeply.” This level of personal connection, he realised, was something he might not find in the hospital settings he was accustomed to.
Nicholas highlights how supportive the team at Avocet Court has been, both professionally and personally. The care home encourages growth and development, providing plenty of learning opportunities. Nicholas has had the chance to broaden his skills in areas like end-of-life care, diabetes management, and tissue viability, and he’s now considering specialising in one of these fields. “There’s a stable team here, and I feel valued—by my colleagues, by the management, and by the residents and their families,” he said.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Avocet Court, Nicholas explains, is that he is able to truly engage with the residents not just see them come as go as you might with a patient in a hospital setting.
“You can be a real help and support to them and their families,” he reflected. This is particularly meaningful in end-of-life care, an area where Nicholas feels he can offer comfort and compassion during difficult times. The relationships he builds with residents and their loved ones make a lasting impact and offer him a sense of fulfilment he finds rewarding.
This person-centred approach to healthcare has reshaped Nicholas’s perspective on nursing. He’s come to appreciate the stability and sense of belonging that comes with being part of a care home community—a contrast to the often high-pressured and impersonal settings of a hospital ward.
Outside of work, Nicholas has embraced life in the UK, particularly the natural beauty of Suffolk’s coast and countryside. He enjoys exploring his surroundings and plans to visit Manchester, home of his favourite football team, Manchester United.
Adjusting to life in a new country hasn’t been without challenges, but Nicholas has found support and friendship through his colleagues, now sharing a house with another nurse from Avocet Court.
As the festive season approaches, Nicholas is looking forward to celebrating Christmas with his Avocet family. “Christmas is different here,” he laughed. “Back home, it’s very much a religious celebration, but here, everyone gets involved in their own way.” One new tradition he’s embraced is wearing a Christmas jumper, something he’d never experienced before coming to the UK. “Now I’m excited to go out and get one for Christmas Jumper Day!”
Reflecting on his journey so far, Nicholas is grateful for the path that led him to Avocet Court. The welcoming environment, the focus on learning and development, and the opportunity to make a real difference in residents’ lives have all contributed to his love for working in a care home.
For Nicholas, Avocet Court has become more than a place to work—it’s a community where he feels valued and supported every day. His story shows the unique rewards and meaningful connections that a career in care home nursing can offer.
