Resources for International Nurses New to the Community

If you are an internationally trained nurse, welcome to the UK!

New Resource for International Nurses, Midwives & Allied Health Professionals

Introducing the International Healthcare Professionals’ Handbook

By Annesha Archyangelio, Regional Director of Nursing, Direct Commissioning, NHS England/ Author.

The International Healthcare Professionals’ Handbook: A Success Guide to Working in the UK for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals is a vital new resource designed to support internationally educated healthcare staff in navigating the UK health system with confidence and success.

Why this handbook matters
With the growing number of internationally recruited healthcare professionals joining the NHS, this guide offers practical, culturally sensitive, and system-specific insights to help staff thrive. It covers:

• Preparing for successful completion of the International Recruitment (IR) process
• Understanding NHS structures and pathways
• Building cultural competency and resilience
• Accelerating career development and progression
• Navigating clinical language, abbreviations, and tools used in UK healthcare

Available now via:

• Elsevier’s bookstore: – 9780323932615 (uk.elsevierhealth.com).
• Amazon.co.uk: International Healthcare Professionals’ Handbook: 1: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.co.uk.

For institutions
Universities, hospitals, and libraries can purchase single or multiple licences via platforms such as Kortext, Bibliu, VLe Books, and Browns. For further information and access options, contact: a.archyangelio1@nhs.net

Listen to the companion podcast
Equipping Internationally Educated Nurses in the UK with Tools to Thrive – Live from ICN.
Listen here – https://marketscale.com/industries/healthcare/equipping-fens-in-the-uk-with-tools-to-thrive-live-from-icn/

International Nursing Associations in the UK

Employment

https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/international-nurses-during-covid-19

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/information-overseas-nurses

https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/advice/overseas_cand.html

https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/recruitment-overseas-nurses-and-midwives

Information for overseas candidates – Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC): https://www.nmc.org.uk/news/coronavirus/test-of-competence/

Information for international nurses – Royal College of Nursing (RCN) : https://www.rcn.org.uk/membership/international-nursing-members

Education

Information on master’s degree in the UK – UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/postgraduate/postgraduate-study/why-study-postgraduate/faqs-about-postgraduate-study

Nursing specialisms – Royal College of Nursing (RCN): https://www.rcn.org.uk/professional-development/become-a-nurse#becomeanurse

Finance and Practicalities

Receiving money from abroad: https://moneytransfers.com/guides/receiving-money-from-abroad

Couriers for overseas: https://parcelcompare.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwm9yJBhDTARIsABKIcGbXTGCZDtKoi7uXxGOXjNnpsSEmVQM4sNO7EST0cfynKZVrNK1fMNYaAjI0EALw_wcB

Maternity pay and leave: https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave

Visas: https: //www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

Agency working: https://www.rcn.org.uk/get-help/rcn-advice/agency-workers

Driving 

Generally, it should be stressed that England is one of the safest countries in the world for road travel. The quality of the roads surfaces and signage is for the most part good, despite the frequent complaints of many road users. Many roads are busy though, particularly at rush hours, adding significantly to journey times. GPS systems are now very commonly used by people for leisure use as well as by professional drivers, and they are a huge benefit if you are unfamiliar with the area, saving you time and making driving safer. Driving in the UK: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-uk-and-abroad

Pastoral and Self-Care

NHS – looking after your mental health : https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has a good range of information about how they have supported new overseas nurses: https://www.nhsemployers.org/case-studies/pastoral-support-and-induction-international-recruits

Culture

A guide to common English sayings