We are a multicultural Trust and we place great importance on supporting our growing workforce.
We provide Internationally Educated Nurses with a structured and supportive learning environment, offering opportunities for clinical development and leadership skills as well as career progression.
Since 2016, we are proud to have recruited over 400 nurses from all over the world, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the future.
The programme
For all nurses coming from overseas, we provide a structured on-boarding programme to ensure that you are supported continuously throughout your time with us.
All Internationally Educated Nurses must have an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in order to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work in the UK. The programme includes an intensive, structured training programme so that you are fully prepared to take your OSCE.
We also have in place an in-depth induction, a buddy system, mentoring, and monthly catch-ups to ensure an easy transition for newcomers.
The application process
Applicants who wish to apply for our Internationally Recruited Nurse programme must go through one of our partner recruitment agencies that supports our overseas recruitment. This will follow a separate application process.
Alternatively, overseas applicants may also apply directly with us through the standard route.
Our application process is designed to get to know you, your strengths, experience, and attitude. There are usually three main stages to our application process:
- Our overseas advert will be published on NHS Jobs and Healthjobs UK for up to five days. You can register to complete an application via either route and set your preferred role preferences.
- Following your success at shortlisting, you will be invited to attend a virtual interview, held via Microsoft Teams. Interviews will take place with our recruitment and clinical practice education teams.
- Once you have accepted an offer, the employer checks will be started by the recruitment team. This process will usually take between two and six weeks, subject to home office regulations and satisfactory checks.
What we provide
Our Internationally Educated Nurse Recruitment Programme has a number of fantastic benefits such as:
- OSCE training programme*
- OSCE exam costs*
- Flight tickets to the UK*
- Employer visa costs*
- Two months free accommodation*
- Food voucher
- NMC registration.
*Terms and conditions apply
In addition, we also have a number of staff networks at the Trust. You can find out more about our staff networks here.
Stay and Thrive
Stay and Thrive is an initiative that has been created to better support our IENs across the Trust. We recognise that the transition for new staff who have joined the Trust from overseas can be difficult, but we are committed to making the move easier and more enjoyable for all. Through Stay and Thrive we offer a number of additional supportive measures, including advice on accommodation, finances, and the local area, and more. We are also passionate about offering our IENs opportunities and progression within our organisation by providing resources for you to build a rewarding and successful career.
Great Western Hospitals awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award
We have proudly been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award for providing best practice pastoral care for international nurses and midwives.
The NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award is part of NHS England and NHS Improvement’s International Recruitment Programme, which seeks to support NHS organisations in increasing and developing their international recruitment plans.
This award recognises the incredible work being carried out across our organisation to ensure our internationally educated colleagues receive high-quality, enhanced, and tailored pastoral care as they start their NHS careers with us.
Meet a few of our internationally educated nurses
Listen to our Great to Talk podcast featuring some of our Internationally Educated Nurses.