Thousands of nurses trained outside the UK, including in Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines and across Africa, apply to work in the NHS and UK private healthcare every year. A clear, UK-style CV helps recruiters see your clinical experience and how far you are through registration in seconds. We write CVs for internationally educated nurses, set out the way UK healthcare employers and agencies expect.
The route to nursing in the UK, in brief
To work as a registered nurse in the UK, you need to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. For most internationally educated nurses, the main steps are:
- English language test: for example IELTS Academic at an overall 7.0, with at least 6.5 in writing, or the Occupational English Test (OET).
- Computer-based test (CBT): part one of the NMC test of competence, which you can take in your home country.
- NMC application: your qualifications and registration are checked.
- OSCE: a practical clinical exam, part two of the test of competence, taken in the UK.
- Registration: once you pass, you receive your NMC PIN.
What a UK nursing CV should include
- Registration status up front: your home registration (for example with the Sri Lanka Nursing Council), plus each NMC step you've completed, with dates.
- English test results: the test, your scores and the date.
- Clinical experience by setting: hospital, ward or unit, specialty, number of beds and typical patient ratio.
- Skills and procedures: for example IV cannulation, wound care, medication administration, ventilator care or theatre experience.
- Systems and equipment you've used, and any audits, teaching or leadership responsibilities.
- Training and CPD: BLS or ALS certificates, specialist courses and their dates.
- Visa status: whether you'll need sponsorship, such as a Health and Care Worker visa.
Before: "Staff Nurse, General Hospital. Responsible for patient care."
After: "Staff Nurse, 32-bed adult medical ward, 2021–present. Cared for up to 8 patients per shift, including post-stroke and diabetic patients. Mentored 6 student nurses and led the ward's monthly falls audit."
What to leave off
UK CVs don't include a photo, date of birth, religion, marital status or passport number, even though these are common on CVs in many other countries. Our UK CV format guide explains why.
Prices
Most nurses choose the Professional Package: a CV, plus a cover letter that we can write as an NHS-style supporting statement, plus a LinkedIn profile for UK recruiters.
Basic Package
- Professional CV, written from scratch
- ATS-friendly, Word & PDF
- One round of revisions
Professional Package
- Everything in Basic
- Tailored cover letter
- LinkedIn profile rewrite
- Two rounds of revisions
CVFactory Recruiter
- Everything in Professional
- 20 matched jobs a month
- 20-min coaching every 2 weeks
- Offer negotiation support
Get your UK nursing CV written
A CV written for UK healthcare employers and international recruitment agencies.
Get StartedQuestions from international nurses
Do NHS jobs use a CV or an application form?
Most NHS jobs ask you to apply through an online application form with a supporting statement, rather than a CV. Private hospitals, care homes, nursing agencies and international recruitment agencies usually ask for a CV. Most internationally educated nurses need both.
Can you write my supporting statement?
Yes. If you choose the Professional Package, tell us in your order notes and we'll write your cover letter as an NHS-style supporting statement, structured around the person specification for the role you're applying to.
Should I put my English test results on my CV?
Yes, if you've passed. UK employers and recruitment agencies want to know quickly whether you meet the NMC's English language requirement, so include your test, your scores and the date you took it.
I haven't finished my NMC registration yet. Should I still apply?
Many UK employers and agencies recruit nurses part-way through the NMC process and support them through the OSCE. Show clearly on your CV which steps you've completed and when, so employers can see how close you are.
Do you write CVs for midwives and other healthcare roles?
Yes. We also write CVs for midwives, healthcare assistants, care workers and allied health professionals.