The relocation benefits you will receive as an international nurse working within the UK
November 20, 2018
How do I register as a nurse within the UK? To work as a nurse within the UK, you will need to register with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). If you are interested relocating to the UK and working within the NHS, send your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to support you throughout the process. What is the process of relocating to the UK and working within the NHS? To work within the NHS, you will need: A minimum of 7 in IELTS or Grade B in OET Pass the NMC’S Computer-Based-Test exam Interview with an NHS hospital via Skype and receive an offer letter Send the required documents to the NMC Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (Cos) and apply for your Tier 2 visa Book your flights to the UK Arrive in the UK and begin working as an NHS healthcare assistant Take the NMC’s OSCE exam Start working as a nurse within the NHS Will I be given accommodation in the UK? Typically, most NHS hospitals offer 2-3 months’ free accommodation. Please note, hospital accommodation facilities are limited and so often they will only be able to provide you with single occupancy accommodation and your family will have to make alternative plans. Depending on how long the hospital can accommodate you for, the cost of the accommodation will typically be credited into your bank account and then you will then be responsible for paying for it. If you do not want to live in hospital accommodation and would prefer to stay with your family you will have to find private accommodation. Do I receive any other benefits? Flights Most NHS hospitals will pay for your initial flight to the UK. This will differ from hospital to hospital, so please confirm what is included in your relocation package prior to signing your offer letter. Please note, the hospital will often only pay for your flight, not your entire family. IELTS/OET Reimbursement The NMC requires you to evidence your English language skills and if you choose the IELTS/OET route you may be entitled to have the fees reimbursed to you. IELTS - £170 OET - £349 Health Surcharge Reimbursement When you apply for your Tier 2 visa, you will have to pay a healthcare surcharge (also known as the ‘immigration health surcharge or IHS’) to allow you to use the NHS’ services. Please note, you will still need to pay additional fees for other types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assistance with conception. Cost - £200 per year, per person. For example, £1,000 for a five-year visa. OSCE Exam The final stage of obtaining your NMC Registration is to sit the OSCE exam. Once you start your new healthcare post, you will have three months to pass the exam. Often, the hospital will provide you with revision resources, pay for a revision course and pay for you to sit the exam. Cost of OSCE - £992 Advance on first month’s salary When you first arrive, there will be a lot to organise and pay for. Therefore, most NHS hospitals offer you your first month’s salary upon your arrival in the UK. This will help you with the costs of airport transfers, deposits on accommodation, rent, food, transport etc. Disclaimer: Your eligibility to receive any of the above relocation benefits must be confirmed by the hospital. Confirm what is included in your relocation package before signing an offer letter. Once you start your NHS post you will need to complete an expenses application form and the funds will be reimbursed if they have not already been given to you. All expenditure incurred must be substantiated by the production of original receipts. Come and say hello! Join our Facebook Group International Nurses for the UK – here you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other overseas nurses!
The Nursing CBT Exam
October 31, 2018
To work as a nurse or midwife within the NHS you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). To summarise the registration process, the NMC require you to evidence: Your English language skills via IELTS or OET Your knowledge and skills via: Computer-based training test (CBT) - £130 Observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) - £992 In today’s article, we provide you with all the information you need to know on the CBT exam. What will the CBT test me on? The computer-based-test comprises of 120 multiple-choice-questions and you must answer all questions within a 4-hour sitting. 50 questions Application of general nursing competencies 50 questions Application of general nursing competencies from a specific field of nursing i.e. adult, child, learning disabilities or mental health problems 20 questions Critical questions that focus on patient and public safety Pass Mark: 60% (Please note, you must answer 90% of the critical questions correctly) The CBT is designed to test your knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of professional nursing practice. As you are an international trained nurse, the NMC expects you to meet UK pre-registered nurse standards. The NMC, has therefore published a blueprint (criteria) which you will need to follow in order for you to pass your CBT test. NMC Blueprint The blueprint can be divided into four categories: Professional values Communication and interpersonal skills Nursing practice and decision making Leadership, management and team working Advice when answering the exam questions Spend a maximum of two minutes on each question It is important to select the answer that you believe to be the ‘most’ correct from the options offered If you are unsure of an answer, leave it and then return back to it at the end Ensure your answers are based on UK practices, not on those from your home country How do I apply for the CBT exam? Please click here for a list of CBT Exam test centres – they are held in most countries. You can book your CBT test online on the telephone. How do I find out my CBT result? 48 hours after taking the exam, you will receive an email from the NMC that will provide you with a pass or fail result. You can also obtain your results by logging into your Pearson VUE account which you created when you booked the exam. What happens if I fail my exam? If you, unfortunately, fail your exam, you can resit it a second time. Please note, you must wait for a minimum of 28 days between the first and second attempt of the examination. What is the entire process of relocating to the UK for a Nurse? Please click here to read our blog post which will provide you with a step-by-step guide. If you have any questions on relocating to the UK and working within the NHS – email [email protected] and we will be happy to help you. Join our Facebook Group – International Nurses for the UK. Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to receive professional guidance and the chance to meet other international nurses!