NMC register growth not meeting demands - calls to increase international recruitment
After over 14,000 nurses and midwives left the UK’s nursing and midwifery register between April and September 2021, the NMC has released statements regarding the recruitment and retention of the workforce. The concern is that the country is on the brink of a crisis that – if left unaddressed – would further impact healthcare organisations’ obligation to keep patients safe and to deliver safe and effective care.
Fewer first-time joiners and RCN initiative
Combined with the fact that there were fewer first-time joiners to the register in 2020/2021 (38,323) than in 2019/2020 (34,577), the NMC has expressed concerns about the professions recruitment and retention rates. In a recent survey of nurses leaving the profession responders cited pay and working conditions in the profession. In response, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has launched a Fair Pay for Nursing campaign which aims to champion a 12.5% pay rise for all nursing staff that would be fully backed by the government’s Agenda for Change.
Recruiting further afield (international recruitment)
In combination with this initiative and government intervention, healthcare organisations are increasing their talent pools to include considering overseas qualified nurses. International nurses typically bring experience, cross-cultural competence to the role, as well as a desire to positively contribute to UK healthcare. To be eligible to work in the UK, an international nurse needs to demonstrate their competence by passing three exams: a language exam and the NMC Test of Competence Parts 1 (CBT) and 2 (OSCE).
What is IELTS Medical doing about this?
Here at IELTS Medical, we are responding to the growing demand for international nurses by increasing capacity at our state-of-the-art Central London Training Centre. We provide training for IELTS and OET; the NMC CBT and the NMC OSCE. Our CLTC is frequently open from Monday to Sunday from 9am – 9:15pm. With excellent accommodation facilities a mere 5 minutes’ walk (and Oxford Street Shopping Centre 20 minutes’ walk) from us. Nurses and Midwives can look forward to intensive and effective training with excellent pass rates, as well as some R&R in one of the greatest cities in the world.
Get intensive training and R&R with us… Call 02036376722!
