Overseas Nursing Program (ONP)
From the 1st September 2006 all qualified
overseas nurses wishing to become registered with the
NMC will now be required to undertake 20 days protected
learning, allowing them to become familiarised with nursing
practices in the UK. In addition to this the NMC may require
some applicants to do an additional period of supervised
practice in an institution that has been audited by an
education provider approved by the NMC.
Important questions frequently
asked:
What are the reasons for the introduction
of the Overseas Nursing Program?
The program is an attempt by the NMC to
level of the quality of supervised practice placements
as it has been noted in the past the quality and standard
of training varied greatly. The ONP programme is designed
to produce a uniformly high standard for applicants wanting
to register with the NMC.
Who Can Undertake the Overseas
Nursing Program?
All overseas applicants (except those
from EEA States) who have an assessment letter dated from
1st September 2005 will have to enrol onto the new ONP.
What qualifications are required
to undertake the training?
Candidate must show that they have gained
confirmation from the Nursing & Midwifery Council
acknowledging their eligibility:
For admission to the Overseas Nursing
Programme,
To undertake a period of supervised practice,
To undertake an adaptation programme leading to registration
as a midwife.
Candidates also need to show they have
been offered:
A supervised practice placement through
an education provider that is recognised by the Nursing
and Midwifery Council,
A supervised practice placement in a setting approved
by the Nursing and Midwifery Council,
A midwifery adaptation programme placement in an educational
institute approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council
and a midwifery practice setting which has been approved
for pre-registration midwifery studies.
Does the new ONP system mean that the approved
educational institution will now control the programme
and assess the suitability of registration?
Any approved educational institution will
work in partnership with the service providers to deliver
the training program. The educational institute will be
responsible for enrolling ONP candidates into the programme.
The 20 day protected learning period may be undertaken
in practice and/or approved educational institution settings.
The independent setting will be either in a NHS Trust,
independent sector hospital, nursing home or other approved
practice setting and will be affiliated to the approved
educational institution.
Where can overseas trained nurses
undergo there supervised practice experience?
This is dependent on the assessment letter
issued by the NMC. Some candidates may be required to
undergo additional training in specialist areas eg. Mental
health setting. If a specific setting or particular experience
is not stated on the assessment letter the applicant may
be placed in a clinical environment that has been audited
by an approved education institute. The approved educational
institute partnership will decide upon the suitability
of the clinical environment in partnership with the service
provider.
Some Placements may be found
in nursing homes is this within ONP criteria?
Providing the above requirements are met a placement in
a nursing home is acceptable. However this is dependent
on the nursing home being within the approved educational
institute’s partnership framework, and must be audited
by the same institution that is approved to run the ONP.
What qualifications are required
for a mentor?
The mentor should be affiliated with the
same part of the register as that which the overseas trained
nurse in intending to enter. They must also meet the NMC
standards for mentors.
What is the employment status
of the ONP during the programme?
The overseas trained nurses will be supernumerary
during the 20 days of protected learning. This means they
are not counted in staffing numbers at that time. However
where they are required to undertake a period of supervised
practice they may be employed for this part of the programme.
Route for applicants granted 20days protected
learning only
Nurse / Midwife Applicant
20 days Protected Learning
Work Permit through usual channels
Visa Application
Enter country to start employment
On completion of 20 days protected learning apply for
In-country work permit, change of status FLR(IED)
Route for applicants granted 20 days protected
learning + supervised practice
Nurse / Midwife Applicant
20 days protected learning + supervised practice
Work Permit Free application
Visa Application
Enter country for employment and training
On completion of 20 Days Protected learning + Supervised
study apply for In-Country work permit FLR(O)
