How To Overcome Challenges Encountered by International Nurses Who Aspire to become UK RN

Last Updated on 03/10/2022 by Vivien Ayinotu

The idea of career progression is what we all desire at some points in our lives. There is no exemption in professions like nursing.

Who wouldn’t like to earn more while doing what they love.

Since my post on migrating to the UK from Nigeria to practice as a registered nurse, I have gotten some questions from applicants. The post can be seen here.

Below are some of the questions and my responses.

Before I jump into that, I would like to think that coming to the UK to practice is the end goal of any applicant.

In as much as how you go about it and what you would do matters, the goal remains to come over to the UK to work as a nurse.

I am fully cognizant that one ought to maximise their chances at any given time but I have some reservations here.

Now, let me share with you the kind of questions I have been asked by some Nigerian nurses who have passed their exams and awaiting jobs.


1.  I have made several applications but have only gotten an offer from a trust that wouldn’t sponsor my MSc afterwards. What do you think?

In as much as NHS Trusts offering MSc are better, I guess there is only one main question.

Are you interested in coming to the UK as a nurse?

Or

Are you simply keen in the MSc?

No doubt you can have both, besides some already had it but …

If your current sponsors don’t offer MSc wouldn’t you accept and come over to the UK first?

It is your choice I guess.

2. I have applied to London hospitals and awaiting offer letter but people are telling me London is very expensive. What are your thoughts?

London is quite expensive but nurses live and work there.

I mean, that’s the shortest answer to that.

Now let’s look at it this way, if all you see is London nurses jobs, why don’t you apply for it and come to London first. Isn’t it the goal again?

When you have stayed in London and think London isn’t for you then you can choose to live and work outside London.

In the UK, there are so many nursing jobs. Nurses are always in demand. There is ongoing shortage of nurses.

So do not worry. Come over first.

There are so many jobs in different cities to choose from.

It is important to know that you would have to complete your agreed time with your sponsor before you go to a different job.


3. I am preparing for an interview with a nursing home instead of hospital, should I take it serious?

Okay. You applied for this position meaning you wanted it, so what has changed now?

If it is worth your time, then take it serious.

Go ahead, prepare and ace your interview.


4. I have applied for so many jobs and nothing has clicked yet. How can you help me jobs?

I have heard this question a lot of times now. Some many people are in this category.

First things first, UK is in very high demand for nurses.

Again, the shortage is alarming. The pressure and the workload seems to be getting worse by the day.

Sorry, I know I’m repeating myself but that’s just me laying emphasis on the obvious.

I would like you to make more search. Search and keep searching till you get a job.

You already have a statement. Do read job specification and make sure your statement is targeted.

Do not use same statement for hospital to apply for a care home. More so, do not use the exact one for a nursing home for a residential care home.

When you apply to different units, do know the job differs and your skills should be demonstrated for the different roles respectively.

Keep searching and applying till you get offers.

Apply to both private and NHS hospitals and care homes.

The isn’t an exhaustive list but just to mention a few.

Bonus Tips

• Just in case you are wondering, a colleague used this same statement and got offers instantly. Why isn’t it my case now?

Different things work for different people. It is also possible times have changed. Let’s just focus on you now.

• It wouldn’t be out of place to think the application process is becoming more competitive. So, you need to up your game and do what needs doing to land you the desired UK nurse job.

•Getting a UK nurse job remains the focus. There is no room for distraction.

•Learn how to sell yourself during interviews. You need to convince a recruiter that the job is specifically made for you.

• Do not worry about job locations in the UK yet. There is good transport and amenities across the UK.  Get the job first and you can move to a preferred city later on.When I did my adaptation years ago, I moved to a different city. I was there for months and left what I had gotten what I wanted. Most times all you need is to be prepared before hand for some unforeseen circumstances.

When I did my nursing adaptation years ago, I moved to a different city. I was there for months and left what I had gotten what I wanted. Most times all you need is to be prepared before hand for some unforeseen circumstances.

• Oh! Least I forget. For those yet to pass IELTS, do see it as part of the preparation. You now know what the real test looks like. Prepare better and write again. Book for another test till you get the desired result.

• Have an open mindset. There are opportunities out there.

Detailed guide on becoming a UK registered nurse is a step by step process. All the information you will need is contained in the post. 

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