The process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver entails a series of meticulous steps and considerations. With the increasing demand for Kenyan nurse aides in the UK and the expanding opportunities for Kenyans working as caregivers in nursing homes, the process of securing employment and settling into a new country requires thorough planning and preparation. From exploring available jobs in the UK for Kenyans to understanding the intricacies of obtaining caregiver positions, this article delves into the essential aspects of transitioning from Kenya to the UK for aspiring nursing assistants and caregivers.
4 Main Requirements for Relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Healthcare Assistant
1. Valid travel passport.
2. Caregiver certificate.
3. Pass the IELTS exams with at least Band 4.0.
4. Police Clearance Certificate
The Steps of Relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Nurse Aide
Step 1: Get a travel passport and a driver’s license (The first process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver)
Check out how to apply for a Kenyan passport here; https://immigration.go.ke/passport-section/application-steps-for-passport/
- You need a driver’s license if you’re going to be a domiciliary carer (provide home-base care to different people in different locations in the UK).
Step 2: Do a Caregiver Course in Kenya
You can do a Caregiver Course online on websites such as Alison.com or Florence Academy.
Please note that online-based courses only offer theory; for physical practice, one can approach private hospitals such as the Mater Hospital, RFH Hospital, Nairobi Women Hospital, Meridian, or Aga Khan University Hospital for a chance to be a part-time volunteer just to gain experience.
Accredited Institutions for Nurse Aide / CNA Course in Kenya;
For those that prefer in-person training rather that learning online, the following training institutions offer both CAN theory and practical training in Kenya;
- GoCare
- Avenue Hospital
- Westwick College in Gigiri
- Ujuzi Fursa Africa
- Nairobi Women Hospital
A caregiver course in Kenya takes 3 to 4 months to complete.
Step 3: Pass the IELTS exams
To apply for the IELTS exams, one needs to pay about 30,000 Kenyan shillings.
For nursing assistants / CNAs, the passmark required for IELTS is Band 4.0.
Step 4: Start Applying for CAN Jobs in the UK
To get a nursing assistant job in the UK, you can use either a recruitment agency, apply through job application websites, send your application directly to the nursing homes.
One other way of getting nursing aide jobs in the UK is sending cold emails to multiple healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Check our expert-drafted cold email templates suitable for nursing assistance job application in the United Kingdom.
11 Tailored Cold Email Templates for Kenyan Nursing Assistants Seeking Jobs in the UK
Best Recruitment Agencies for Relocating Kenyan Nursing Assistants to the UK
These agencies have experience and expertise in assisting Kenyan Nursing Assistants with the process of relocation and employment in the UK healthcare sector;
List of Job Application Websites for Nursing Assistants in the UK that Kenyans could apply to;
- Indeed.com
- Trac.Jobs (you have to create an account with Trac.Jobs)
Apply for Nursing Assistant jobs in the UK directly
Ensure you specify that you’re looking for an international job in the search bar.
Top Nursing Home Companies in the UK that Sponsor Kenyan Nurse Aides
Step 5: After getting the job, the employer sends you a job offer
Read the job offer thoroughly to confirm the following;
- How long is the contract? Is it a 3-year or 5-year contract? What happens if you break (fail to complete) the contract? Will you need to pay the employer a fine if you break the contract?
- Does the employer offer accommodation?
- How much is the salary?
- How many hours are you supposed to work?
- Before accepting the job, do your own investigation and search online for the employers review from past employees (learning more about the employer is important before relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant.
11 Best Cold Email Templates for Kenyan RN Nurses Applying for work in the UK
Step 6: After you accept the job offer, the employer sends you a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
The COS is literally your gatepass to the UK; you need the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for a United Kingdom visa. For most CNAs in Kenya, this is the most eagerly awaited step in the process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver.
Step 7: Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (The 7th process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver)
You have to pay 1,050 Kenyan shillings to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. You need a Police Clearance Certficate to apply for a United Kingdom visa in Kenya. Check out the steps of applying for a Police Clearance Certificate here; https://www.dci.go.ke/police-clearance-certificate.
Step 8: Do a TB test
The TB tests costs around 16,500 Kenyan Shillings. TB tests in Kenya are conducted in Gigiri, at the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The TB test is mainly a chest X-ray, and you’re given the results on the same day. The results of the TB test may be a dealbreaker when relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant.
11 Tailored Cold Email Templates for Kenyan Nursing Assistants Seeking Jobs in the UK
Step 9: Apply for a UK visa (The 8th process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver)
For UK visa application, Kenyan Nursing Assistants are required to pay around 36,000 Kenyan shillings for a 3-year visa – or 72,000 Kenyan shillings for a 5-year visa. An extra 3,500 Kenyan shillings need to be paid for visa processing.
- Note that some employers pay for your visa (sponsor your visa) but other require you to pay for your visa during the process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver.
Step 10: Buy a plane ticket
The flight to the UK costs around 70,000 Kenyan shillings. Some employers may pay for your plane ticket but others require you to cater for your own travelling expenses when relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant.
Step 11: Packing (travel with all the important documents in the last process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver)
Remember to pack all important documents including;
- Nursing care certificate
- IELTS certificate
- Police Clearance Cerificate
Relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant requires some thoughtful preparation, especially when it comes to weather and clothing. Here’s what you should consider:
- Variable Weather: The UK is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for sudden changes. Even in summer, you might encounter rain and chilly days.
- Layers: Pack clothing that can be layered, like sweaters, cardigans, and light jackets. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Rain Gear: Invest in a good quality waterproof jacket or coat, as well as an umbrella. You’ll likely encounter rain at some point, especially in autumn and winter.
- Footwear: Comfortable, waterproof shoes are essential, especially for walking on wet and uneven surfaces. Consider bringing wellies (rain boots) for particularly rainy days.
Seasonal Clothing
– Summer: Light clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and breathable fabrics. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for the occasional sunny days.
– Autumn: Transition to warmer layers like sweaters, jeans, and waterproof outerwear.
– Winter: Thick coats, scarves, gloves, and hats to stay warm. Thermals and insulated boots can also be useful, especially if you’re not accustomed to colder climates.
– Spring: Similar to autumn, but with lighter layers as temperatures gradually warm up.
Adaptability
Be prepared to adapt your wardrobe based on the weather forecast. Checking the forecast regularly can help you plan your outfits accordingly.
Indoor Comfort
While outdoor clothing is important, don’t forget about indoor comfort. The UK can be quite heated indoors during winter, so having comfortable indoor clothing like sweaters and slippers is essential.
Cultural Considerations
Depending on your lifestyle and activities, you may need specific attire. For example, if you plan to work in a formal office setting, you’ll need business attire regardless of the weather.
Conclusion
The process of relocating from Kenya to the UK as a Nursing Assistant / Caregiver encompasses a multifaceted journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and transformative experiences. Through meticulous research, proactive engagement with visa procedures such as the United Kingdom visa for Kenya Nursing Assistants, and diligent preparation, Kenyans aspiring to work as CNAs in Britain can successfully navigate the complexities of relocation.
By understanding the intricacies of securing caregiver jobs in the UK for Kenyans, addressing certification requirements, and embracing cultural adaptation, individuals can embark on this journey with confidence and resilience. As Kenyans working in the United Kingdom, they contribute not only to the healthcare sector but also to the rich cultural tapestry of their adopted country. With determination and perseverance, the dream of relocating to the United Kingdom from Kenya can indeed become a reality, paving the way for a fulfilling and rewarding professional endeavor in the dynamic healthcare landscape of the UK.
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