Nursing Officer

What will you do? All RAF Nurses are part of the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. Nursing Officers provide the highest standards of patient care and lead teams in a variety of clinical environments. You will contribute to the development and delivery of cutting-edge military medicine and will adapt your practice to deliver nursing care in a wide range of challenging environments. Typical responsibilities include: Primary healthcareSecondary healthcareAeromedical evacuation (evacuation of patients by air) Minimum Education Requirements You must have completed a BSc or Diploma in Nursing (Adult or Mental Health). You must be registered with the NMC with at least 2 years' post-registration experience. (Candidates may begin the application process at the 12 month point post registration)Have 2 GCSEs (English Language and Maths or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade C/4-5 or Scottish Certificate of Education at a minimum of Grade 2 or Scottish National Equivalent grades at Grade 5 (Grades A-C). Non-graduate entrants require a total of 5 GCSEs (inc English Language and Maths). Educational waivers may be considered Minimum Education Requirements You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register (Adult) with no restrictions to practice Requirements Be aged 22 - 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday)Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status)Commit to minimum 6 years' serviceMeet the fitness and health criteriaPass a Fitness test - Details belowComplete and submitprior to applicationNow Recruiting Dual Qualified Nurses. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ or ‘adult nursing / child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met. Requirements Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basisBe a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status)Commit 27 days per yearPass a Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife 4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Specialist Initial Officer Training 12 weeks RAF Cranwell Nursing Officers complete the 12 week Specialist Officer Initial Training Course (SOITC) which has been designed for professionally qualified entrants to the RAF. 12 weeks RAF Cranwell Phase one training You will complete a challenging modular course split into 4 distinct terms designed to develop your fitness, leadership and academic skills through a number of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK. 02 Phase two training Specialist Training Ongoing As assigned The next step is a Specialist training course that will give you a breadth of skills and knowledge across the full range of duties you may be employed in. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training After the SOITC, you will complete the Basic Air Warfare Course and join your Medical and Dental Officer Colleagues on the RAFMS – officer Phase 2 Training Course which will orientate you to Military Medicine. 03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned Nursing Officers are usually assigned to Joint Hospital Group (JHG) or Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) Birmingham for their first job in the RAF. Ongoing As assigned First tour At a DMG Unit you will work with other Nursing Officers and military/civilian nurses. You will be supported as you familiarise and orient to your new environment and responsibilities. Potentially, you will complete your Aeromedical Evacuation Training during this tour. 04 Career prospects Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned Those commissioning as Nursing Officers (NO) will be offered a 6-year commission to align with Unified Career Management (UCM) Terms of Service (TOS). Ongoing As assigned Career prospects This is called a Preliminary Commission (PC6). Under UCM TOS, there may be potential to move to 12 years of Service after 3 years. This is known as a Preliminary Commission 12 (PC12). Promotion to Senior Officer rank is by competitive selection. Nursing Officers may be considered for promotion to Sqn Ldr after 4 years of Service and promotion to Wg Cdr after a further 5 years. 05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Your career will progress through a variety of assignments providing a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development These provide optimal professional and personal development; there are abundant opportunities to progress both professionally and as an Officer. The RAF’s Nurse Education Advisor provides guidance for those pursuing academic advancement within their field of clinical expertise, something which is encouraged. Over the course of your career, we will develop your military, managerial and leadership potential through a range of incremental Officer Development Courses at The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, a national and international centre of excellence. 06 Transferable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned The experience you gain as a Nursing Officer in the military will be highly valued both by the RAF and by any future employer. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills We will continue to develop your nursing and leadership skills and ensure that we foster your adaptability and enthusiasm. prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Initial Training 24 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton. 24 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle. 02 Phase two training Initial training 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) takes place at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase. 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Phase two training ROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises. Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT. 03 Phase three training Specialist Training Ongoing DMS Whittington You will attend the Introductory RAF Medical Services Officers' Course at the Defence Medical Academy. Ongoing DMS Whittington Phase three training This is held at DMS Whittington, Staffordshire. 04 Your commitment Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Your commitment This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us. 05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level. 06 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too. prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF? Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket. Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES? The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life. You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs. Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATION You will have to commit to 27 days per year.Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Filter interview 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test 4 OASC 5 Familiarisation visit 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Filter interview Stage 1 of 7 Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF. The first of these interviews happens online and covers the following topics: Family lifeEducationWork experienceSpecial interests or hobbiesInterest in the RAF 2 Health Assessment Stage 2 of 7 You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index. We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. 3 Fitness Test Stage 3 of 7 A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test. The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation . 4 OASC Stage 4 of 7 This will be your first visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving. The day will start with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for. 5 Familiarisation visit Stage 5 of 7 This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC. 6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7 Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training. 7 Training Stage 7 of 7 SOITC and officer staff trainingNursing Officers complete the 12 week Specialist Officer Initial Training Course (SOITC) which has been specifically designed for professionally-qualified entrants to the RAF.The course has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge. This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development. Visit our for more information about officer training. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information day 2 Selection interview 3 Health assessment 4 Fitness test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 6 The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in. 2 Selection interview Stage 2 of 6 Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics: Family lifeEducationWork experienceSpecial interests and hobbiesInterest in the RAFTrainingThe role you’ve applied forThe RAF You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process. 3 Health assessment Stage 3 of 6 You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index. We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. 4 Fitness test Stage 4 of 6 A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test. The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation . 5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6 If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your Squadron. The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training. 6 Training Stage 6 of 6 Basic Recruit TrainingBasic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.What’s next? After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Applicants must be between 22 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday). Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS You must have completed a BSc or Diploma in Nursing (Adult or Mental Health). You must be registered with the NMC with at least 2 years' post-registration experience. (Candidates may begin the application process at the 12 month point post registration).Graduate entrants require 2 GCSEs (English Language and Maths or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 with effect from Aug 17) or Scottish National 5 (Grades A-C).Non-graduate entrants require a total of 5 GCSEs (inc English Language and Maths).Educational waivers may be considered. .DUAL QUALIFIED NURSES. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ or ‘adult nursing / child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met. In order to meet the NMC revalidation criteria for both registrations, the individual will have to maintain 450 hours in each specialist area over a 3 year validation period. Individuals will be placed where service needs lie and although support will be given to assist revalidation activities in both areas, the individual is ultimately responsible. The individual, with line manger support is to organise appropriate placements outside their primary role (in the form of an agreed job plan). Frequent liaison with immediate line managers and career managers is essential. Further guidance regarding maintenance of clinical hours can be found in JSP 950 Part 1 Lft 4-1-4 Annex D. NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY NATIONALITYYou must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).RESIDENCYWhether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application. FITNESS REQUIREMENTS You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.