Registered Nurse

What will you do?

All RAF Nurses are part of the Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing Service. As a Registered Nurse (Adult) (RN(A)) you will provide the highest standards of patient care and work as part of a team in a variety of clinical environments. Typical responsibilities include:

Aeromedical Evacuation - transferring patients by air (fixed/rotary wing aircraft) Be treated, trained and supported as a professional. Fully supported clinical rotation programme for newly qualified nurses. Options to undertake post-registration specialist courses Provide Primary & Secondary healthcare Regular Service Start pay equivalent to NHS Band 7 Minimum Education Requirements

You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register. Candidates may apply for selection during their final year of RN (A) training (. up to 12 months before completing RN(A) qualification). 

Full registration on Part 1 must be obtained before undertaking the role of an RAF nurse.

Now Recruiting Dual Qualified Nurses. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / 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 Minimum Education Requirements Be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and on part 1 of the register (Adult or Adult/Child) with no restrictions in place Requirements Be aged 21 – 47 (Must begin basic training 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 service Meet the health and fitness criteria Pass a Fitness test - Details below 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 basis 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 indefinite leave to remain immigration status) Commit 27 days per year Pass 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 Basic Recruit Training 10 weeks RAF Halton Your career will start with Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. 10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training

The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing As assigned Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing Service provides the opportunity to specialise in accordance with Service requirements. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training

The Nurse Education Advisor (NEA) will provide advice and guidance for those wishing to undertake a specialist qualification.

03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned PMRAFNS requires highly skilled and broadly experienced nurses. Ongoing As assigned First tour

Newly qualified nurses (with less than 12 month post-registration experience) should undertake a period of preceptorship including a rotational programme to gain exposure to clinical specialities relevant to military nursing.

Nurses with more than 12 months experience will undertake a period of preceptorship and Service specific training and development to prepare the individual for their future deployed role.

04 Additional qualifications Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned Once qualified, you will be expected to maintain your currency in clinical practice and to be active in your professional development as a nurse. Ongoing As assigned Additional qualifications

In consultation with the NEA you will have the opportunity to undertake further education and training throughout your career.

05 Ongoing training Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned In preparation for your operational role you will complete a preceptored period of practice whilst you complete your other specialisms. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing training

These are:

Deployed Operational Nursing Competences (DONC) Trade Management Training and Junior Management Leadership Course.

RAF personnel are also eligible to apply for Eagles Scheme Adventure Training.

06 Career progression Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned If joining the RAF before 31 Dec 2023, you will start on a Notice Engagement for 12 years. Ongoing As assigned Career progression

If joining on, or after, 01 Jan 2024, you will join the RAF on a 6-year Preliminary Engagement (PE6) to align with Unified Career Management (UCM) Terms of Service (TOS). There may be the potential to move to 12 years’ Service after 3 years. This is known as a Preliminary Engagement 12 (PE12).

Pay, pension and service beyond the initial engagement (up to a maximum of age 60 years) are linked to your performance and rank progression. On successful completion of the BRTC you will progress to your first Unit appointed to the rank of Acting Corporal.

On completion of the Junior Management and Leadership Course and Trade Management Training you will be eligible for promotion to Corporal. Further promotion to the rank of Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection.

Opportunities to apply for a Commission as a Nursing Officer are possible providing you have completed a minimum of 24 months clinical practice.

07 Dual qualified nurses Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned Nurses who hold a dual qualification will be considered if all eligibility criteria are met. Ongoing As assigned 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 are 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 manager support is to organise appropriate placements outside their primary role in the form of an agreed job plan.

08 Transferable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in civilian industry as they are in the RAF. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

In addition to the leadership and management training that threads throughout your career, you may undertake professional nursing courses and study days. These courses are fully accredited, transferable and recognised by the NHS.

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 Basic Recruit Training 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 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 Specialist Training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training

You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

03 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.

04 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.

05 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferable 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 Selection Interviews 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test 4 Acceptance 5 Training 1 Selection Interviews Stage 1 of 5

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 life Education Work experience Special interests and hobbies Interest in the RAF Training The role you’ve applied for The 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.

2 Health Assessment Stage 2 of 5

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.

3 Fitness Test Stage 3 of 5

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 Acceptance Stage 4 of 5

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.

5 Training Stage 5 of 5

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific 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 life Education Work experience Special interests and hobbies Interest in the RAF Training The role you’ve applied for The 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 (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 .

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 Training

Basic 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 aged between 21 and 47 years old (candidates 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 be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register (Adult or Adult/Mental Health or Adult/Child) Candidates may apply for selection during their final year of RN (A) training (. up to 12 months before completing RN(A) qualification). 

Full registration on Part 1 must be obtained before undertaking the role of an RAF nurse.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY
You 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).

RESIDENCY
Whether 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.

As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.

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