Qualified as a nurse in the EU? Looking to relocate to Ireland to work as a nurse? Here's how

Qualified as a nurse in the EU? Looking to relocate to Ireland to work as a nurse? Here’s how.

First, it is important to register as a nurse in the country in which you qualified. You will need to be on the register there before you start the process of relocating.

The most important step is passing the English exam. The English exam can be tough and has low pass rates first time round, so ensure you take a free English assessment before you book it. Here are two options:

There are 2 types of English tests that you can do. IELTS is the cheapest option but tends to be harder and has lower pass rates (around €200). OET is easier to understand and communicate with as they train you as a healthcare professional utilising healthcare language (around €360).

Minimum scores accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) are below:

Minimum IELTS and OET scores accepted by NMBI

Please note that:

  • NMBI only accept IELTS/OET test results that are less then two years old. If your test results are out of date, you will need to re-sit IELTS/OET
  • NMBI will independently verify your scores
  • NMBI only accept one test result and do not accept combined results
  • NMBI do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake
  • NMBI do not accept IELTS online or OET at home

After passing the English exam you can then register on the NMBI website and upload your documents. Once you have your PIN and pay the fee it is very easy to get a job in Ireland.

For more information get in touch with us today 01 871 7666 or email info@excelhealthcare.com. You can view all of our live nursing roles here.

How to become a healthcare assistant in Ireland

What is a Healthcare Assistant?

Are you thinking about becoming a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland? Here’s more information on how.

As a Healthcare Assistant, your role is to provide support to patients and assist them in personal care. Healthcare Assistants can work in various different healthcare settings including patients’ homes, hospices, nursing homes, day services and hospitals.

Roles and responsibilities of a healthcare assistant include:

  • Assisting patients with personal care such as bathing, clothing and feeding.
  • Supporting with personal hygiene and toileting
  • Prompting patients to take medication
  • Assisting nurses and supporting other healthcare workers
  • Monitoring and supporting patients
  • Maintaining a safe environment
  • Protecting the dignity of the patients

You must have specific qualifications to work as a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland, which includes a QQI Level 5 in Healthcare or Pre-Nursing (or equivalent if obtained outside Ireland).

Alternatively, if you’re a student nurse studying a level 8 you can work as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) after your first year of studies along with other modules obtained, including Infection Prevention and Control, Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Patient Manual Handling.

Healthcare Assistants are crucial to the Irish Healthcare system, and there are also many opportunities for career growth. At Excel Healthcare, we provide a list of training courses, including online and classroom training for healthcare professionals.

Excel are always looking for more qualified Healthcare Assistants to join our Healthcare team, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a confidential chat and more information on our agency and what it can offer you. There are always job opportunities available at Excel Healthcare.

Contact us on 01 871 7666 or email info@excelhealthcare.com.

You can check out all of our live HCA roles here.