Accepting the diversity of overseas nurses.

Abstract

Never before in the history of nursing registration has there been such an increase in applications from nurses and midwives trained outside the UK. One of the main reasons for this has been the need to fill the large number of vacancies that exist. It is important not only to monitor the effects of this influx of new staff but also to evaluate and consider the ways in which it is affecting and changing professional nursing in the UK. The mechanisms for considering applications from nurses and midwives trained outside the UK are set out in statutory rules which require the UKCC to check carefully the background of each applicant.