From Healthcare Assistant to Registered Nurse

• April 25, 2025

My Journey with First City Nursing & Care

From Healthcare Assistant to Registered Nurse

When I first saw the advert online that First City Nursing & Care was hiring Healthcare Assistants, I felt the need to apply. I submitted my online application, but after waiting a little while with no response, a friend suggested I go directly to the office. I walked in, filled out the application forms, and submitted them the very next day. The warmth and professionalism I felt from the HR Manager right from the start was amazing. I was invited for an interview, and soon after, I passed the background checks which were the Criminal checks (DBS) and previous job references and I was offered the role as a Healthcare Assistant Grade 1. It was the beginning of an amazing journey.

The Start of a Fulfilling Career

From the get-go, the induction training provided by First City Nursing was second to none. I received thorough and extensive training that equipped me with the knowledge and skills I needed to perform my job with confidence. I was surrounded by supportive colleagues who were always willing to assist and guide me, especially during shadowing. The line managers were hardworking and ready to step in whenever needed, which made me feel supported every step of the way.

What Made Working with First City Nursing Special?

One of the things I loved most about working with First City Nursing was the flexibility they offered. There were always shifts available, and they made sure I had enough work to meet my visa requirements. Another thing that stood out was the recognition I received for my work. Whenever a client was pleased with the care I provided, I would receive an email from my line managers, acknowledging and appreciating my efforts. This motivated me to do my best every day.

First City Nursing also made sure that I had all the PPE, tools, and equipment necessary to deliver high-quality care, and their commitment to continuous development was impressive. The internal training staff ensured that I was always updated with the latest skills and knowledge through refresher courses, making me feel confident in my role.

My Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse in the UK

Although I was already a Registered Nurse in Ghana, I couldn’t practice as a nurse in the UK without sitting for and passing the required NMC board examinations. As I began to plan for these exams, I joined First City Nursing, and the diverse opportunities within the company played a huge role in my preparation. I had the chance to work in various sections which is the front door, support staff for both adults and children, community domiciliary care, and residential hubs. This diverse experience allowed me to understand how to provide individualized care to service users, which broadened my skills and knowledge.

Working in these different settings made me more prepared for the exams because I had a solid understanding of the care expectations in the UK, as well as the cultural differences. Throughout this journey, I was fully supported by my line manager, who offered guidance and encouragement. I successfully passed all three required exams: the English Competency Test, the Computer-Based Theory Test (CBT), and the OSCE Test. Financially, I was able to support myself through the exams thanks to the steady shifts I received from First City Nursing.

Would I Recommend First City Nursing?

Absolutely! First City Nursing is a company that genuinely invests in the success and well-being of its employees. They send up-to-date information to all staff through an automated email system, which has been incredibly helpful in day-to-day activities. I would highly recommend First City Nursing to any colleague, and especially to overseas nurses who are coming to the UK through the skilled worker route. It’s completely achievable to become a UK Registered Nurse, and the pathway is clearly outlined on the NMC website. First City Nursing has provided me with the support, resources, and opportunities to achieve my dream.

If you are planning to work diversely with First City Nursing, I would highly recommend getting a UK driving licence and access to a car. This would enable you to work across all the different sections of the company without restrictions. With the right mindset and support, there are no limits to what you can achieve with First City Nursing. They’ve not only helped me become a Registered Nurse in the UK but also provided me with the opportunity to truly grow as a healthcare professional.

If you’re looking for a company that truly supports your career growth, First City Nursing is the place to be. Thank you, First City Nursing, for being an integral part of my journey!

Thank you Richard for sharing your journey with us all. We are so proud and excited for you as you take the next step in your career as a Registered Nurse. We appreciate all of your hard work and commitment during your time at First City and wish you the very best and every success in your new role and future endeavours, we hope you'll keep in touch!

We're sorry your application took longer than usual to receive a response, at the time we were inundated with applications and working through them as quickly as possible, though we're glad you popped in the office to talk to us in person and follow it up.