Tips for your first job in NHS as IMG

Tips for your first job in NHS as IMG

So you have registered with the GMC, landed your first job and arrived in the UK. You realise it is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter in your life, personally as well as professionally.

A new job, a new country, a new way of life- it is alright to be excited and nervous at the same time. We have all been there and trust us when we say, it just gets better from here with just a little preparation.

Here are a few tested and tried tips:

1. Request for shadowing

While this sounds standard, all hospitals do not ensure that a new joinee gets a shadowing period so it is always better you confirm and ensure the same in your interactions with the HR. Shadowing is mostly observership where you accompany another team member and observe their work, making you grasp an understanding of your role, the hospital, the trust, the protocols, and even the team members you will interact with on a daily basis. Even if you think you are clinically very sound, shadowing is a good idea to acclimate you to the new system.

It is best to ensure this during or soon after your job interview.

1. Inquire about the induction

Inducting formally into a department is always scheduled but may be quite far from your joining date as these sessions are mostly batched. An induction session can be very helpful to understand the hospital systems and practical things you will need to know on a daily basis. Again, it is a good idea to confirm the date soon after the interview.

1. Get your bag ready

Sounds like advice to a school goer but your bag and its content are super important. Remember to carry:

• Pens(black)
• Notepad
• Clipboard (you can even get clipboards with storage to make your life even easier)
• Water bottle
• Coffee mug (insulated one if you travel longer) and
• Some snacks(hunger and running around on a busy call don’t go well together)

1. Make a mock run to the hospital

Any day before you start work, travel to the hospital at the time you plan to, using the intended mode of travel. It will help you understand how far the hospital is from your accommodation, how you need to travel, how long it will take for you to reach, so you can plan everything for the day you start work.

1. Wear comfortable shoes and a confident attitude

This is the best tip reserved for the last. The most important things you need to make your first job go smoothly are a pair of comfortable shoes and a confident attitude.

Surprised? Don't be. Invest in the most comfortable shoes you can get as you will be on your feet most part of the day. Heels or fancy formals won’t let your feet last a day. You will see everyone else wearing trainers too so don’t worry about fitting in or creating an impression- your work will do that for you.

Don’t let the newness of things overwhelm you, remember that you are a qualified medical practitioner who cleared exams in your home country and in the UK too. You have earned your place and you just need to work with dedication to move further up in your professional ladder.

Wishing you success!