Is the UK still Hiring Internationally Educated Nurses?

Recently, I've been receiving a lot of direct messages on social media from nurses looking to relocate to the UK. Although I hadn't concentrated on this issue over the past year because of other commitments, the surge of inquiries has encouraged me to find out the state of things. I've looked into different facets, such as requirements, challenges, and opportunities for nurses in the UK, and collected insights from expat nurses.

I arrived in England in 2019. During that year, numerous nurses from various other countries were hired. This trend continued until 2022, when the numbers began to dwindle. In an effort to bolster the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a plan to recruit 50,000 new nurses. This initiative aimed to address staffing shortages and improve healthcare services across the country. It was part of the Conservative Party's election manifesto in 2019. As a result, many NHS trusts got additional funding that enabled them to recruit massively from overseas.

Three Prime Ministers later, this funding has ceased. The Labour Party is focused on training, retention, and reforming the system to sustain the NHS workforce, as opposed to international recruitment. This has significantly reduced the number of vacancies for IENs.

However, there are still Trusts recruiting from abroad. Therefore nurses looking for jobs in the UK should not give up altogether.

Additionally, in 2020, the WHO Code of Practice for International Recruitment classified countries as either amber or red. The Amber List includes countries experiencing significant health worker shortages but are not in a crisis situation. Recruitment from Amber List countries should be conducted with caution and in a manner that does not exacerbate existing shortages. Red List comprises countries facing critical health worker shortages, where recruitment is strongly discouraged. Recruitment from Red List countries should be avoided to protect the health systems and the rights of health workers in those nations. This move greatly impacted recruitment practices of healthcare agencies. Many of these agencies stopped recruiting from countries like Kenya, Nigeria and other in the list.

Despite the slowing down in IENs recruitment in the UK due to the above factors, jobs with VISA sponsorship are still available but few. It's important to continuously search for opportunities through job portals like NHS Jobs, Indeed, and Reed, as well as through recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare. Networking with professionals in the industry and applying directly to hospitals and clinics, including NHS trusts and care homes, are also crucial steps. LinkedIn is also useful for finding jobs and networking. Two nurses I recommend following are Kelvin Ossai and ProudNurse MJ. They are both constantly sharing job opportunities in the UK with sponsorship and additional trends around the subject.

Self sponsorship is another viable pathway to consider in this current climate. Self sponsorship is a pathway for overseas nurses who wish to work in the UK without relying on a specific employer for sponsorship. This route can provide more flexibility and opportunities for nurses looking to establish their careers in the UK healthcare system with the main downside being the huge financial requirement.

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

• Registered Nurse qualification from a recognized institution.

• English language proficiency (usually through IELTS or OET).

• Pass the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Test of Competence which includes both CBT and OSCE. 

• Meet the financial requirements to support yourself while settling in the UK.

Steps to Self Sponsorship

1. Obtain NMC Registration: Complete the NMC registration process, including passing the required assessments. This includes CBT and OSCE. CBT test are availble in several countries. For OSCE, you may need to travel to the UK to underatke this test. A tenporary VISA can be given once you have secured a test center.

2. Secure a Job Offer: Although self-sponsorship means you are not tied to one employer, having a job offer can strengthen your application.

3. Apply for a Visa: Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, providing evidence of your job offer and meeting all visa requirements.

4. Relocate to the UK: Once your visa is approved, you can move to the UK and begin your career as a nurses.

   
   

No matter which path you take, it's important to be strategic. Remember that exams like the IELTS have a validity period. Make the most of the time before your test expires by job hunting endlessly. Don't restrict yourself to just the NHS or England. Explore opportunities in the private sector, as well as in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This is also an opportune moment to think about other countries.

It is important to stay informed about changing regulations and market conditions. Whether you choose to pursue traditional employment or embark on a self-sponsorship journey, remember that persistence and adaptability are key to achieving your career goals. Also, the international nursing market is cyclical. There are periods of highs and lows. In a few years, there is likely to be another window of massive recruitment in the first world. What I'm trying to say is, don't give up on the dream to move abroad just yet.

Feel free to share your thoughts, questions and feedback in the comments below!