The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) has a long history of recruiting nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals from abroad. With staff shortages and an ageing population putting pressure on the NHS, international recruitment continues to play an important role in meeting the healthcare needs across the UK.
For nurses considering relocating to the UK to work in the NHS, there are some key things to keep in mind. In this blog, we’ll take you through the necessary steps to follow before relocation.
Preparing For Registration and Licensing
While your home country qualifications may be sufficient, you’ll likely need to go through a registration and licensing process before you can officially begin practising in the UK. This means:
- Researching the requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) if you’re a nurse. Or the General Medical Council (GMC) if you’re a doctor.
- Preparing for and passing English language tests.
- Submitting an application with all necessary documentation authenticated.
- Schedule and complete any necessary competency, knowledge or skills assessments. Review areas that will be covered on these tests during your preparation.
- If there are gaps in training or practice requirements compared to UK standards, you may need to take bridging courses, rotations or exams before being fully licensed.
- Apply for temporary registration if possible so you can begin working while fulfilling any outstanding requirements. Look into supervised practice programs.
- Once all documentation and assessments are completed and approved, you’ll be granted full registration and licensed to practise in your healthcare profession. This process can take 6-12 months.
- Make sure to register with the appropriate regulatory body when you arrive in the UK. Familiarise yourself with their standards of practice and codes of ethics.
Staying organised, proactive and patient throughout the registration journey will help ensure you meet the NHS’ high standards for providing safe, quality patient care.
Have a question regarding the qualifications of your desired role? Feel free to Contact Us
Here are the current requirements for Nursing Professionals:
Qualifications & Experience
- Diploma in Nursing / Bsc in Nursing
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a recognised hospital
Language Requirements for candidates to come to the UK
- IELTS – Reading 7, Speaking 7, Listening 7, Writing 6.5
- OET – Reading B, Speaking B, Listening B, Writing C+
The salary range for Band 5 is £28,407- £34,581, commencing salary can be £20,150 pa. Until you have received your NMC Professional Registration after passing OSCE and till then you will be working as a Band 4 Clinical Support Worker.
Relocation Package
A few Trusts also offer relocation packages to support your relocation. The offered packages may look something like –
- 3 months accommodation (up to £500 p.m.)
- Air ticket (Up to £800)
- COS and Tier 2 application
- CBT and 1st attempt OSCE
- Medical Surcharge (per year of visa x3 years)
Wish to know about the vacancies for a specific role in your preferred region? Visit – Mylocum Healthcare Jobs UK
If you are NHS Healthcare Professional looking for a job opportunity you are in the right place.
Click to apply: International Nurses
Adapting to New Work Environments
While practising medicine and nursing have many universal elements, every healthcare system has its own unique workflows, protocols, and cultural norms. Moving to the NHS means being ready to:
- Pick up new technology, documentation, and e-health systems quickly.
- Ask questions and learn why best practices may differ from what you’re accustomed to.
- Get used to different norms around patient interactions and privacy regulations.
- Adapt to flatter organisational structures and less rigid hierarchies.
- Being open-minded and flexible will help you get up to speed in your new NHS role faster. Take advantage of all orientation and training opportunities.
Integrating Into Everyday Life
Relocating abroad for work involves much more than just your profession. Consider other steps such as:
- Researching the process and requirements for securing a visa/work permit for yourself and any family members.
- Figuring out practical matters like housing, banking, transportation, and insurance.
- Preparing for cultural adjustments to daily norms and etiquette.
- Finding a support system through colleagues, immigrant/expat groups, and your cultural community.
- Travelling back home when possible to reduce strain and isolation.
- Taking care of your overall well-being and transition needs will allow you to better focus on providing excellent patient care.
Rewarding Opportunities Await
While it takes dedication and preparation, relocating internationally to work for the NHS offers nurses and doctors invaluable opportunities to expand their skills, advance their careers, and experience life in another country. The NHS values the diversity international recruits bring. Follow the steps to properly prepare, and you’ll be equipped to make the most of this adventure abroad caring for patients in the UK.
If you have questions or need to understand the qualifying criteria to work as a NHS Healthcare Professional in the UK, Register with us today!
FAQs
1) What UK jobs are in demand?
The UK’s post-pandemic economic recovery along with labour shortages across many occupations has driven high demand for these key professions. Those with the right qualifications and training can find abundant job opportunities.
- Healthcare professionals
- Software Developers
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Cybersecurity
2) UK Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Several job roles are offered a visa sponsorship by their respective employers. However, talking about the UK healthcare industry,
Nurses – Nurses of all levels and specialisations are on the UK’s shortage occupation list. Healthcare providers and nursing homes sponsor international nurses for visas.
3) UK jobs without IELTS
Lacking IELTS can be a major obstacle to obtaining longer-term work authorization and employment in the UK. It’s recommended to take language courses and exams before applying for most UK jobs, even if not strictly required.
Here are some potential options for UK jobs without requiring IELTS:
- Remote work
- Youth mobility visas
- Sponsorship from a trusted employer
- Intra-company transfers
- Work exchange programs
You can go visit our website and you can go to the CV-Library to find more job opportunities for All Healthcare Workers.
