It is important that effective strategies exist which enable employers to support the well-being of migrant nurses working in the UK. This is to enhance job satisfaction and the overall nursing workforce stability.
Migrant nurses play a crucial role in the UK healthcare system, helping to address the nursing shortage and providing valuable skills and diversity. However, they may face unique challenges that can impact their well-being and job satisfaction. Employers must implement certain strategies to support the well-being of migrant nurses, ensuring their success and fostering a stable and content nursing workforce.
Let’s discuss some of the challenges migrant nurses face and offer practical strategies for employers to support their well-being.
Challenges Faced by Migrant Nurses in the UK
Cultural Adaptation
Migrant nurses must navigate cultural differences in both their personal and professional lives, which can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming
2. Language Barriers
Language barriers can hinder effective communication between migrant nurses and their patients or colleagues, potentially affecting their confidence and job satisfaction.
3. Credential Recognition
Migrant nurses often face difficulties in having their qualifications and experience recognized, which may impact their career progression.
4. Social Isolation
Leaving behind their support networks, migrant nurses may experience social isolation and homesickness, which can affect their mental health and well-being.
Strategies for Employers to Support Migrant Nurses’ Well-being
Provision of Cultural Competence Training
Offering cultural competence training for all staff can help create a more inclusive work environment and facilitate better understanding between colleagues, enhancing migrant nurses’ sense of belonging and job satisfaction.
Implement Language Support Programs
Employers can support migrant nurses by providing language classes, workshops, or access to language resources, fostering better communication, and easing the transition into the UK healthcare system.
Facilitate Credential Recognition and Career Development
Supporting migrant nurses in the credential recognition process and providing opportunities for professional development can help them reach their full potential and improve job satisfaction.
Encourage Social Integration and Networking
Promoting social events and networking opportunities for migrant nurses can help them build connections with colleagues, reducing feelings of isolation and improving their overall well-being.
Establish Mentorship Programs
Pairing migrant nurses with experienced colleagues can provide valuable guidance, support, and insights into navigating the UK healthcare system and adapting to a new cultural context.
Offer Mental Health Support
Providing access to mental health support services, such as counselling or employee assistance programs, can help migrant nurses address stress, homesickness, and other challenges that may impact their well-being.
Conclusion
Supporting the well-being of migrant nurses is essential for maintaining a strong and stable nursing workforce in the UK. Employers can play a crucial role in ensuring the success of migrant nurses by implementing strategies that address cultural adaptation, language barriers, credential recognition, social integration, and mental health support. By fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, employers can enhance job satisfaction and well-being for migrant nurses, ultimately benefiting the entire healthcare system.
If you like this post, please comment, share and subscribe to this blog.
Today, we will be exploring how Brexit has influenced nursing migration to the UK, its effect on the healthcare system, and the potential future of international nursing in the country.
Brexit, the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, has had far-reaching consequences on various sectors, including healthcare. One area of particular concern is nursing migration to the UK. This post will discuss the impact of Brexit on nursing migration, its effect on the healthcare system, and what the future may hold for international nursing in the UK.
Brexit and Nursing Migration: Key Changes
The End of Free Movement
One of the most significant changes following Brexit is the end of free movement between the UK and EU countries. Previously, EU nurses could easily work in the UK without a visa. However, with the introduction of the new immigration system, EU nurses now face the same immigration requirements as non-EU nurses, making the migration process more challenging.
New Points-Based Immigration System
The UK introduced a new points-based immigration system in January 2021. Under this system, international nurses, including those from the EU, must meet specific criteria, such as having a job offer, English language proficiency, and a minimum salary threshold, to be eligible for a visa.
Health and Care Worker Visa
As part of the new immigration system, the Health and Care Worker visa was introduced. This visa aims to streamline the process for eligible healthcare professionals, including nurses, to work in the UK. It offers reduced fees and faster processing times compared to other work visas.
Effects of Brexit on the UK Healthcare System
The decline in EU Nursing Migration
Since Brexit, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of EU nurses migrating to the UK. The increased immigration requirements and uncertainty surrounding Brexit have deterred some EU nurses from pursuing employment in the country.
Increased Reliance on Non-EU Nurses
With a decline in EU nursing migration, the UK has turned to non-EU countries to fill the nursing shortage. This shift has led to an increase in nursing migration from countries such as India, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
The strain on the Healthcare System
The decrease in EU nursing migration and the ongoing nursing shortage have placed additional strain on the UK healthcare system. Hospitals and care homes have struggled to maintain adequate staffing levels, potentially impacting the quality of patient care.
So, let’s talk about what the future holds.
The Future of Nursing Migration to the UK Post-Brexit
Undoubtedly, there will be some impacts. The UK will have to do what they deem fit to sustain itself as a country. This will include the following:
Continued Reliance on International Nurses
Despite the challenges brought on by Brexit, the UK will likely continue to rely on international nurses to address the nursing shortage. The Health and Care Worker visa and other initiatives demonstrate the country’s commitment to attracting qualified healthcare professionals.
Investing in Domestic Talent
To ensure a sustainable healthcare workforce, the UK must invest in domestic talent by increasing funding for nursing education and training and improving working conditions to retain existing nursing staff.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Post-Brexit, the UK must continue to build and maintain strong partnerships with both EU and non-EU countries to facilitate the exchange of healthcare professionals and promote nursing migration.
Brexit has undeniably impacted nursing migration to the UK, leading to a decline in EU nursing migration and increased reliance on non-EU nurses. To maintain a robust healthcare system, the UK must continue to invest in domestic talent while fostering global partnerships to support nursing migration. By adapting to the post-Brexit landscape and addressing these challenges, the UK can ensure a sustainable and diverse nursing workforce that meets the needs of its population.
If you like this post, do comment, share and subscribe to my blog.
You will benefit more by practising globally acclaimed nursing in the UK
Are you an international nurse that wants a better working environment and much higher earnings too? This is post is for you.
The aging population in the UK is on the increase. As a result, it puts a strain on the UK healthcare; The NHS. There is long waiting time in Accident and emergency units. Nurses available overwork themselves and sometimes break down and require care. This implies that more hands are needed.
I will share with you why working as a nurse in the UK is a better option for you as a international nurse.
1. The UK has a shortage of nurses, and this shortage is expected to keep growing as the years go by. Nurses have remained in the occupation shortage list in the UK for a while now.
2. Globally, UK nurses are exceptionally skilled, well experienced and sought after globally. The UK experience is nothing less than first class care.
3. In the UK, there is a better quality of life and safer working environment for nurses.
4. Regarding career development, UK provides nurses with numerous opportunities to advance in their different career pathways. There are lots of trainings, sponsorships, education and secondments available.
5. It is important to note that UK is a quite a safe and a welcoming country. It serves as home for nurses from all over the world.
Guess what?
Nothing remains same for long in the UK. I will show a guide on the steps to be taken to become an overseas nurse in the UK.
Here it is. More so, information regarding challenges that can be encountered during the process can be found here too.
If you like this post, please comment, share and subscribe to my blog.
This piece gives an idea of the challenges many Nigerian nurses face as they seek for better working opportunities to practise nursing in the UK.
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.
If you like this post, please comment, share and subscribe to my blog.
These are practical guide on how an international nurse (e.g. a Nigerian trained nurse) can become a registered nurse and practise in the UK. There are better job opportunities in the UK.
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.
