Last Updated on 25/12/2022 by Vivien Ayinotu
For most nurses in Nigeria, traveling abroad to practice as a nurse will mark the peak of their career. It will make a difference in their practice, learning and improve their income.
As a registered UK nurse, I will simplify this post in manner that anyone who have longed to take those bold and brilliant steps can go ahead and do it.
People have done it in the past and so can you.
Things you need to do:
1. You need an international passport
Apply for this if you do not already have a valid one. Ask for the booklet availablity and duration of processing before you do so as collection dates trends to differ in different cities.
2. Prepare and write IELTS/OET exam
This can be started as soon as possible because an acceptable result is needed to initiate the process.
– International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – You will need to have an overall score of 7.
For each section, a minimum of:
Listening -7.0
Writing – 6.5
Reading – 7.0
Speaking – 7.0
– Occupation English Test (OET) – You will need a the following grades; Reading – B, Writing – C+, Listening – B, Speaking- B.
Both exam result can be achieved in two sittings.
This information can be found on NMC UK page here.
3. Create an NMC UK account
This can be done here.
The cost of IELTS is about #75,000 while OET is about #200,00.
I was meant to understand that OET is much easier to pass. Possibly that explains the higher price.
4. Make a payment of £140 using a Mastercard. Afterwards upload the following:
– Data page of your international passport
– Nursing Certificate.
– IElTS/ OET result( this is optional at this point).
Progress can be monitored through your personal NMC portal.
5. Pay #17,500 on remitta. If you don’t live in Abuja, pay online and get someone to help you submit it. Otherwise, you can easily pay online or in a bank.
6. Send the following to NMC Nigeria in Abuja:
– Certificate
– Nursing license (front and back)
– Letter for verification and good standing; including your CRM number.
This number is found on the NMCUK £140 payment confirmation letter. The letter should state clearly what it wants from NMCN (request for a verification and good standing).
– Birth certificate
The wait to be verified. Thus can take weeks or can be facilitated.
7. Get an authorization to test email from Pearson to book CBT.
Pearson is an organisation that handles CBT.
8. Book for the CBT and write the exam.
It cost about £83. This can be done here via voucher here.
9. Complete ALL the forms from NMC UK.
Your IELTS /OET test result is mandatory at this point.
10. Make a final registration fee of £153 to NMC UK.
This is for your UK Nursing pin number; more like your license to practise in the UK.
Then wait for NMC Ng to complete your good standing.
11. Begin looking for jobs.
Use popular job sites like NHSJobs, Tracjobs and indeed.co.uk for hospital jobs. Care home jobs can be found here.
For someone that wants to learn more or for better career development, you should go for hospital jobs. Otherwise, just get to be a registered nurse in the UK and that’s it.
12. Read job offers carefully.
When you get offers, carefully read it before signing. Then send it back to the recruiter.
Do not accept so many offers at the same time.
If you apply directly, then know that you are to fund your visa and ticket fees.This is not the case for some, who use agencies and the agencies make an upfront payment for them.
Do know that agencies are available and not cheap.
13. Wait for Certificate of sponsorship (COS).
This replaces documents such as bank statements that those who have applied directly would have to submit for visa. It shows someone will be sponsoring your stay in the UK.
The COS contains an employment start date. Make sure you don’t have 2 recruiters processing this for you to avoid having problems with the UK home office. Besides, it will be unfair the other recruiter that won’t be needed.
14. Have a discussion with the recruiter, hospital or agency and make an appointment for your visa application.
You can buy your ticket.
Other protocols such as : tuberculosis test, police clearance follows.
15. Objective structured clinical examination (Osce) Exam in the UK:
This is the last stage. It is written in few Universities in the UK. Some hospitals do offer to support with OSCE preparation. Do consider this during job application and whilst accepting offers.
Recently, I ran into a newly qualified UKRN as she thanked one of the tutors that helped her and her colleagues prepare for their OSCE exam.
Lastly upon the successful completion of the OSCE, the applicant goes from a Band 3/4 healthcare assistant to a band 5 UK registered nurse.
Thanks for making it this far.
To start application, click here
Some of the challenges faced doing application can be found here.
Good luck in your application.
Live your dream.
Do like, comment and share with your friends.
Let’s grow together
Viviensvoice
References/Resources
NMC checklist;
https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/register-nurse-midwife/trained-outside-uk/
