Navigating the UK NHS Interview: Your Gateway to a fulfilling Healthcare Career!

 Hey Aspiring Healthcare Heroes,

So, you've set you have started your NMC journey. Now you have either passed the CBT exam or acquired IELTS results and now sights on joining the esteemed ranks of the UK NHS( National Health Service). Congratulation! Now, let's prepare you to conquer that all-important NHS Interview. 

Okay, I have talked about the qualifications you need to get into the Nursing job in the UK so I'm not gonna talk about it here. There are a few ways you can get to an interview. Either you can complete your CBT exam and then find an interview or get an interview after completing the IELTS. It depends according to your plan and timeline. But each trust in NHS has different rules regarding interviewing candidates so you have to look for that. You can get an interview directly through the NHS Job site or through an Agency. That is also your choice. Or if you want to work in the private sector same thing again. There are lots of options once you acquire your qualifications so make sure to do good research. Here I'm only going to talk about NHS interviews and my experiences. Again you don't have to do the same things I share here it's really up to you I'm just putting these out there just for you to get an idea.

Understanding the UK NHS Interview Process:

Before we dive in, it's critical to understand that the NHS interview is designed to assess not only your clinical skills but also your values, attitude, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Preparation is Key:

1. Research, Research, Research:

Delve into the NHS. Go to their site to understand their core values, history, and the services it provides. This knowledge will set you apart. Additionally, you should research the trust that you are getting the interview from.

2. Know your Role:

Familiarize yourself with the specifics of the roles you're applying for. Understand the responsibilities and expectations.

3. Clinical Scenarios:

Be ready to discuss clinical scenarios and how you'd approach them. Emphasize patient safety and evidence-based practice.

4. Prepare for common interview questions:

Find out what questions they normally ask in the interviews and prepare for them in advance with great details. I'll provide you some sample answers and questions in separate posts. You need to study about following topics because most clinical questions will based on them.

• The Code
• The Core values
• The Fundamental Values
• STAR Technique
• NEWS chart
• GCS score
• AVPU score
• ABCDE approach
• Three care bundle
• Multidisciplinary team

Sample Questions:

There are two types of questions namely, the Clinical questions and Scenario based questions. You should answer every question fully and thoroughly. Don't just say three or four sentences elaborate.

Introduce yourself,

Why do you want to work in NHS?

How do you feel about fundamental values?

Can you describe your experience working in the healthcare sector?

What are the qualities and skills do you possess?

Why did you want to become a Nurse?

What are your strengths?

How to Introduce yourself properly:

First of all great the interviewer and smile with them and relax. They may start the interview with other questions as well so don't worry if they didn't ask you to introduce yourself self they already have your CV. So don't just go and say all things about your life from birth to the present. Just tell them your name the the name which you like to be called. And before that, you can thank them for the opportunity.

" First of all, Thankyou mam/sir for giving me this opportunity. I'm (Your Name) and you can call me (first name) and I'm from ( county)."

Start with nursing-related stuff about your AL and after that where did you get your nursing-related diploma or degree where did you practice during that time and in what units and wards did you work etc. Just about your clinical education. And if you have published any research papers remember to mention them as well that will be an extra point for you.

"After my A/L I decided to follow the nursing course that I entered ( NTS or University). During that time I trained in  (hospital) where I was able to practice (Units/ wards). "

Then you can start about your experiences and remember to mention your registration as well. Don't go into too much detail but don't leave out information as well. Make it short and sweet. Tell them where you worked your units and how long you worked there. and then mention what are the responsibilities you had in those places.

After that, you should mention any other qualifications you have like if you participated in any ALS or BLS courses make sure to mention them quickly. Then you can start talking about yourself telling them about your skills and qualities that will make you perfect for the job.

" I'm a young and confident nurse with good communication skills. I always prioritize the needs of the patients and I have a very outgoing personality so naturally, I have very good teamwork skills. And I'm always about helping others in need which is why I'm very passionate about Nursing." 

Again this is what I found with my research and experiences. I'm just trying to help you out and you can get this idea and make a version of yours.

I will post more questions with sample answers so you guys can get an idea and prepare better.

Approach the NHS interview with confidence, a thorough understanding of the NHS values, and a genuine passion for providing exceptional care. Remember, you're not just interviewing for a job, you're joining a community committed to the well-being of patients.

You've got this! Go rock that NHS interview and embark on your rewarding healthcare journey!

Cheers,

Hasitha Senarathna