You can give the wrong answers, even though you know the right answers. Multiple things can go wrong. But the truth is, if you are well prepared for the interview, there is nothing that can stop you from getting the job. If you are looking for an opportunity for a nursing career in the UK and want to ace your NHS nursing interview, here is how you should prepare for it.

Introduction: Just like any other interview, the NHS interview also will start with you having to introduce yourself. Here is where you can shine through and stand out in front of the nursing panel. When preparing your introduction, ensure to highlight your career so far, mention your achievements and experiences, and your best qualities in line with the job role. You can also talk about any special cases you have worked on, or anything related to the current job role that you think will make a good impression.

Job: Once you have introduced yourself and the panel has a fair idea of who you are and what you bring to the table, they will dive into ‘Why did you apply for this job?’ When answering this question, think about what interests you most about the job. Don’t be timid to tell the panel what you liked the most when you read about this job.

Employment Overview: The hiring panel wants to ensure you are the best fit for the job. They are trying to understand why you chose nursing as a career path. Here you can take them through your previous employment. Your responsibilities, challenges, what kept you going and so on. While talking about the challenges and how you overcame them, remember to speak about your previous workplaces positively.

Skills and Experience: When the interviewer comes to this part,  they will ask questions related to your skills and experience, remember to frame your answers in line with the job description. Sell your skills by giving the interviewer examples of how you achieved a positive outcome in your previous workplaces. While doing so, ensure your contributions are mentioned clearly.

Patient Safety: The NHS is committed to the safety and well being of every patient. While you prepare for questions around patient safety, do remember to take a look at the NHS core values. This will give you an understanding of what is expected of you.

Clinical/Ethical Scenario: This is a crucial part of the interview. Take your time to answer this one. The interviewing panel will give you a clinical or ethical scenario where you will be asked how you will approach the situation. Take a moment to understand the situation well and then answer with compassion and confidence.

Interview Questions: Lastly, the panel will allow you to ask any questions you have before ending the interview. Take this opportunity to clear your doubts about the job role, department or anything at all.

Once you have prepared for your NHS interview, there is nothing to worry about. Ensure to dress smartly, be on time and always remain confident.

Well, the thought of moving to a new country is always scary. You are going to live in a new land miles away from your family and friends. It’s natural for you to be apprehensive about moving to the UK. But here’s the thing; it is one of the best countries for nurses to work and live in. Here are the top 5 benefits of working as a nurse in the UK.

Job Security

Registered Nurses are the backbone of the NHS. As the population of the country grows, and nurses retire or leave the profession every year, there is always a need for new nurses in the UK. It is impossible to imagine hospitals functioning without them. That is why you don’t have to worry about losing your job because when you choose a nursing career in the UK within the NHS, you will get 100% job security.

Competitive Salary

Within the NHS, each nurse receives a salary according to their skills, abilities and work responsibilities. If you choose to pursue a nursing career in the UK, rest assured, you will be financially secure. Nurses just starting their careers receive a minimum salary of £24K a year. You will also receive a generous pension scheme and a variety of discounts including transport, accommodation and children’s education.

Wide Range of Career Options

The best part about working as a nurse in the UK is that there are many specialities you can pursue. Below are just a few of them.

Flexible Working Schedule

The NHS focuses on providing skilled nurses with a range of flexible working policies, which include part-time, voluntary, flexi-time and more. That’s not all, you also have the option of working the usual 9-5 shift, rotational or night shifts. This way, you can focus on work as well as your family. You get the perfect work-life balance and can give your family proper time.

Continuous Learning

Lastly, the high-quality healthcare standards of the NHS are maintained through training, development and support. As part of the NHS, you are entitled to an annual personal development review and plan to support your professional goals. You will have access to a range of training courses, which will allow you to learn and pick up new skills as your career progresses. This way, you will continue to learn and grow in your career as a nurse in the UK.

If you don’t know what a Tier 2 visa is, it is a legal document given only to skilled workers. This is provided from the UK home office after you receive a job offer from a UK employer who has a valid Tier 2 sponsorship license. This visa allows you, an overseas nurse, to live and work in the UK for an initial period of 3 to 5 years. Applying for a Tier 2 visa can be a bit confusing. But no need to worry, below are 5 steps to apply:

Step 1: Receive Your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship)

A CoS is an electronic record that will be assigned to you by your NHS hospital. It is a unique reference number, which contains your details and information about your NHS post. You will need this to carry out your application process. So, as soon as you receive the NHS job offer, inquire about your CoS. Without this certificate, you cannot proceed to apply for your Tier 2 visa. Your certificate of sponsorship will be valid for 3 months from the date it is issued.

Step 2: Provide documents

For the online Tier 2 visa application process, you will need to provide several documents. So before you begin to fill your online application it is advisable to keep the list of documents handy. This will ensure there are no delays once you start your online application. Below is the list of documents you will require:

1. CoS reference number
2. English language certificate
3. Passport size photos (2)
4. Current passport
5. Expired passports, if you need to show your travel history
6. Employment details
7. TB test results
8. Criminal record certificate
9. Accommodation details
10. Personal and family information

Step 3: Complete the online application and pay the fees

Once you have filled out the online application with all your details, submit your application. Next, you will need to pay the visa fee.

Step 4: Appointment at Your Local Visa Application Centre

As part of the online application, you will need to make an appointment at a local visa application centre. Note the details and make sure to print this confirmation letter to take with you to the appointment. You will be required to carry your passport and confirm your ID. Also, make sure your fingerprints and photographs are taken for the biometric residence permit. Don’t miss out on carrying any documents, or else you will have to re-book.

Step 5: Receive your application

Once your visa is accepted, a vignette will be issued in your passport and will be sent to you by post. For those who don’t know what a vignette is, it gives you the right to enter the UK. Upon receiving the vignette, you have 90 days to book your flight and fly to the UK.

Who can apply for a health and care-dependent visa?

Those applying for a Tier 2 visa are eligible to bring their dependents. However, not everyone qualifies as a dependent. Mentioned below are the individuals that qualify as a dependant:

1. Spouse
2. Unmarried partner
3. The child is under the age of 18 at the date of application
4. Children over the age of 18 if they are currently in the UK as a dependant

What is the financial requirement?

When applying for a health and care dependent visa or any visa for that matter, you are required to show financial proof as a requirement. You will need to have at least £285 for your spouse/partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each added kid. These funds need to be available in your bank account 30 days before applying for a dependent visa. But here’s the thing, if your hospital offers you and your family  confirmation of maintenance also known as a NHS Letter of Maintenance, you won’t have to provide any evidence of funds.

What is the process of applying for a Health and Care Dependent Visa?

You will need to apply for dependent visas online. Fill out and submit the applications. Once your applications are accepted, you will need to book appointments at the local visa application centre. Here your dependents will need to get their fingerprints and photographs taken for their biometric residence permits. The biometric residence permits need to be collected within 30 days of arriving in the UK.

How long can the dependent stay in the UK?

The dependent visa of your spouse/partner will expire on the same date as yours. In case you have been granted settlement, the dependent visa will expire within 3 years from the date of approval. The same goes for a dependent child.

Can your dependents work on a dependent visa?

Yes, dependent visa holders can work freely in the UK. But not as nursing professionals. To work as nursing professionals, they have to apply for their own skilled worker visas.

Applying for dependent visas can be somewhat confusing. No need to worry, Global Nurse Force can help your family members secure their visas to join you in the UK.

Is it a good place to live?

Manchester is a bustling and lively city known for its unique and diverse character. It is famous for its social life, music scene and one of the biggest football teams in the world. Although English remains the official language, over 2000 languages are spoken in Manchester. There are thousands of world class restaurants, cafes and street stalls that reflect the city’s cultural diversity.

The housing costs in Manchester are cheaper than in London. However, the prices differ in each neighbourhood. For instance, a 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost you around ₤500. The same will cost you around ₤850 in areas such as Potato Wharf and Castlefield. You always have the option to share a flat with your colleagues. This will help you settle in without burning a hole in your pocket.

How good is the transportation?

Manchester has an excellent transport system, which makes travelling around easy. You will find fleet buses, trams and trains to roam around. You will also have the Metroshuttle, where you get the free ‘hop on and hop off’ service. This service links the key railway stations, shopping districts and business hubs. People here also choose to walk, thanks to the compact nature of the city.

Which are the best stores to shop from?

Once you move to the city, there are tons of things you will need including furniture and apparel. There is no better place for shopping than Manchester.

Manchester Arndale is one the biggest shopping centres in Manchester with 240 odd retail shops. It has various high-end brands including Apple, and Marks and Spencers. There are a ton of local brands as well. There is something for everyone at Manchester Arndale.

Another great place to shop is The Northern Quarter. This place has a lovely bohemian vibe going on. It has tons of artistic shops where you can find creative things that will be great in your new space.

You also can’t miss The Barton Arcade. This shopping centre is a Victorian masterpiece. Built in 1870, it is both historically and architecturally appealing. You will get the best fashion clothing, jewellery and footwear for men and women at the Barton Arcade.

Which are the Well Known Street Food Markets?

One thing that you will notice in Manchester is that it has a great selection of markets. You will surely be spoiled with all the choices available to you. Compared to the other areas in the UK, Manchester is also quite affordable. From the Arndale market to hip shipping container market HATCH, to newcomer Society, Manchester has a wide variety of street-food markets to entice you.

So if you have been thinking about moving to Manchester, but were not sure, we hope the information we provided helps you to make the right decision. Global Nurse Force has nursing opportunities throughout Manchester and across the UK. If living and working in the UK is part of your plans, we can find you the perfect job and guide you every step of the way.

Band 2 — Healthcare Assistant

A healthcare assistant is the first point of contact and the one who delivers the initial care to the patient. In this role, you will not only be required to help the patient around with things like helping them wash, changing bedpans, keeping departments clean and taking note of some basic observations. You will also require to make them extremely comfortable. You will be working and taking care of people across different age groups. Currently, a healthcare assistant gets paid around £18,005/-.

Band 3 — Emergency Care Assistant

This role is crucial and requires you to be extremely vigilant, as you will be offering care to patients who need immediate care and attention. For instance, you will be working with the ambulance services or controlling bleeding and a host of other emergency problems. You will also be responsible to clean and keep the ambulance tidy. In this role, you will earn approximately about £19,337/-.

Band 4 — Theatre Support Worker

In this role, you will be required to support the surgical team. You will have to take responsibility for patients on the trolleys, work closely with doctors performing surgery on patients, prepare patients for anaesthetics and set instruments and equipment, to name a few. As a theatre support worker, you will earn around £21,892/-.

Band 5 — Newly Qualified Nurse of Staff Nurse

As a newly qualified Band 5 nurse, your starting salary will be £25,655/-. After you gain 2-4 years of work experience, your salary will increase to £27,780/-. After 4+ years of experience as a staff nurse, you can earn up to £31,534/-.

Band 6 — Nursing Specialist or Senior Nurse

Band 6 nursing roles include Senior Nurses, Deputy Ward Managers and various Specialist Nurses. Band 6 roles start at £32,306/- and can move up to £39,027/- for nurses with 5+ years of experience. Although Band 6 nurses have similar responsibilities as Band 5 nurses, roles at Band 6 generally require more specialized skills and qualifications.

Band 7 — Advanced Nurse/Nurse Practitioner

Band 7 nursing roles include Ward Managers, Emergency Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Specialists. You will need a Master’s degree or equivalent to apply to this band. Band 7 posts often require nurses to conduct detailed assessments, make diagnoses and prescribe medication. Band 7 roles start at £40,057/- and can go up to £45,839/- after 5 years of experience.

Band 8 — Modern Matron/Chief Nurse

In this role, you will be managing a large team of nurses. You may have to carry out certain nursing duties as well. Band 8 roles start at £47,126/- but can rise all the way up to £90,837/-. The salary range for band 8 nurses is quite high due to the responsibilities and long hours associated with the role.

Band 9 — Consultant Level Nurse

Band 9 is the most senior position available to nurses. Nurses in this position are experts in their field and help to educate others. Nurses at this level will require specialist skills and qualifications in addition to substantial experience. Band 9 roles start at £93,735/- and can go up to £108,075/-.

Now that you have a clear idea of the NHS nurse banding system, you can prepare and apply for nursing jobs in the UK.

Continue reading to find out why proper references are crucial to secure a nursing job within the NHS.

What is a reference check?

All NHS organizations have a statutory obligation to conduct checks on their employees. Your NHS trust will check your employment history over the last 3 years. It is your responsibility to provide relevant references from your employers. Ideally, you will want to provide references from nursing managers that you have reported directly to.

How can you prepare for the reference check process?

1. While applying for an international nurse job within the NHS, you will need reference to the last 3 years of your nursing career.
2. In case you have worked at the same employer for the past 3 years, you can provide all the references from this employer.
3. If you have been working for multiple employers, you will need to secure references from every employer you have worked for during the past 3 years.
4. You will also need to ensure the references are from senior members you have directly reported to. They should be able to speak clearly about your skills and performance on the job.
5. Let your references know that you have provided their names as references. It is important to also notify them that they will be asked to comment on your ability to undertake the duties and responsibilities in your new nursing role within the NHS.

How can you present your references on your CV?

You can mention that your references are “available upon request” or you can provide referees information in the following format on your CV.

[Prefix] [First Name] [Second Name], [job title], [organisation], [location]

In case you can’t find a suitable referee, you can contact the HR department at the hospital you worked at and they can provide you with a basic reference covering your dates of employment, job title and other pertinent information.

Header: The topmost section or the header is where you will need to mention your name, contact number, address and email id. Make sure these details are mentioned in a readable font and spaced properly. Also, make sure they are correct.

Core Clinical Skills: Next mention your core clinical skills and competencies. You can mention these details in bullet points. If you are not sure what clinical skills you should mention, go through the job description to better understand what the employer is looking for. Carefully mention the most relevant skills and achievements at the top. Your core skills should sell your CV to the hiring professionals within seconds. It is important to distill your nursing experience into a few key terms that detail your core nursing skills as well as your career level.

Employment Experience: You should mention your employment history in detail: include your job title, name of the employer and the appropriate joining and relieving dates. Under each job role, you can mention your duties and responsibilities in bullet points. Remember to tweak your responsibilities when applying for a job, making your profile look like the best match possible.

If you have a lot of work experience, you can provide brief descriptions of your earlier job roles. If you have any employment gaps between jobs, it is vital to mention the reason for the gap. You don’t have to discuss it in detail; a sentence or two will suffice.

The hiring manager wants to see your hard and soft skills, management experience and day to day responsibilities.

Educational Qualifications: Next, you need to talk about your academic qualifications. Start with the most recent qualification. Include dates and your institution’s name to give the employer a better understanding of your education. In this section, apart from your schooling and nursing qualification, you can also mention any training you have taken.

References: You can conclude your CV with this section. Mention your referees’ contact details if you have space or wish to. If not, you can mention AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. When the employer wishes to contact your referees, you can always email their details.

Once again, the important elements of a well written nursing CV for the NHS will include:

• Contact Details
• NMC Registration / Pin (if available)
• Core Clinical Skills
• Employment Experience
• Educational Qualifications
• References

First of all, read through your offer letter and sign it. If you have completed the CBT exam and your NMC profile is showing that you are OSCE ready, the next step would be to apply for your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) from the hospital. For the hospital to provide you a CoS, they will require a few documents. Before we dive into the list of documents, let’s understand what a CoS is (Certificate of Sponsorship).

A CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) is a digital certificate or reference number provided to healthcare workers who want to live and work in the UK. There are two types of CoS — Restricted and Unrestricted. Unrestricted CoS applies when a job is in the shortage occupation list. Since all nursing jobs in the UK are on the shortage list, employers can apply for unrestricted COS when they sponsor international nurses. However, irrespective of the type of CoS, your NHS Trust will ask you to submit certain documents before they can issue you your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship).

Passport: A copy of your current passport will be required.

Proof of Address: You will need to submit at least two proof of address documents. Whichever documents you submit, ensure it has your full name, address and is dated at least within 3 months.

References: The NHS Trust will require a minimum of two references covering your last 3 years of the employment. So have your references ready and keep them informed.

NMC Test of Competence: Test of competence Initiation email from NMC, CBT pass proof and NMC Process completed screenshot showing OSCE is outstanding

Police Clearance Certificate: If you have stayed in a country for 12 months or longer in the past 10 years, you will have to submit a police clearance certificate. Note, you will also have to submit this when applying for Tier 2 dependents above the age of 18.

Once you submit all these documents and your CoS is issued with all your correct information, the next step is to apply for your Health and Care Worker Visa. To apply for your visa, you will need to submit another set of documents.

Your valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You have exactly three months to apply for your visa from the date your CoS is issued. However, you should arrive in the UK on the date informed by your NHS Trust.

Police Clearance Certificate: You will have to provide a police clearance certificate from any country you have stayed in for a year or more after the age of 18.

NMC Test of Competence: Test of competence Initiation email from NMC, CBT pass proof and NMC Process completed screenshot (Showing OSCE ready)

Proof of English Knowledge: You can validate this information with the help of an OET or IELTS certificate

Tuberculosis Test Clearance Certificate: A few countries require you to be tested to enter the UK. If your country is listed, you will need to get tested at a clinic that is approved by the Home Office.

https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/countries-where-you-need-a-tb-test-to-enter-the-uk

Once you complete both these processes, you will be required to select a date to attend your local biometrics appointment. After your biometrics are completed, you will receive your visa. Now you can pack your bags and get ready to fly to the UK.

Theatre nurses or preoperative nurses typically work in operation theatres assisting doctors during surgery. They also provide care and support to patients of all age groups before and after the surgical procedure to help them recover faster. Here is everything you need to know to become a theatre nurse in the UK.

Entry Requirements

First of all, you will need to be a child, mental health, adult or learning disability nurse to qualify to work as a theatre nurse. In addition, you will need to be registered with NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). Finally, you will need to go through a brief period of training to learn the skills to become a theatre nurse.

Training Requirements

When it comes to specialised training programs for theatre nursing, there are many options available. These programs are open to nurses in employment. They include the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), degree and Masters. Nurses can usually enrol in these programs part-time.

Must-Have Skills

As a theatre nurse, you must have the following skills:

• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Highly organised
• Compassionate
• The ability to act quick and calm in an emergency
• The ability to concentrate for a longer period of time
• The ability to prioritise effectively

It takes a lot of effort and five to six years to become a qualified theatre nurse in the UK. During this period, you will either be able to gain expertise in a specific area or will rotate and gain experience in various areas including:

Preoperative Phase: In this phase, you will ensure the patient is fully aware of why they need surgery, the benefits, any risks involved, etc. You will be there to answer all their questions and assure them that they are in good hands for their surgery.

Anaesthetic Phase: You will assess the patient before surgery. If all is good, you will assist the anaesthetist with any types of equipment, devices or drugs required.

Surgical Phase: During this phase, you will be responsible for various things. You will have to keep all the necessary instruments ready. You will provide the surgeon any materials he or she requires. You will also act as a link between the surgical team and other parts of the hospital.

Recovery Phase: You will monitor the patient’s health after the surgery and as soon as they wake up, offering them care until they are fit and fine.

There are thousands of nursing jobs available across the UK, especially for theatre nurses. So, if you’re an overseas educated nurse looking to live and work in the UK, this is the perfect time to start your UK process.