🇬🇧 CV guide · United Kingdom · General guide: UK CV
Nurse CV for the UK (NHS)
The NHS and private hospitals recruit nurses from abroad every year. Your CV should be two pages, without a photo, and show your clinical areas, skills and where you are in NMC registration.
Registration and visa
- To work as a registered nurse you must join the NMC register: you pass a computer-based test (CBT) and a practical exam (OSCE).
- The NMC requires English evidence – for example IELTS Academic or OET at the required scores – unless you trained in English.
- Most overseas nurses come on the Health and Care Worker visa with a sponsoring employer.
- Write your status on the CV: “NMC application in progress – CBT passed (03/2026)” or “NMC PIN: …”.
Words UK employers look for
Band 5 Staff NurseNMC registrationPatient assessmentCare planningMedication administrationInfection controlAcute medicineSafeguardingMultidisciplinary team
Example CV lines
As they would appear on a UK CV.
Cared for up to 6 critically ill patients per shift in a 20-bed ICU
Administered medication and IV therapy in line with local policy
Mentored newly qualified nurses during their first 3 months
Common mistakes
- Adding a photo or date of birth
- No NMC status – recruiters filter on it
- Listing duties without the ward, bed numbers or patient groups
Write your UK CV for this job — in your own language
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Start free →Questions
Can I apply before NMC registration?
Yes. Many NHS trusts recruit you while you complete the CBT and OSCE; some work as a Band 4 until the PIN arrives. Show the current step.
IELTS or OET?
Both are accepted by the NMC. Write the test, date and scores on your CV.
Other professions
Visa and registration rules change. Check gov.uk and the professional regulator before you apply.