Common Questions from Nurses About Jobs Overseas

  • What are the process steps to work in the UK?

    1. Degree or Diploma in Nursing
    2. Registered as a nurse in your home country
    3. Eligible to register with UK NMC
    4. 12 months of nursing experience
    5. Successfully passed IELTS or OET

  • Will my children get free schooling?

    1. We will provide you with information about schools for your children.
    2. Public schools are free of cost.

  • Do I need 1 year of experience to apply for a job in the UK?

    1. The NHS uses pay scales called ‘Bands’. Each Band represents a level of experience and the salary for every Band is different.
    2. Every year, the NHS pay scales are reviewed. The scales are uniform for every NHS Trust throughout the UK.
    3. When you first come to the UK, you will be a Band 3 healthcare assistant with a salary of between £21,730 - £23,177 per year, depending on your experience.
    4. After successfully registering with the NMC and receiving your NMC pin, your Band will increase to Band 5, with a salary of between £27,055 - £32,934 per year.
    5. Your role will be based on full-time hours of 37.5 hours per week.

  • What is a Band and why are there different numbers?

    1. The NHS uses pay scales called ‘Bands’. Each Band represents a level of experience and the salary for every Band is different.
    2. Every year, the NHS pay scales are reviewed. The scales are uniform for every NHS Trust throughout the UK.
    3. When you first come to the UK, you will be a Band 3 healthcare assistant with a salary of between £21,730 - £23,177 per year, depending on your experience.
    4. After successfully registering with the NMC and receiving your NMC pin, your Band will increase to Band 5, with a salary of between £27,055 - £32,934 per year.
    5. Your role will be based on full-time hours of 37.5 hours per week.

  • What happens if I need medical care?

    1. You are covered by the National Health Service (NHS)
    2. This includes hospital, Accident & Emergency (A&E) care, General Practitioner (GP) visit or Clinic visits at any NHS network hospitals or clinics.

  • What are the benefits of working in the NHS?

    1. Band 5 Salary from £27,055 - £32,934 (once you possess NMC PIN number).
    2. Full-time permanent positions, 37.5-hour working week
    3. Flights into the country reimbursed
    4. Visa fees refunded
    5. Assistance and support with accommodation
    6. OSCE test fee paid upfront by the hospital
    7. OSCE training provided by the hospital
    8. Career progression/professional development opportunities
    9. Extra pay for shift differential, overtime & weekend shifts
    10. Paid annual leave: 27 days per annum plus 8 public holidays
    11. Access to generous NHS Pension scheme

  • Why should I work with Global Nurse Force?

    1. We don’t charge any placement or processing fees
    2. We work with the best hospitals throughout the UK
    3. We always provide open, accurate and consistent communication
    4. We support our nurses throughout the NMC registration process
    5. We offer free training materials for the Computer Based Test (CBT)
    6. Our hospitals provide excellent training for the OSCE and pay for the exam
    7. We will support you through the Tier 2 visa application process
    8. We will arrange airport pickup & free temporary accommodation
    9. We adhere to the UK Code of Practice for International Recruitment

  • What is the NMC?

    1. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulator for nursing and midwifery professions in the UK.
    2. The NMC maintains a register of all nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses eligible to practise within the UK.
    3. Your application to work as a registered nurse in the UK is considered by them.

  • What is the CBT?

    1. This is a test of your theoretical practice-based nursing knowledge.
    2. This multiple-choice test and can be taken at test centres around the world.
    3. Global Nurse Force will provide you training materials for the CBT

  • Can I take my family with me?

    1. Your first few months in the UK will be challenging since you will be focusing on your new living and working environment, learning new systems and procedures, preparing for your OSCE and taking care of other responsibilities.
    2. Unless you already have a support system in the UK, we would not advise you to bring family members this early on. Rather, they should join you after a few months once you have cleared OSCE and settled into your new environment.

  • Who pays for my flight?

    1. Your airfare to the UK will be paid for by your employer.
    2. You have to pay for flight expenses for your family members.

  • Will my spouse have permission to work in the UK?

    1. Your spouse can work at any job in the UK

  • What is the OSCE

    1. The Objective Structured Clinical Exam will assess your clinical knowledge and can only be completed in the UK.
    2. The test will be administered by one of the NMC’s approved university test centres.
    3. Our hospitals will provide you training for the OSCE and pay for it

  • How long is my employment contract?

    1. The position you will be offered is permanent. Overseas Nurses are required to commit to their position within the NHS Trust for at least three years, which is also the visa duration.
    2. After your contract period is over, your employer will consider extending your contract if your work has been satisfactory. You can also decide that you no longer want to work there and go somewhere else.
    3. After a period of 5 years in the UK, you will qualify for indefinite leave to remain and can obtain a British passport.

  • How much tax will I pay in the UK?

    1. Income tax will be automatically taken from your monthly salary, so the amount of money you take home will be lower.
    2. To work out how much tax will be taken from your salary, you can use an online tax calculator.

  • What do nurses do in the NHS?

    1. INewly qualified nurses work as a part of a team and provide direct patient care
    2. As you progress, you can specialize in areas such as theatre nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, community nursing or undertake further postgraduate studies to become a district nurse, health visitor or advanced clinical practitioner
    3. Some nurses move into roles in management, clinical research or teaching

  • What are the process steps to work in the UK?

    1. Clear IELTS with 6.5 in writing and 7 in remaining / OET with C+ in writing and B in remaining
    2. Attend Skype or Face to Face job interview through Global Nurse Force & secure a job offer
    3. Create online account with NMC and complete eligibility and qualification application
    4. Pass the Computer Based Test (CBT) to prove your knowledge and skills in nursing
    5. Get your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your UK employer
    6. Apply for your Tier 2 Visa
    7. Book your flight & arrive in the UK
    8. Start working as an assistant nurse
    9. Take the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) within 12 weeks of your start date
    10. Complete NMC registration process & start working as a Band 5 Registered Nurse

  • In case you have any questions that haven’t been answered

    1. Please email us on [email protected] or call us on +91 8111845500

  • What is the difference between IELTS & OET

    1. The IELTS test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. The NMC accepts this test to meet the standard of its English language requirement to work in the UK.
    2. Occupational English Test (OET) is an international English language test that assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practise in an English-speaking environment. The NMC accepts this test to meet the standard of its English language requirement to work in the UK.

  • What should I bring with me?

    1. The UK’s climate may be quite different from the country you are travelling from. We can guide you on suitable clothing to take with you.
    2. Bring UK adaptors for charging your mobile phone and personal computer so you can communicate with friends and family after your arrival.
    3. Do not bring substances or medications for which you do not have valid prescriptions, or which violate air travel regulations.
    4. Bring all your original documents with you. Your GNF consultant will advise on which documents to carry.

  • How much money should I take?

    1. Since your first few months of rent have been paid for by your employer, you will only need enough money to cover your grocery, transportation and miscellaneous expenses for the first few months.
    2. £1000 should be sufficient. Speak with your GNF consultant if you’d like to discuss your personal circumstances.

  • What are the eligibility requirements for Ireland?

    1. Degree or Diploma in Nursing
    2. Registered as a nurse in your home country
    3. Eligible to register with NMBI
    4. 1 Year recent work experience
    5. Successfully passed IELTS or OET

  • What are the process steps to work in Ireland?

    1. Clear IELTS or OET with below scores:

    IELTS Academic Test

    Minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Score

    Listening

    7.0

    Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in any one module.

    Reading

    7.0

    Writing

    6.5

    Speaking

    7.0

    Overall

    7.0

  • What is NMBI?

    1. NMBI stands for Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
    2. It is the health regulator that all nurses and midwifes working in Ireland must be registered with, like the NMC in the UK.

  • What is the HSE?

    1. The HSE stands for the Health Service Executive.
    2. They are responsible for creating the best health service in Ireland through values such as care, compassion, trust and learning

  • What are the types of nursing available in Ireland?

    1. There are typically 4 branches of nursing practiced in Ireland
    2. These include general adult nursing, intellectual disability nursing, psychiatric nursing and children’s nursing

  • If you have additional questions about nursing in Ireland

    1. Please email us on [email protected] or call us on +91 8111845500

  • How long does the NMBI process take?

    1. Once NMI receives all the correct forms and documents, they will provide an assessment within 90 days.

  • What is the difference between the Overseas Aptitude Test and the NMBI Adaptation & Assessment Test?

    1. The Overseas Aptitude Test is coordinated and managed by the Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI). This test doesn’t require an employer to sponsor you (although you can choose to obtain employer sponsorship) whereas the Adaptation and Assessment Test does.
    2. The Adaptation and Assessment Test states that you must find an employer to sponsor you to work as a nurse in Ireland. This is a supervised assessment where you will work in an Irish healthcare facility for 6 weeks. If you complete this successfully, you will receive an official nurse pin and can complete registration with the NMBI.
    3. The Overseas Aptitude Test only takes around 10-14 days to complete but the Adaptation & Assessment Test can take several months.

  • What are the benefits of working at HSE Hospitals?

    1. Salary from €29,860 – €46,501 per annum based on years of experience
    2. Permanent, full-time contracts
    3. 39 hours of work per week
    4. 24 days annual leave plus 9 public holidays
    5. Accommodation assistance and support
    6. Professional development and educational opportunities

  • Why should I work with Global Nurse Force?

    1. We don’t charge any placement or processing fees
    2. We work with the best hospitals throughout Ireland
    3. We always provide open, accurate and consistent communication
    4. We support our nurses throughout the NMBI registration process
    5. The following costs will be reimbursed to you upon successful completion of the adaptation program/ RCSI exam.
      1. Accommodation
      2. Flight
      3. NMBI application
      4. ATWS application
      5. Visa Fee
    6. We will support you through the visa application process
    7. We will ensure you receive airport pickup & temporary accommodation

  • What are the eligibility requirements to secure a job in the U.S.?

    1. Hold a BSc. Degree or Diploma in Nursing
    2. Hold a current nursing license in your home country
    3. Have at least one year of experience in an acute care hospital
    4. Willing to clear the NCLEX-RN exam
    5. Willing to clear English language test accepted for US migration

  • What are the process steps to work in the US

    1. Meet the educational & licensure requirements in home country.

      You’ve graduated from an accredited nursing program

      You’re licensed as a registered nurse in your country

      You’ve worked as a RN for at least one year

    2. Pass an English language test accepted for US migration
    3. Pass your National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX)
    4. Register with Global Nurse Force so we can arrange job interviews for you.

      Tell us about your nursing experience and where you’d like to work and we’ll find the perfect employer for you.
    5. Attend Interview & Accept Job Offer

      We’ll prepare you for your clinical interview and guide you through your employment contract
    6. Get an RN immigrant visa/green card.

      To get an immigrant visa, you’ll need the following:

      US-based employer who will be the petitioner for your immigrant visa.

      A Visa Screen Certificate (VSC) issued by the CGFNS (www.cgfns.org)
    7. Complete medical exam and immigrant visa interview.
    8. Arrive in the US, secure your nursing license & start your new job

  • What is the NCLEX exam

    1. The NCLEX determines if it is safe for you to begin practicing as a nurse in the U.S.
    2. You can obtain a U.S. RN license only after you pass the NCLEX exam

  • What is a VisaScreen Certificate?

    1. The VisaScreen certification ensures that you have the necessary qualification to work as a registered nurse in America.
    2. This certificate is required for all healthcare workers seeking an occupational visa to work in the U.S.
    3. You will need to present your VisaScreen Certificate at your official embassy interview.

  • Can I bring my family with me to the U.S.?

    1. Your spouse and children under 21 will also receive green cards and can accompany you to the U.S.

  • Why should I choose a nursing job in the USA through Global Nurse Force?

    1. Our clients are prestigious hospitals throughout the U.S.
    2. You’ll learn cutting edge skills and advance your nursing career
    3. We do not charge any kind of recruitment or processing fees
    4. We will guide you through the VisaScreen certification & licensure process
    5. We will assist you & your immediate family to receive green cards
    6. We’ll book your flight, pick you up at the airport and arrange temporary accommodation
    7. We’ll be by your side during your first week in America to make sure you and your family are comfortable and settled.

  • Which IELTS do I need to take?

    1. You will need to pass the academic IELTS with 7 in speaking and 6.5 overall.

  • Does the NCLEX expire?

    1. Once you’ve passed the NCLEX, you’ll never need to take it again
    2. Even though your U.S. state nursing license may expire, your NCLEX never expires.
    3. Our licensure team will help you endorse your NCLEX to the state where you’ll work.

  • What type of Visa will I receive?

    1. You will receive a green card which will allow you to stay in the U.S. permanently
    2. You can apply for US citizenship after 5 years

  • Do I have to sign an employment contract?

    1. Yes! You will need to commit to work for your employer for 2-3 years
    2. The amount of time you will need to work for your employer varies by hospital

Global Nurse Force has been providing international nurses to healthcare facilities for over 20 years.

  • Why hire nurses from overseas?

    1. Many countries including USA, UK, Ireland, Australia & Canada are facing a shortage of nursing professionals. There are simply more positions than there are qualified nurses to fill them.
    2. With aging populations and the rise in chronic diseases, health systems everywhere are under strain.
    3. Healthcare facilities have been turning to international nurses for decades. International nurses do not take jobs away from domestic nurses; they simply supplement your current staff and provide care and comfort to your patients.

  • Direct Hire vs Contract Hire for filling nursing vacancies

    If your facility is considering international recruitment, you will come across two very different models:

    Direct Hire

    Once the international nurse arrives at your facility, he/she becomes your permanent employee and receives the same salary and benefits as your regular nursing staff.

    Contract Hire

    The international nurse is employed by a staffing agency that contracts their services to your facility.

  • How Global Nurse Force can help?

    We provide a turnkey recruiting solution for healthcare facilities, starting with the sourcing and screening of international nurses from India and around the world, facilitation of the hiring process, management of immigration paperwork, candidate credentialing, licensure and coordination of the relocation process. We provide these services for a flat fee per applicant.

  • Who handles the English language testing, credentialing and licensure process

    Global Nurse Force works with each candidate to ensure they have completed their English language, credentialing and licensure requirements for the country/state of intended employment.

  • Does Global Nurse Force charge a placement fee to nurses?

    Global Nurse Force follows the World Health Organization and International Council of Nurses guidelines for ethical nurse recruitment and never charges any placement or processing fees to nurses in relation to gaining employment overseas.

  • Why work with Global Nurse Force?

    Global Nurse Force has placed thousands of English-speaking nurses with healthcare facilities throughout the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada & Australia.

    We are licensed by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and have a steady pipeline of highly skilled nurses looking to live and work overseas.

    Each of our nurses is carefully pre-screened, fluent in English, has excellent references, outstanding clinical skills and is flexible and adaptable.

  • Benefits of international nurse recruitment?

    1. International nurse recruitment solves the nursing supply and demand issues that exist domestically.
    2. Permanent, international nurses can provide stability to your nursing workforce that results in greater continuity of care, optimal patient outcomes and higher levels of patient satisfaction.
    3. International nurses can also reduce your facility’s dependence on expensive contingent staff.

  • Who handles the immigration process?

    Global Nurse Force manages the immigration process for all the nurses you hire. All applicants arrive at your facility with proper work visas and necessary immigration documents.

  • Who handles the Relocation Process?

    Global Nurse Force works closely with clients to coordinate the arrival of their international nurses.

    We arrange flights, airport pickup, temporary housing, transportation, setting up a bank accounts and other essential tasks.

    We make sure every nurse settles in successfully into their new job and community

  • What is our financial risk?

    With over 20 years of international nurse recruitment experience, we have successfully delivered thousands of nurses to clients in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and USA.

    Recruiting with Global Nurse Force poses no financial risk since you don’t pay us anything until your nurses start working.

Common Questions About the IELTS & OET

  • What is IELTS?

    IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a test to assess the English language skills of candidates who want to study, work or migrate to a country where English is the official language of communication.

  • What skills are tested in IELTS?

    Four skills are tested – reading, writing, listening and speaking.

  • Which version of IELTS do I need to take?

    IELTS Academic is for candidates wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level and for those seeking professional registration. Nurses interested in working in the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia or Canada should take Academic IELTS.

  • How long does it take for IELTS results to be published?

    Your results will be published 13 calendar days from the date of your exam.

  • What is the purpose of IELTS?

    The purpose of the IELTS test is to assess the English language reading, writing, listening and speaking ability of a person who wants to study, work or migrate to an English speaking country.

  • Who accepts IELTS?

    The IELTS score is accepted by more than 9,000 organizations worldwide, including schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. Nursing registration bodies in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada & Australia accept IELTS

  • How long is my IELTS score valid?

    Your IELTS score is valid for 2 years.

  • How many times can I appear for IELTS?

    There is no limit on re-appearing for the IELTS exam.

    Recruiting with Global Nurse Force poses no financial risk since you don’t pay us anything until your nurses start working.

  • What is OET?

    OET is designed to assess the English language skills of candidates who want to study or work in countries where English is the language of communication. It is the English language test for healthcare professionals.

  • What countries recognize OET as proof of English Language Proficiency?

    OET is recognized as proof of English Language proficiency by health regulators Australia, Dubai, U.K., Ireland, Singapore, New Zealand, and Namibia.

  • How long is my OET score valid?

    OET scores are generally valid for 2 years. The exam is accepted in multiple countries and each country and the medical board pertaining to the country has the discretionary power to decide the validity of the said exam.

  • How is OET different from other English Tests?

    The OET is designed for 12 specific healthcare professions. Tests reflect real workplace tasks and relevant language skills.

  • How long does it take to receive OET results?

    OET results are published on the official website 17 days after the day of the test. Healthcare professionals can access their results by visiting their profiles on the official website.

  • Will I get assistance with all four modules?

    Yes, you will get assistance in all four modules through one on one sessions.

  • Will I be provided training materials?

    All training material will be free of cost.

  • What duration of course is required for a first-time test taker?

    The duration strictly depends on your proficiency in English. But most non-English speakers with no prior knowledge of the Exam will need a minimum of 2 months.

  • What is the minimum duration of a crash course?

    A crash course is usually for a minimum of 3 weeks. You can avail this type of course if you have attended the exam more than once and have trouble in 1 or 2 modules.

  • How long will the one on one session last?

    1 hour a day or longer if required (trainer discretion)

  • Is there any online training material provided?

    Yes, we have a tie up with a premium online English language preparation provider. Unlimited access to this platform is provided. Please note: this access is available only for students registering for 2 months or more.

  • What if I need help with only a few modules?

    Special packages are available to suit your specific needs.

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