International Nurses | Royal College of Nursing

If you are an international nursing professional who currently works within the UK - the RCN welcomes you. With close to half a million members, we are the world’s largest nursing trade union and professional body.

Going on maternity leave or taking a career break? Switch your membership to save money and stay protected.

Coming to the UK?

Information for overseas nursing staff and students coming to the UK.

There are lots of things to think about before moving to the UK for work or study. Our advice guide for overseas nursing staff and students covers all the essentials, including:

• employment contracts in the UK
• work experience and examinations
• bringing your family with you
• the UK health system and NMC.

Helpful quick links

How the RCN can support you

Member support

We're here to help. We offer counselling, peer support and immigration advice.

Case studies

See how we have recently helped some of our international members.

Careers advice

Find out more about expert careers advisers, online resources and events.

Forums

Join one or more of our forums and networks.

Library

Develop and grow with access to Europe’s largest nursing library.

Financial wellbeing

Advice, support, and resources to help you feel more in control.

Further resources

CPD Programme for Indian nurses

RCNi has launched an online education and support resource for nurses in India, which provides best practice for continuing professional development in nursing.

RCN Foundation

Help for International Nurses registered in the UK, registered with the NMC or working as an HCA in the UK.

Revalidation

You need to revalidate with the NMC every three years to remain fit to practise.

Diversity and inclusion

Build, source and share tools and techniques that help to support own leadership and accountability in creating inclusive workplace cultures.

Resources specific to where you are practicing

For more information and resources relating to your specific country of practice, take a look at our links to information from various sources:

England

View information on NHS Employers International recruitment toolkit.

Northern Ireland

Find out more from the Northern Ireland Council for Racial Equality (NICRE)

Scotland

View the International Recruitment | NHSScotland Careers website for more information.

Wales

Visit the Train, Work, Live website for more information.

For information on visas and immigration, visit trainworklive.wales/live/

Find out more information about RCN Congress 2022

Nurse and midwife membership

Find out what the RCN can offer nurses and midwives.

HCAs, APs, NAs and TNAs

Find out what the RCN can offer you if you are working in the nursing team.

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International nursing members