Tag: International Nurses

The Impact of Brexit on Nursing Migration to the UK: Understanding the Shifts and Implications

 

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.

The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures, Student Edition, 10th Edition (Royal Marsden Manual Series)

Conclusion

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.

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Viviensvoice

Reasons Why International Nurses are Better off in the UK

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.

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Let’s grow together

Viviensvoice

 

How To Become A UK Registered Nurse: Simplified

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.

    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/

    Step by step process to become a Uk Nurse