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Congratulations to Research Nurse, Pearl Fredric Cruz, who recently received the Rising Star of the Year Award at the British Indian Nurses Association (BINA) Awards.

The prestigious award recognises Pearl’s dedication and significant contributions to advancing nursing practice and advocacy on both a local and global scale.

Pearl’s nursing career spans two decades, starting as a critical care nurse in India before moving into leadership roles in healthcare quality.

Driven by a curiosity to understand why many Indian nurses seek opportunities abroad, she made the bold decision to relocate to the UK in July 2023.

Pearl embraced the challenge of adjusting to a new healthcare system and began her UHB career as a Band 5 nurse in the haematology department at QEHB.

She quickly adapted to her new environment, seizing every learning opportunity, and within a few months, successfully applied for a Band 6 position in haematology research.

Her passion for continuous learning and improving patient care has also led her to actively participate in the Quality Improvement (QI) network for newly qualified nurses, contributing ideas and engaging in projects designed to enhance healthcare delivery.

Since arriving in the UK, Pearl has also had the opportunity to pursue her long-term goal of ‘making nursing visible’ and advocating for the profession in her home country of India.

On International Nurses Day in May 2024, Pearl launched The Pearl Cruz Show, a video podcast where she interviews nurses who are transforming perceptions and sharing best practices to inspire and empower others.

In just six months, the show had reached over 10,000 views across multiple platforms, sparked global engagement from nurse leaders, influenced healthcare conversations, and contributed to a growing professional network.

Pearl said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award. As the famous saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ While I know I still have miles to go to reach my ultimate goal in this country, I am grateful that the first step I took just over a year ago has led to incredible experiences and a deep sense of fulfilment.”