ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ

Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ recommends using an updated browser such as or

Career support for international nursing members

Moving to a new country and learning a new healthcare system can feel overwhelming.

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Careers Service is here to support Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) as they start working in the UK. 

To work as a nurse in the UK, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The process includes:

  • creating an
  • sending documents to prove your qualifications and identity, and
  • passing the Test of Competence, which has two parts: the CBT (Computer-Based Test) and the OSCE (practical exam).

You can find detailed guidance on the NMC website above, including preparation resources for the CBT and OSCE.

We also have online advice on preparing for IELTS, OET and OSCE exams.

Many healthcare professionals look for jobs on the NHS jobs website at  or directly on an NHS Trust's individual website. Other common websites include:

  •  

Read job adverts carefully to check if the employer offers sponsorship if you need this. If you’re not sure, contact the employer via email or telephone to confirm before starting an application.

For more information and tips, see the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Careers page searching for jobs

Some employers may ask you to submit a CV when applying for healthcare jobs in the UK.

The UK has its own preferred style and format for CVs. Employers expect a clear, 2-page CV that highlights your relevant skills, qualifications, experience and/or knowledge. You should adapt your CV every time you apply for a different job to show how you are a good match for that particular role.

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Careers Service has online guidance on writing your CV, including CV templates, CV samples, and a step-by-step CV guide.

You can also have your CV checked by a member of the careers team and receive personalised feedback and advice.

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Careers Service can help you write a strong job application, whether you need to apply for a job as a Healthcare Assistant, Registered Nurse, or Midwife.

In the healthcare industry, application methods can vary between different employers. Some employers use online forms and ask for a 'supporting statement' whereas other employers might ask for a CV and a 'covering letter.'

Always read the job advert carefully to see what is required. Most jobs in the NHS will require a supporting statement.

See our advice on writing job applications, which has advice on writing both covering letters and supporting statements. The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Careers Service also offers a checking service, where you can email a copy of your covering letter or supporting statement for tailored feedback and advice. 

Interviews in the UK can differ significantly from other countries. We have online advice on:

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Careers Service also offers members one-to-one interview coaching over the telephone.

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ’s Career Pathways Resource has information and resources about many of the different nursing roles in the UK, including necessary skills, entry requirements, pathways, case studies, and more.

Our Career Crossroads page has information on working within clinical roles, education roles, research roles and leadership roles, as well as career progression tips for nurses. 

ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ members have access to free, one-to-one career coaching over the phone, with up to three sessions in a six-month period, even if you’ve only just joined.

Our coaching isn’t about telling you what to do; it’s about giving you a safe, guided space to:

  • Explore your strengths, values and career priorities
  • Listen to your career ideas
  • Talk through any ideas, fears, or opportunities
  • Encourage you to think of your next steps or actions.

You’ll be supported to reflect on your goals, explore your ideas, and encouraged to plan your next move. To make the most of your session, you’ll be asked to prepare in advance, such as researching roles that interest you.

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ offers a wide range of free online learning to help you develop your skills and confidence or bridge knowledge gaps.

  • Through , you can access short courses, webinars, and learning modules.
  • You can also see our page Examples of Courses and E-learning which has lots of information about free courses and online learning. 
  • Check the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Careers pages regularly for details about upcoming webinars.

It is sometimes possible to apply for education grants and research and practice development grants through the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Foundation (the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ’s charity) to fund learning, courses, or development.

See the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Foundation's page on  for more details.

In the healthcare industry, anyone can be a leader, regardless of their job title or where they are in their career. As an internationally educated nurse, you will have unique experiences, skills, and qualities that strengthen your leadership potential.

Recognise your leadership skills

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Career Service has online advice on Leadership Skills to help you recognise and develop your leadership strengths, whether it's acting as a role model, advocating for patients, leading an audit, or coaching colleagues. This advice will also be helpful if you are asked to talk about your leadership abilities during applications or interviews.

Edward Jenner programme

You can enhance your leadership journey even more through the , a free, self‑paced online course from the NHS Leadership Academy designed specifically for anyone aspiring to their first leadership or management role within the next one to two years.

Introduction to Leadership programme

Additionally, the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ offers tailored initiatives like the designed for individuals in the NHS, independent sector, and social care organisations working at Levels 2 - 4.  

There are many ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ forums that you can join, each representing a different nursing field or speciality. Each forum has its own private Facebook group, where you can network and share with other ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ nurses and healthcare professionals.

If you're an internationally educated nurse, joining ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ forums and Facebook groups can provide a supportive space to connect with your peers, learn about UK nursing practices, and stay up to date with developments in your favourite clinical areas.

These communities also give you the chance to ask questions, share best practice, or access professional advice, helping you feel more confident and connected as you build your career in the UK.

ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Advice has helpful online advice about working and coming to work in the UK.

This includes information about your employment rights, contract checking, visa considerations, and protection against discrimination.



International nursing members page

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ is here to support you on your journey, ensuring you feel welcomed, prepared, and equipped to thrive within UK nursing. For detailed guidance, resources, case studies, and upcoming IEN-specific webinars or workshops, please visit our International Nursing Members page.

Could you benefit from career coaching?

Book a one to one telephone career coaching session. Explore situations where coaching may benefit you and how to book an appointment.
hand placing alphabet blocks that spell out the word "career"

International Nurse resources

If you are an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) working within the UK, welcome to the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ! Our new International Nurse Resource is packed with:

  • Advice guides for overseas nursing staff and students (employment contracts, work experience, bringing your family with you, the UK Health System, etc)
  • Guide to common English Expressions
  • International Nursing Associations and live events especially for internationally educated nursing staff
  • Case studies and videos, and much more.

You can also check out our International Member Case Studies, which showcases some of the amazing work, advocacy, and campaigning that both the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Immigration Advice Service and the wider ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ have been doing to support our international members.

Eva's story