International staff recruitment programme
For all staff coming from overseas, we provide a structured onboarding programme to ensure that they are supported continuously throughout their time with us. We are proud to nurture and support our staff so that they can provide the best patient care possible by enabling opportunities to learn and develop their abilities.
We have been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award as part of NHS England’s International Recruitment Programme. This award acknowledges our commitment to provide a safe arrival, induction and provision of support for new staff joining the NHS from overseas. We are proud our hard work has been recognised nationally and we’ll continue to focus on staff wellbeing for our internationally educated staff.
What is the Internationally Educated Professionals Programme?
- Pastoral and wellbeing support
- Clinical support and teaching
- OSCE preparation (for registered nurses)
- Competency assessment
- Preceptorship
- Great career opportunities
- Continuous professional development and courses
- Assistance with re-validation.
OSCE training
All internationally educated nurses must have an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work in the UK. The programme includes an intensive, structured training programme.
Bridging workshop
This one-day workshop has been developed to support qualified healthcare practitioners who are new to the UK to transition and ‘bridge’ their existing knowledge and skills to align with the values and practices upheld by Dorset HealthCare.
Preceptorship programme
Our Preceptorship programme provides support, guidance and development for all newly registered practitioners to build confidence and competence. The programme consists of 12 workshop days as well as access to a member of the team (preceptor) to support with development.
Pastoral care
Our pastoral support worker has been in post since June 2022 and provides invaluable support for internationally recruited staff. Pastoral care now starts pre-arrival with Teams ‘meet-and-greet’ calls and information packs and timetables. All nurses are met on arrival to Dorset with groceries and are transported to Winton to collect their visas and open a bank account the next day. A buddy system is in place as is a group WhatsApp chat and regular catchups are arranged in the first six months.
Our staff networks
We have staff networks, who shape the culture and behaviour of the organisation, as well as support staff members, to be their best selves at work. Our multicultural network works closely with the pastoral support worker to help support staff.
Health and wellbeing
Our staff really matter to us, and we want to do all we can to support their wellbeing. We know that the work they do caring for our patients and service users, or supporting patient services, can be extremely rewarding but sometimes challenging.
We offer a range of benefits which include a competitive salary, an NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave and staff discounts. Check out all our benefits.
