This post is about how to ensure your first job in the NHS is as supportive as possible.
I am going to mention points here which I have personally experienced, witnessed and implemented in some of the trusts I have worked in.
Choosing the right grade
If you are applying in medicine, it is very important you start as a SHO. Even if you have completed the relevant exams ( like given MRCP), ensure you at least start as a SHO.
I have explained more about it here:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/starting-as-registrar-as-your-first-job.html
Asking the appropriate questions
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-to-do-once-your-job-has-been.html
Shadowing
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-importance-of-shaowding-when.html
SOME FAQs
IMGs have been working in the NHS for decades now. Why do we have to ask these? Should the trusts not know about these?
Unfortunately, the people who deal with your application are non medical personnel like HR. Consultants accept you for a post in an interview but then HR take over and ask for various documents.
For them, a non trainee FY1 is like a trainee FY1 ( who has been shadowing in NHS trusts since their 3rd year and have been on the supernumerary rota 3 months before starting)
For them, a FY2/CT1/ST1/SHO/Junior clinical fellow has worked in the NHS as FY1/FY2
Hence they assume you have NHS experience. They assume you have lived in the UK.
How can I ensure they know about my situation?
As soon as they offer the post to you, let them know that you do not have any NHS experience and have not lived in the UK.
How should I draft an email to them?
Hello ,
I am starting as a SHO in ****. My presumed work start date is on **** - This is subject to my certificate of sponsorship and visa processing.
When I arrive in the UK, I will need to sort out:
1. Biometric resident permit
2. Open my bank account
3. Look for accommodation.
1. ACCOMODATION
Do you offer hospital accommodation ? If not , do you have any contacts with estate agents who could possibly help with getting an accommodation for rent ?
As I have not worked in the UK before, will HR be able to help in acting as a guarantor in case the estate agents want this information
2. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING TESTS
As this is my first job in the NHS, I do not have any screening tests done here. Will it be possible to arrange an appointment with occupational health so that they can do the relevant screening tests ?
Also , will I be able to work whilst awaiting for my screening tests ?
3. SHADOWING
As I have no NHS experience, may I get a period of shadowing please? I can start on **** as I would have hopefully sorted out my BRP , bank account and accommodation by this time. I think I can easily settle if I get to shadow my colleagues in the same department I am starting in for the first few days.
I have clinical knowledge as evidenced by my performance in the interview but I just wanted to ensure I am well supported and understand the basics of the NHS like the I.T system , how to do referrals , understanding how the ward and MDT works so that I do not make any mistakes. I have spoken to other colleagues and they have suggested a few days of shadowing doctors at my level would help me immensely.
4. INDUCTION
Will I have a formal induction ? So that I know the IT system and the local policies like all doctors get when they start in this trust? I understand most of your doctors are trainees and would have had a formal induction in August when they started. Will it be possible for me to have a similar induction please?
6. SUPERVISOR
Do I have a supervisor? Just so that I can meet them early and discuss my personal development plan so that I can progress in my career.
7. ON CALLS
I hope I am not on the on call rota initially. As this is my first job in the NHS, it will take me a few weeks to get used to the system. I think I can easily manage on calls after 2 to 3 months of starting , or even earlier after discussion with my supervisor to ensure I am confident enough. I can start on my base ward and work from 0900 to 1700 and familiarize myself with the local policies so that I am confident during my on calls and can support the team as much as possible.
As you might be aware , I am travelling from my home country, **** to the UK. I have resigned from my job in my home country.
My expenses are
Visa fees ****
Airline tickets ****
Train tickets from *** Airport to ****
Expenses for staying in a bed and breakfast whilst looking for accommodation ****
Expenses for eating out till I get my accommodation ****
Travel expenses with in the city ****
As you can see , these expenses are a substantial amount and it will be very difficult to manage. Especially when I am using all of my savings back home and despite that , I will not have any savings to sustain myself financially within the UK.
For this reason, I humbly request you to reimburse my relocation expenses. Is there a trust policy you can possibly send to me ?
I can provide receipts of all aforementioned expenses.
Will it be possible for you to provide a letter that I am employed with yourselves so that I can easily open a bank account. A few of my colleagues struggled with opening bank accounts when they came to the UK for the first time.
I wish to apply for a training post next year or the year after that. Will it be possible for the trust to provide a certificate of sponsorship which is valid for at least 2 years? This way, i can continue working in this trust till I get a training post and will not have to worry about extending my visa which is quite stressful.
11. INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE DOCTORS WORKING IN THIS TRUST
Does this trust offer a study budget for non trainees? As you might be aware, I will have to do an ALS course which is quite expensive and I would really appreciate it if the trust could reimburse this amount to me when I have attended the course. I presume I will need ALS when I am doing on calls hence I will book it is soon as I am settled.
13. ANNUAL LEAVES
I have an important family event to attend on the **** in my home country,***. Hence will it be possible to get leave for these dates? I just wanted to make sure the rota team is aware of this beforehand.
Why do I need to ask these questions?
How can I ensure my trust follows the same pattern?
When you are about to start work, email your supervisor and meet them. Discuss this so that they can ensure this is implemented.
They do not need to do much. It is more for you to be aware of and do so that you are not overwhelmed.
I personally ensured that I had this structure in my shadowing period and this way, was able to settle well in the NHS.
This was back in 2016 and these small things help me settle well and struggle less. I asked the appropriate questions early, ensured I was supported and from thereon, helped others have the same sort of support.
My mission is to make the NHS a safe and well supported place to work. I hope this blog post helps you settle in your first job in the NHS. If you are already settled, you can implement this checkbox system for new IMGs starting in your trust.
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