How can I Work as a Nurse in Northern Ireland?
If you’ve qualified as a nurse in your home country and you’re keen to grow your professional career in Northern Ireland – there are so many options for you, and we’re here to lead the way.
At TTM Healthcare Solutions (TTM) we specialise in assisting nurses to make a move from the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, USA, India, Europe and Ireland – to take up nursing positions in Northern Ireland. We recruit across a range of roles, including Nurse Practitioner, Paediatric Nurse, Auxiliary Nurse, Staff Nurse, Practice Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Learning Disability Nurse and Occupational Health Nurse roles.
Register your interest with TTM's International team by completing our International form.
Registering with the NMC
All nurses who come to live and work in the UK must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – the body which regulates the nursing and midwifery profession in the UK and ensures high-quality care of patients by setting standards.
Everything you need to know about joining the register to work as a nurse in the UK is available on the NMC website. There's a handy checklist which helps you understand if you are ready to register and a step-by-step guide which takes you through the registration process.
If you trained outside the UK and EEA
If you trained outside the UK, you can apply to be on the NMC Register- providing you meet its standard. The NMC will compare the training in your country with that required in the UK. There is a two-part application process which you will need to complete:
Step 1 – You take a computer-based, multiple-choice exam, which you can complete from your home country.
Step 2 – You take a practical observed structured clinical examination at one of three test centres across the UK.
If you trained outside of the UK you must also meet the English language standards set by the NMC. You will need to prove that your pre-registration nursing programme was taught and examined in English and that at least 50% of the programme involved clinical interaction using English. You can do this by successfully completing:
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - a universally recognised international test of English language proficiency. You will need to achieve a minimum overall level of 7, although a level 6.5 in writing will be accepted alongside a level 7 in reading, listening and speaking.
OR
• The Occupational English Test (OET) - an international English language test designed specifically for the healthcare sector, and which is an option for nurses, midwives and doctors. You will need to achieve a minimum of a level B.
PLEASE REMEMBER - If you are an EEA national but you completed your nursing training OUTSIDE of the EEA, you will not be eligible for automatic recognition of your qualification under the EU Directives and will need to register as above.
If You Trained in the EEA
If you trained in the EEA you must also meet the standards of the NMC before you are registered. The NMC will compare the training in your country with that required in the UK.
Once your qualification is recognised, you will need to supply evidence that you meet the required level of English – whether speaking, reading, listening or writing. You can do this by successfully completing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET) as described above.
We’re Here to Help Make it Happen
To make it as smooth and easy as possible, you will be allocated your own dedicated consultant who will guide, advise and support you all the way:
We look at exactly what help you need to take up a nursing position in Northern Ireland. We will look at your individual situation and advise as to what you need to do to successfully register with the NMC and guide you through the process.
We will check whether you need a Visa. Remember, if you have a British passport or may be eligible for one, or if you are travelling on a spousal Visa, a Visa may not be required.
Some hospitals with available positions might offer a full package – including VISA, relocation costs and registration. Much will depend on your individual situation and the position for which you are applying.
• Your consultant will put forward your CV and arrange all interviews for you.
• Once you accept a job offer, your consultant will work with the hospital onboarding team to make sure you receive your full offer pack. Your consultant will also work to ensure your NMC registration is on track.
As soon as you are registered, your consultant will arrange for your arrival in the Northern Ireland – making sure your Visa application has been processed, flights are co-ordinated and accommodation is arranged.
On your arrival in Northern Ireland, you will have your induction at the hospital. You will then start work as a pre-registered nurse while being trained to pass a final exam – the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
From start to full registration, this process will typically take 2 to 3 months.
