A Guide to Working in the UK for Nurses From Outside the EU

Come and Join Us at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust

Rachel Hobson – Recruitment Manager- Non-Medicalrachel.hobson@nhs.net or 03033 303525

Contents2 Nursing in the UK: An Overview

3 Non EU Nurse Recruitment

4 Band 4: Associate Nurse

5 Band 5: Registered Nurse

6 Language Testing (IELTS/ OET)

7 Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

8 Our Area

9 Relocation Support

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OVERVIEW

Nursing is a passion. It is more than just a job; it is compassion, caring and consideration. As a nurse you are making a difference to peoples lives which isn’t something you can achieve in any career. The language of nursing is universal and working as an NHS nurse in the UK is not only rewarding and satisfying, it is challenging and invigorating. At Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust we hold nursing at the heart of all we do. Our nurses are pivotal to our success in providing excellent patient centered care. We invest continuously in our nursing teams and provide state of the art working environments to enable the best quality of care possible.

Wherever your passion lies we can find the right role for you. Whether this is Cardiology or Orthopaedics, Diabetes or Oncology, you will be welcomed into a friendly and supportive environment, giving you the opportunity to provide outstanding patient care.

In the early stages of your NLaG career, you will be invited to our bespoke nursing preceptorship. This unique programme backed by our Chief Nurse ensures all of our clinical process-es and procedures are streamlined and that nurses have a comprehensive introduction to nursing at Northern Lincoln-shire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.

With excellent levels of training, education and support available, career progression opportunities are never far from reach. We believe strongly in continuously developing our nurses so if you are looking for a career with progression and want to work in a centre of clinical excellence, in a team that cares for each other and our patients above all else, then look no further than Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.

Coming from overseas to work in the UK was daunting at first, but the support I received really made me feel at home. I have made a life here and I love being able to care for patients in a friendly and supportive environment

Dalma Romanian Staff Nurse

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The Trust has introduced an Overseas Incentive Scheme to help prospective candidates gain employment with us. Nurses who have trained outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and want to work in the UK as a nurse must gain professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Applicants must have an appropriate nursing qualification - further information about accepted qualifications can be found on page 9 of the following document:

https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/registration/registering-nurse-or-midwife-outside-eu.pdf

Applicants are also tested for competence through a two-part process to gain registration. Part one - computer-based multiple-choice examination which is accessible around the world for applicants to access in their home countries. Part two - practical objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) which will always be held in the UK.

In addition to this, candidates need to have an English Language Qualification; this will be in the form of either a Nursing Degree taken and examined in English; a Level 7 IELTS or Grade B OET (IELTS and OET are English Language Tests recognised by the NMC).

The IELTS/OET and OSCE are quite costly elements of the registration process, therefore the Trust will fund both of these elements to alleviate this financial pressure from the candidate. (IELTS/OET will be on a reimbursement basis as the candidate will take this in their home country). Note, if the Nursing Degree is taken and examined in English and at least 75% of interactions with patients and their families are in English, there will be no requirement for IELTS/OET.

Immigration RulesEmployers must ensure that before a certificate of sponsorship is applied for:

the individual has passed part one of the NMC test of competence the individual has been issued with an offer of employment, and the individual has achieved the required level of language capability.

The immigration rules changed in March 2015 to allow for an individual nurse to come to the UK to prepare for the OSCE. An individual entering the UK to take a nursing role has up to three months from the employment start date noted on the certificate of sponsorship (CoS) to sit the OSCE exam. During this period they can be legally employed as a pre-registration candidate.

The Trust will do all it can to ensure that the nurse is well prepared and supported during the OSCE stage. Our dedicated members of the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) team will work closely with the individual during this period and ensure they have access to the relevant documents/online support. In addition, the training provider also provides access to their internal learning platform which holds a range of useful information and preparation materials to support and prepare them for the exam.

Non EU - Nurse Recruitment

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Roles and Responsibilities

As an unregistered nurse - pending qualification and professional registration – you are personally accountable for your practice whilst strictly adhering to the restricted practice put in place until you receive your NMC PIN number.

Support the registered nurse to develop and implement a plan of care, which is evidence based and planned in partnership with the patient wherever possible.

Support the registered nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care provided and makes adjustments to the care plan as delegated by the registered nurse, reporting changes as necessary to the registered nurse.

Maintain clinical records in accordance with NMC ‘Guidelines on Record Keeping’ and Trust policies.

Support the registered nurse in ensuring that multi-disciplinary care programs as identified through ward rounds or multi-disciplinary meetings are implemented where delegated by the registered nurse.

Ensure medicines are stored in accordance with Trust Medicines Code and NMC Guidelines for the Administration of Medicines. The unregistered nurse may not administer or act as second checker for medications in any circumstances.

Perform required clinical procedures (including specialty specific procedures) competently under the supervision of the registered nurse and Trust guidelines.

Use clinical equipment under the supervision of the registered nurse, undertaking relevant training as required, until competent and skilled to use it without the need for supervision.

Support the registered nurse to undertake the management of the care of a group of patients over a period of time, organising appropriate support services.

Please note: This job description is an outline only and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. It will be regularlyreviewed and may be amended in the light of changing circumstances, following consultation with the post holder.

COME AND WORK WITH US

When you begin work with Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust, you will begin your career as an Unregistered Nurse. As an unregistered nurse you will still work directly with patients providing care, but until you are registered with the NMC you will be unable to administer any forms of medication. Following successful completion of your language tests and registration with the NMC you will then practice as a fully registered nurse and join our wider registered nursing teams across our Hospital Trust.

Band 4: Unregistered Nurse

Maintain your own professional development through ongoing education and development, ensuring that PREP requirements are met together with all mandatory training.

Undertake comprehensive and holistic assessment of the patient’s nursing care needs.

Use assessment to develop a plan of care, which is evidence based and planned in partnership with the patient wherever possible.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care provided and make adjustments to the care plan as necessary.

Maintain clinical records in accordance with NMC ‘Guidelines on Record Keeping’ and Trust policies.

Ensure that multi-disciplinary care programs as identified through ward rounds or multi-disciplinary meetings are implemented.

Ensure medicines are stored, supplied and administered in accordance with Trust Medicines Code and NMC Guidelines for the Administration of Medicines and maintain own competence in this respect, reporting any learning needs to Ward Manager.

Perform required clinical procedures (including speciality specific procedures) competently.

Ensure appropriate and timely communication with patients and relatives/carers, advising, instructing and supporting them as needed and making use of support systems as appropriate (e.g. interpreters, chaplaincy).

Undertake the management of the care of a group of patients over a period of time, organising appropriate support services.

Demonstrate and teach nursing procedures to other staff, students (including post registration students) and patients as necessary.

Please note: This job description is an outline only and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. It will be regularly reviewed and may be amended in the light of changing circumstances, following consultation with the post holder.

COME AND WORK WITH US

As a band 5 registered nurse you will be working as part of a ward based team, responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care. You will be responsible for allocating and checking the work of junior staff and health care assistance.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a registered nurse you will be personally accountable for their practice and must adhere to the NMC standards expected.

Band 5: Registered Nurse

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English Language TestingWithin the UK, evidence of acceptable English language skills is a requirement for applicants and international graduates seeking professional registration.

There are a number of pieces of evidence accepted by the NMC:

The International English Language Test System (IELTS) The Occupational English Test (OET) A recent pre-registration nursing or midwifery qualification which was taught and examined in English. Registration and practice of at least one year in a country where English is the first and native language and an English language assessment was required for registration.

The IELTS and the OET are used across the world. They are often chosen to test the language competency of healthcare professionals in the UK.

International English Language Test System (IELTS)If you have completed an IELTS examination you must provide an IELTS certificate that confirms:

at least 7.0 in the listening and reading sectionsat least 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections, andat least 7.0 overall.

If you do not achieve your IELTS level 7 on the first attempt, you can combine the results of two IELTS tests if they are done within 6 months. Please see the link below for more details:

www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/accepted-tests/

The NMC will only accept the IELTS Academic test. You must ensure it is the UK VI IELTS for Visa Immigration purposes.

Occupational English Test (OET)If you have completed an OET examination you must provide a certificate that confirms:

at least a B grade in listening and reading, andat least a B grade in writing and speaking.

The NMC will only accept results from OET tests taken from February 2016 onwards.

IELTS or OET should be achieved at the required level prior to arrival in the UK in order to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (Visa). Once you achieve this you will then be able to apply for registration as a Nurse in the UK and practice as a Band 5 Registered Nurse in your chosen area of work.

These tests can be taken in a number of locations worldwide, for more information please visit:

www.ielts.orgwww.occupationalenglishtest.org

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If you were trained inside the UK If you were trained inside the EU or EEA If you were trained outside the EU or EEA Evidence of your level of English language competence – for those trained outside of UK. Test of Competence & The Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE) – for those trained outside of EU/EEA

You will need to ensure that you provide all the required information to the NMC depending upon your application status, full details can be found on the NMC website.

Support will be offered from Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS FT to assist in the completion of your application.

More information about NMC registration is available on the NMC website at:

www.nmc.org.uk

General enquiries and fitness to practice: 020 7637 7181

Registration enquiries: 020 7333 9333

International enquiries: 020 7333 6600

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) RegistrationThe Nursing and Midwifery Council is the professional regulatory body for nurses and midwives in the UK. Anyone intending to practice nursing in the UK will be required to register with the NMC.

The requirements for registration in the UK will depend upon a number of factors:

The North Lincolnshire district is a mixed industrial and rural community. In addition to the main centres of Grimsby and Scunthorpe the area has many picturesque market towns and villages, including Brigg and Barton which are small market towns concerned with light industries and agriculture. The remaining population is in a mainly farming rural area which extends into the attractive Ancholme Valley and the gently sloping hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, which have been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, with extensive beaches along the coastal strip. These make North Lincolnshire the ideal destination for walkers and cyclists. The area is well connected with excellent transport links to nearby cities and airports.

Educational facilities in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole, and the surrounding area of Lincolnshire, are of a high standard and are amongst some of the highest calibre education providers in the country. Examples of which include:

Caistor Grammar School - www.caistorgrammar.comQueen Elizabeth’s High School - www.qehs.lincs.sch.ukKing Edward VI Grammar School - www.www.kevigs.org

The house prices in the area are amongst the lowest in the UK. There is a wealth of cultural and sporting activities in the district suitable for most needs. This includes but is not limited to a marina at South Ferriby for sailing in the Humber Estuary, and a number of well-regarded golf clubs.

More information is available from the following websites:

Grimsby and the Surrounding areawww.discovernel.co.uk

Scunthorpe and the Surrounding Areawww.visitnorthlincolnshire.com

Goole and the Surrounding Areawww.yorkshire.com/places/east-yorkshire/goole

Information about the Area

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The Trust provides secondary care across three main hospitals in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust is uniquely positioned to offer exciting opportunities in nursing. Not only will you be working in a friendly, forward thinking organisation but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the many wonderful features the area has to offer. More information on the area itself can be found in the section below.

We’ll Help You Get Settled: We understand that settling into a new location can be daunting, especially if relocating from overseas. However we have dedicated teams to support you every step of the way to make this process as smooth as possible and are happy to provide help and information on:

Arrival: Before you start your journey with us, we will be in contact with you to arrange inductions and answer any questions you may have. On your first day we will make sure you are greeted with a smile, receive a warm welcome and are introduced to your department.

Accommodation: We don’t want you to have anything to worry about before joining us, which is why we have accommodation covered. We want you to be comfortable in your home surroundings so we work closely with local landlords and estate agents to help you find a place you can call home to either rent or buy. Limited accommodation within the hospital grounds can be provided. Further information is available on request.

Transport: Getting out and about in the local area can be difficult without local knowledge of transport, our team are here to help. Whether you drive and need guidance on driving in the UK or need information on public transport links, we’ll be happy to assist.

Help is on hand...

COME AND WORK WITH US

The services provided are undoubtedly very important for people arriving from overseas. When I arrived in a new country with a new language and without family, I felt lost. The team are there to solve all your doubts and they always do it with a smile on their faces, I sincerely appreciated the support they gave me.

Janina Spanish Staff Nurse

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Relocation Packages: If you are relocating to the area from overseas or outside our local area; our generous relocation packages are available to support you financially. This can cover the cost of flights, monthly rent, deposits for accommodation, furniture, registration fees and much more.

Local Amenities: To help get you settled we like to share local knowledge of the area, including:

Shopping and restaurant facilities Banks and banking procedures including help setting up a new account Information and advice about local schools and other education providers Information about local places of worship Healthcare – help and advice registering with GP’s and Dentist’s Leisure activities – information about local leisure activities and clubs.

Social Support: We recognise that a work – life balance is important, so our team are on hand to advise on local events, social groups and clubs relevant to your interests. We have dedicated Facebook groups to introduce you to your peers and keep you up to date on all things social!

Family Support: If you are relocating to the area with family, it isn’t just you that needs a little tlc, we can support partners in finding work and support in registering children in local schools, colleges and universities.

Keeping in touch: It doesn’t matter if you have been at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole 5 days or 5 years, our teams will always make time for your needs. Whether you just need some advice or just a friendly face to chat to, don’t be afraid to come and see us.

COME AND WORK WITH US

From the first day of our arrival here in the UK, the team have been our total support with everything, from meeting us at the airport to taking us to our accommodation, to shopping and showing us the surrounding area, I cannot imagine how it would have been without them, thank for all you have done for me.

CristinaRomanian Staff Nurse

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If you are interested in working with us please contact us via email at nlg-tr.wearerecruiting@nhs.net or call 03033 306519 (or +44 3033306519 if dialling from outside the UK)

For questions relating to Nursing:

Rachel Hobson – Recruitment Manager- Non-Medicalrachel.hobson@nhs.net or 03033 303525

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/NLaGCareers

Follow us on Twitter: @nlagcareers

Visit our website: http://www.nlg.nhs.uk/careers/