BMJ is supporting overseas nurses seeking employment in the UK

BMJ OnExamination, a leading provider of medical revision resources, is supporting adult field nurses seeking employment in the UK to prepare for the part 1 Test of Competence exam set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

This is a mandatory computer-based test consisting of 120 multiple choice questions that aims to test knowledge and understanding of UK nursing practice.

All nurses trained outside Europe and seeking employment in the UK must pass this test before sitting a part 2 face-to-face clinical examination, held in the UK.

According to recent BBC figures, more than two-thirds of UK NHS trusts are recruiting nurses from overseas to fill over 23,000 nursing vacancies. Around 5,000 overseas work visas for nurses are expected to be issued this year.

The test covers four main domains: professional values, communication and interpersonal skills, nursing practice and decision making, and leadership management and team working, as well as questions on patient or public safety.

After successful completion of part 1 and part 2 of the Test of Competence, applicants can register with the NMC and practice in the UK.

BMJ OnExamination's NMC Part 1 revision resource contains multiple choice questions in the same format as the actual computer-based test. It also allows applicants to practice using clinical scenarios, receive personalised feedback on their progress, and compare their performance with other users revising for the same exam.

Mark Stuart, BMJ Clinical Lead for Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health, says: "Over the last fifteen years, BMJ OnExamination has helped over 210,000 healthcare professionals revise for their exams. By using this resource, overseas nurses can be confident that they are fully prepared for the NMC exam and have taken the first step towards gaining the knowledge and skills required to practice in the UK."

Karen McCutcheon, a nurse and senior lecturer, Queen University Belfast, says: "This resource not only prepares overseas nurses for the test of competence part 1, it also provides the nurse with valuable feedback and explanations for each response given. This feedback directs the nurse to further resources and supports the development of nursing knowledge and understanding vital to ensuring the safety and protection of patients."

More information:
www.onexamination.com/

Provided by British Medical Journal