Moving to a new country and learning a new healthcare system can be difficult and confusing. 

The RCN Careers Service is here to support Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) as they start working in the UK. 

To work as a nurse in the UK, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The process includes creating an online NMC account, sending documents to prove your qualifications and identity, and passing the Test of Competence, which has two parts: the CBT (Computer-Based Test) and the OSCE (practical exam).

You can find detailed guidance on the NMC website above which includes preparation resources for the CBT and OSCE. The RCN also offers support and guidance around preparing for IELTS, OET and OSCE exams.

Many healthcare professionals  look for jobs on the NHS jobs website at jobs.nhs.uk or directly on an NHS Trust's individual website. Other common websites include:

• gov.uk/find-a-job 
• carehome.co.uk/jobs
• jobs.rcni.com 

Read job adverts carefully to check if the employer offers sponsorship if you need this. If you’re not sure, contact the employer via email or telephone to confirm before starting an application.

For more information and tips, see our page searching for jobs. 

Some employers may ask you for a CV to apply for nursing jobs in the UK.

The UK has its own preferred style and format for CVs. Employers expect a clear two-page CV that highlights your relevant skills, qualifications, experience and/or knowledge. You should adapt your CV every time you apply for a different job to show how you are a good match for that particular role.

The RCN Careers Service has online guidance on writing your CV, including CV templates, CV samples, and a step-by-step CV guide. The Service also offers a CV checking service where you can email a copy of your CV for tailored feedback and advice.

The RCN Careers Service can help you write a strong job application, whether you need to apply for a job as a Healthcare Assistant, Registered Nurse, or Midwife.

In the healthcare industry, application methods can vary between different employers. Some employers use online forms and ask for a 'supporting statement' whereas other employers might ask for a CV and a 'covering letter.'

Always read the job advert carefully to see what is required. Most jobs in the NHS will require a supporting statement.

See our advice on writing job applications, which has advice on writing both covering letters and supporting statements. The RCN Careers Service also offers a checking service, where you can email a copy of your covering letter or supporting statement for tailored feedback and advice. 

Interviews in the UK can differ significantly from other countries. We have online advice on:

• interview skills including how to prepare, what to expect, and how to structure your answers
• sample interview questions (common questions asked in healthcare interviews) and
• managing interview nerves

The RCN Careers Service also offers members one-to-one interview coaching over the telephone.

The RCN’s Career Pathways Resource has information and resources about many of the different nursing roles in the UK, including necessary skills, entry requirements, pathways, case studies, and more.

Our Career Crossroads page has information on working within clinical roles, education roles, research roles and leadership roles, as well as career progression tips for nurses. 

RCN members have access to free, one-to-one career coaching over the phone, with up to three sessions in a six-month period, even if you’ve only just joined.

Our coaching isn’t about telling you what to do; it’s about giving you a safe, guided space to:

• Explore your strengths, values and career priorities
• Listen to your career ideas
• Talk through any ideas, fears, or opportunities
• Encourage you to think of your next steps or actions.

You’ll be supported to reflect on your goals, explore your ideas, and encouraged to plan your next move. To make the most of your session, you’ll be asked to prepare in advance, such as researching roles that interest you.

The RCN offers a wide range of free online learning to help you develop your skills and confidence or bridge knowledge gaps.

• Through RCN Learn, you can access short courses, webinars, and learning modules.
• You can also see our page Examples of Courses and E-learning which has lots of information about free courses and online learning. 
• Check the RCN Careers pages regularly for details about upcoming webinars.

It is sometimes possible to apply for education grants and research and practice development grants through the RCN Foundation (the RCN’s charity) to fund learning, courses, or development.

See the RCN Foundation's page on applying for funding for more details.

Anyone can be a leader, no matter their job title or where they are in their career. As an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN), you already bring unique experiences and attributes that strengthen your leadership potential.

The RCN Career Service has online advice on Leadership Skills to help you recognise and develop your leadership strengths, whether it's acting as a role model, advocating for patients, leading an audit, or coaching colleagues. This advice will also be helpful if you are asked to talk about your leadership abilities during applications or interviews.

You can enhance your leadership journey even more through the Edward Jenner Programme, a free, self‑paced online course from the NHS Leadership Academy designed specifically for anyone aspiring to their first leadership or management role within the next one to two years.

Additionally, the RCN offers tailored initiatives like the Introduction to Leadership Programme designed for individuals in the NHS, independent sector, and social care organisations working at Levels 2 - 4.  

There are many RCN forums that you can join, each representing a different field or speciality.

Each of these forums has its own Facebook group where you can connect with your fellow RCN nurses working in these fields for recommendations, career advice, sharing best practice, discussing the latest news, or just offering each other moral support.

Outside of the Careers Service, The RCN can offer you advice about working and coming to work in the UK, which includes information about your employment rights, contract checking, visa considerations, and protection against discrimination.

International nursing members page

The RCN is here to support you on your journey, ensuring you feel welcomed, prepared, and equipped to thrive within UK nursing. For detailed guidance, resources, case studies, and upcoming IEN-specific webinars or workshops, please visit our International Nursing Members page.

If you are an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) working within the UK, welcome to the RCN! Our new International Nurse Resource is packed with:

• Advice guides for overseas nursing staff and students (employment contracts, work experience, bringing your family with you, the UK Health System, etc)
• Guide to common English Expressions
• International Nursing Associations and live events especially for internationally educated nursing staff
• Case studies and videos, and much more.

You can also check out our International Member Case Studies, which showcases some of the amazing work, advocacy, and campaigning that both the RCN Immigration Advice Service and the wider RCN have been doing to support our international members.