This course helps internationally educated nurses and midwives settle into UK practice. It explains the autonomy expected of UK registered nurses, how documentation, communication and teamwork usually work on NHS wards, and the cultural expectations around patient choice, family involvement and speaking up. It also covers practical support, preceptorship and looking after your own wellbeing during the transition.
What you will learn
- Describe how the role and autonomy of a UK registered nurse may differ from nursing in other health systems.
- Apply UK expectations for documentation, handover and escalation in everyday practice.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families and colleagues, including using plain English, interpreters and assertive escalation.
- Recognise UK expectations about patient choice, dignity, equality and family involvement.
- Identify sources of support, such as preceptorship, pastoral support and Freedom to Speak Up guardians, and plan for your own wellbeing.
Course content
- The transition to UK practice (2 min)
- Autonomy and accountability (2 min)
- Documentation and handover (2 min)
- Communication and language (2 min)
- Team culture and the wider team (3 min)
- Patient choice, dignity, equality and families (2 min)
- Case study: the first three months (2 min)
- Support, preceptorship and wellbeing (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018)
- NMC: Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses (2018)
- NMC: Principles of preceptorship (2020)
- NHS England: National preceptorship framework for nursing (2022)
- Equality Act 2010
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.