How to work as a nurse in the UK if you’re from India?

The United Kingdom is a country rich in history, with an endless list of things to do and sights to rival any other place on the planet.
The fantastic career opportunities available in the UK, however, make the UK even more appealing. Every year, thousands of people from other countries come to the country to work, many of whom are qualified nurses from India. You are required to register with the NMC in order to work as a nurse in the UK. In addition, you are required to pass either the IELTS or OET exam.
The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom is the primary attraction for most overseas nurses who wish to work in the country. Apart from the fact that the NHS has an abundance of nursing positions for both native-born and foreign-born nurses, the benefits packages that come with NHS jobs are quite tempting.
Aside from having a world-class healthcare system, the United Kingdom is also incredibly cosmopolitan, welcoming people from all walks of life and cultures around the world. When Indian nurses return to their native countries, they will frequently find all of the comforts of home in their new towns, making the transfer to the United Kingdom a simple and exciting process.

Prerequisites for Indian nurses to work in the UK?

To become a nurse in the UK, you’ll need to follow certain steps and meet specific requirements. Here’s a general guide on how to become a nurse in the UK:
Educational Requirements: 
You should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualifications. Additionally, you will need to complete a nursing degree program approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

• Educational Requirements: You should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualifications. Additionally, you will need to complete a nursing degree program approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Choose a Nursing Program: There are several nursing programs available in the UK, including a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing). You can also pursue a nursing degree through a Nursing Apprenticeship, which combines work-based training with academic study.
• Nursing Degree Program: Enrol in a nursing degree program of your choice at a university or educational institution that is approved by the NMC. The program typically takes three to four years to complete.
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration: After successfully completing your nursing degree, you must apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The NMC is the regulatory body for nursing and midwifery professions in the UK.
• English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency, such as passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the required scores.

You must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, and write fluently in English. Having the capacity to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers is a must for anyone hoping to work in the healthcare industry in the UK.
You can test your English proficiency in one of two ways:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• OET (Occupational English Test)

Choosing which test to take is a matter of personal preference, as there are significant distinctions between them. There are many factors to consider while deciding which test to take: IELTS or OET.
IELTS has many versions, and you must ensure that the one you choose is appropriate for entering the UK as a healthcare professional.

• DBS Check: As a part of the registration process, you will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is a criminal record check.

• Complete your job interview: When your IELTS or OET results are in, your nursing agency in the UK will set up an interview via Skype or another video platform. This is your chance to show why you’d be a good fit for a nursing position in the UK and to ask any questions you may have regarding the application process.
• Take and pass the computer-based exam (CBT): You must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in order to practice as a nurse in Britain (NMC). A computer-based test (CBT) is required for registration, which can be taken at any of the many test centers worldwide. Computerized multiple-choice questions are used in the exam, which consists of 120 questions. You’ll have four hours to finish the exam.
• For the NMC, provide papers: NMC is looking into whether you’re a good fit for a job in UK nursing, and they will ask you to provide a variety of documents. Once the NMC has received all of the required documentation, you should expect to wait up to 60 working days for a decision letter.
• Ensure that the NHS Trust receives your personal information: All of the necessary paperwork will be forwarded to the NHS Trust by your agency as part of the recruitment process. To work as a nurse in the United Kingdom, you need these documents.

Documents such as the following are evident:

• A copy of your completed NHS application form
• A criminal background check from your home nation.
• The documents needed to prove one’s identity
• References

• Post-Registration Experience: Some nursing positions may require some post-registration experience, but this depends on the specific job and the employer’s requirements.
• Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): You must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship before you may apply for a Visa (COS). As your sponsor, the NHS Trust will submit the application for you. Sponsorship for another three years can be obtained if needed. In the United Kingdom, you can become a permanent resident after five years.
• Apply for a visa: A Tier 2 visa is required for Indian nurses who plan to work in the United Kingdom. In some cases, the full or part of the cost of your Visa will be funded by the NHS Trust that you are joining. Learn about Visa expenses from a Your World International specialist. Family members’ visas are not usually covered by the trust.
• Plan your travel arrangements: Your new life awaits you in the United Kingdom, so pack your suitcases!

Book your flights and get ready to fly to the UK. A Your World International representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your lodging. You’ll also receive a welcome packet, which includes a map of the area, important phone numbers, and more. You will subsequently be enrolled in the NHS Trust and commence OSCE training.

• Accomplish the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is the second stage of NMC registration requirements. The test simulates some of the healthcare situations that nurses and midwives in the NHS are likely to experience while providing care to patients.

For the OSCE, there are six stations in which nurses and midwives are tested on their knowledge and grasp of the assessment process as well as their ability to organize, implement, and evaluate patient care. Finale stations assess clinical expertise.
Each NHS Trust will have a different training schedule for the OSCE. A third attempt is permitted at your own expense if your first two paid attempts to pass the exam are unsuccessful. After three unsuccessful tries, you must return to your native nation. As a result, Your World strongly advises delaying the relocation of any family members to the UK until after you have passed the OSCE.

• Obtain Your NMC Pin Number: If you pass the OSCE, you will be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and assigned an NMC Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Your professional nursing career as a registered nurse (RGN) in the United Kingdom will officially begin!

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): As a registered nurse, you’ll be expected to engage in continuous professional development to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date throughout your career.