International nursing

International nursing

If you’re an international nurse who is looking to live and work within the UK, then why not apply to join us at KMPT? So many brilliant people already have, so read on to find out more.

Recruitment requirements

Through our International Recruitment Programmes, we seek qualified mental health nurses who are able to provide high standards of care for our patients. Currently, we have satisfied all vacancies within our international pathway; however, we're always exploring new opportunities so please do keep updated with KMPT Vacancies. All nurses must adhere to and maintain the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) professional standard of practice.

To maintain this standard, international nurses must have completed the following:

• Pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) before travelling to the UK for work
• Commence and pass the first part of the NMC registration process - a computer-based test of your theoretical and practical knowledge (CBT)
• After passing the CBT, apply to the NMC before travelling to the UK to complete your Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCEs)

You can find out more on the NHS website about the requirements of moving to the UK.

You can find out more about being a mental health nurse here.

Our recruitment package

In addition to our standard employee benefits, we offer a competitive package to support overseas nurses financially which includes:

• New hire bonus of £1,200
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET) fees paid for (if successful in your exam)
• Computer Based Test (CBT) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) fees paid
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration fee paid
• VISA fee paid
• Accommodation provided free of charge for two months
• Flight to the UK
• Welcome pack

In addition to helping you pass your OSCEs, our nursing education and development team will support you while you are settling into your new role as a mental health nurse in the UK.

Before you arrive in the UK you’ll be provided with a pre-arrival booklet that covers many different aspects of living and working within the UK. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a member of our pastoral care team, either in person or after transportation from the airport. You’ll be given time to settle in before commencing your 12-week induction programme. This comprises a local and corporate induction, your essential training and e-learning, a skills development programme, study time to prepare for your OSCE and time within your workplace to get to know your colleagues and the site at which you’ll be based. 

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) support programme

Our dedicated nursing education and development team at KMPT, in collaboration with other NHS trusts, have designed a programme to support and develop our overseas trained mental health nurses to undertake the second part of your test of competence.

We are very proud to have a remarkable 96 per cent pass-rate (overall) for our OSCE training. The programme facilitates the alignment of the international nurse’s skills to the test of competence handbook and the NMC blueprints.

Our OSCE support programme covers all core elements set out in part two of the NMC test of competence:

• assessment, implementation, planning and evaluation (AIPE)
• skills stations
• communication
• medicine management
• basic life support
• wound care.

The OSCE support programme includes a mock assessment to ensure candidates have the opportunity to practice their skills under exam conditions in preparation for their final exam.

You are fully supported throughout the journey to attain your NMC PIN. Once successfully registered with the NMC the support does not stop there as you will receive mentored support through your Preceptorship programme.