By Jerome Babate
For John Alex Maramba Melencio, nursing has never just been a profession — it is a calling, a journey of perseverance and a testament to the power of unwavering commitment. At just 31 years old, he achieved a milestone that many only dream of — becoming a senior clinical site manager at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, one of the world’s most prestigious teaching hospitals.
Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “I never imagined rising to this position so soon, especially as a Filipino nurse in the UK. But I’ve always believed that hard work, continuous learning, and faith can open doors.”
A strong foundation in the Philippines
John Alex’s career began in the Philippines, where he built a solid foundation in patient care. He gained valuable experience at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City, first as a maternal and child nurse and later as an emergency care nurse. His natural leadership abilities soon led him to managerial roles in the Emergency Department at Marikina Doctors Hospital and Medical Center.
However, he sought greater challenges, and in 2016, he moved to the United Kingdom, starting as a band 5 staff nurse, an entry level role in the health service.
Dedication to learning
Many nurses from the global majority typically take years to reach a band 8 or a senior leadership role. But through sheer determination, John Alex defied expectations, rising through the ranks in just a few years.
“There were doubts — people wondered if I was moving too fast,” he admits. “But I knew that if I put in the effort, pursued the right education, and proved my capabilities, I could achieve more.”
John Alex’s credentials speak volumes about his dedication to lifelong learning. He holds active nursing licenses in the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His impressive academic portfolio includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiorespiratory Nursing from Buckinghamshire New University, a Nurse Executive Board Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and recognition as a Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (USA).
In addition, he holds a Master of Arts in Nursing from the University of the Philippines, where he specialised in Maternal and Child Health and graduated magna cum laude from Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. Currently, he is pursuing two additional master’s degrees — one in International Health at the University of the Philippines – Open University, and another in science at Buckinghamshire New University.
Leading a prestigious hospital
As senior clinical site manager, John Alex is the most senior person on duty out of hours, overseeing the entire hospital’s operations during evenings, nights, and weekends. He manages patient flow, emergency responses, and bed capacity, making critical decisions that affect both clinical and operational aspects of the hospital. Even junior doctors often turn to him for guidance.
“In the Philippines, doctors traditionally hold the highest ranks, and nurses rarely get decision-making roles at this level,” he notes. “But here, I have the authority to make hospital-wide decisions. This is proof that Filipino nurses can be recognised as leaders in world-class institutions.”
Challenging the status quo
John Alex hopes his success inspires other Filipino nurses to aim for leadership roles. “We need to break the mindset that nurses are only meant to follow doctors’ orders. We are highly skilled professionals capable of leading, managing, and innovating.”
His leadership is deeply influenced by Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, which emphasises holistic, compassionate care. “True nursing is giving oneself wholeheartedly,” he says. “It’s not just about treating illness — it’s about making sure patients feel cared for in every way.”
A beacon of inspiration
Outside of work, John Alex enjoys traveling, watching movies and anime, reading, and cooking Filipino dishes. He believes a well-rounded life enhances his ability to connect with both patients and colleagues.
One of his guiding principles is simple yet profound:
“Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”
From Band 5 staff nurse to band 8 senior clinical site manager, John Alex’s rapid rise challenges systemic barriers and sets a new standard for Filipino nurses worldwide. His story is a powerful reminder that with education, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, Filipino nurses can take on senior leadership roles in globally renowned healthcare institutions.
“If there’s one thing I want others to take from my journey, it’s that we are capable of so much more than we think. Don’t be afraid to dream big.”
About the author
Jerome Babate, RN, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network based in Sydney, Australia.
