R
Royal Air Force

Nursing Officer

Graduate job
£40,000+

Current Recruitment Status

Regular - Currently Recruiting

Salary

Starting level: A345,900 - A368,200+ depending on post-registration experience

Pay rising to A371,800+ on promotion to Squadron Leader with increments up to A387,000+

A potential Golden Hello of A350,000 may be available.

Role Overview

As an RAF Nursing Officer, you will be both a commissioned officer and a nurse. You will be trained to demonstrate leadership and management skills in a team environment, while providing excellent standards of nursing.

Currently, recruitment is open for Nursing Officer (Adult) only. Recruitment for Nursing Officer (Mental Health) is closed.

What Will You Do?

Nursing Officers provide the highest standards of patient care and lead teams in various clinical environments. You will contribute to the development and delivery of cutting-edge military medicine and adapt your practice to deliver nursing care in a wide range of challenging environments.

  • Primary healthcare
  • Secondary healthcare
  • Aeromedical evacuation (evacuation of patients by air)

Requirements & Eligibility

You must have completed a BSc or Diploma in Nursing (Adult or Mental Health) and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) with at least 2 years' post-registration experience. Candidates may begin the application process at the 12-month point post registration.

Applicants must be aged between 22 and 47 (must attest before 48th birthday).

You will need to meet specific nationality and residency criteria.

Commitment to a minimum of 12 years' service is required.

Fitness and health criteria must be met, including passing a fitness test.

Dual Qualified Nurses holding dual qualifications in 'adult nursing / adult mental health' or 'adult nursing / child' and active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register will be considered if all eligibility criteria are met. They must maintain 450 hours in each specialist area over a 3-year validation period and organize appropriate placements outside their primary role with line manager support.

Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must be between 22 and 47 years old (must attest before 48th birthday).
  • Applicants must meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

Education Requirements

  • Completion of a BSc or Diploma in Nursing (Adult or Mental Health).
  • Registration with the NMC with at least 2 years' post-registration experience (application process can start at 12 months post registration).
  • Dual qualified nurses must maintain clinical hours and coordinate placements as per guidelines.

Additional Requirements

  • Nationality and residency criteria apply.
  • Fitness and health standards must be met.
  • Background checks and disqualifying factors apply.

Career, Training & Education

Your personal success is vital to the RAF's success. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field, with options to fund further education. The experience gained will equip you to work at the top of your field both in the UK and overseas.

Training Phases

  • Phase One Training: Initial Officer Training - 12 weeks at RAF Cranwell. Nursing Officers complete the 12-week Specialist Officer Initial Training Course (SOITC) designed for professionally-qualified entrants.
  • Phase Two Training: Specialist training ongoing as assigned, providing a breadth of skills and knowledge across duties.
  • First Tour: Usually assigned to Joint Hospital Group (JHG) or the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) in Birmingham for the first job.
  • Career Prospects: Offered a 6-year commission aligned with Unified Career Management Terms of Service.
  • Ongoing Development: Career progression through various assignments with a wide range of roles and responsibilities.
  • Transferable Skills: Experience gained is highly valued by the RAF and future employers.

Why Join as an Officer?

As an RAF Officer, responsibilities start from day one. You will lead a team, build camaraderie, and make quick decisions. Become tomorrow's leader today.

Why Join the RAF?

  • Subsidised food, travel, accommodation, and free gym provide more money in your pocket.
  • Rent from A375 per month.
  • Free gym access.
  • Subsidised food.
  • Healthcare benefits.
  • Opportunities for world travel.
  • Comprehensive training.

Application Process

Joining the RAF involves several steps to assess your suitability and allow you to demonstrate your skills and experiences.

  1. Health Assessment: Occupational health assessment to ensure fitness for military duty, including checks on hearing, eyesight, and body mass index.
  2. Fitness Test: Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC) including a 2.4km run, push-up test, and sit-up test. Performance levels vary by age and gender.
  3. Specialist Interview: Likely an online interview with the Specialist Recruitment Team and Nursing Education Team lasting one hour.
  4. Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC): One-day assessment of leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem-solving, including interviews and knowledge evaluation.
  5. Familiarisation Visit: Two-day insight into officer training, including kit issue, lectures, and a repeat fitness test.
  6. Acceptance: Provisional offer of service interview to confirm understanding of terms and commitment.
  7. Training: Specialist Officer Initial Training Course (SOITC) and officer staff training to prepare for your RAF career.

Similar Roles

  • Medical Services Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
  • Medical Services Registered Nurse (Adult)

Life in the RAF

The RAF offers a diverse and inclusive environment with opportunities for career development, fitness, education, and travel. You will be part of a team dedicated to excellence and service.

Heads up! This job comes from an external source and hasn’t been reviewed by our team. Spot something off? Hit 'Report job' and let us know.

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