"Passing the OET Test was a major milestone. It opened the door to a better quality of life and a fulfilling career."

Meet Purnima Sharma 

Originally from Delhi, India, I’m now proud to be a registered Band 5 nurse working in the Clinical area at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Every day, I’m driven by a deep passion for patient care and professional development. I truly enjoy my work, and although the journey here had its challenges, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. 

The credit for my achievements doesn’t belong to me alone. I owe a great deal to my colleagues and managers who helped me navigate the early days in my new role. My family has also played a vital role in helping me thrive, offering support every step of the way. 

My journey to the NHS 

I began my nursing career in India after graduating in 2014. I worked for over two years in a super specialty hospital, eager to gain valuable experience. Then, in late 2016, I joined a well-known ophthalmic hospital in Delhi. After a couple of years working across various departments, I moved to another eye hospital in the city. But despite trying different roles, I still didn’t feel fully satisfied with my career path. 

I’d always heard that nurses have better opportunities abroad, but moving out of India wasn’t part of my original plan. That changed when I learned about a pathway to secure a stable nursing job overseas. I decided to give it a try. 

OET Test: the turning point 

Everything shifted when I discovered OET. It became the first ladder that helped me reach where I am today. I started preparing in spring 2023 and sat for the test in September that year. 

For me, the OET Test was far better than other English language tests. It assessed my language skills using healthcare-related content — topics I was already familiar with — rather than general academic material. 

Preparing for OET also helped me improve my communication and adapt to British culture, something that’s been crucial in my NHS role. 

Passing the OET Test was a major milestone. It opened the door to a better quality of life and a fulfilling career. 

Is this your first time hearing about the OET Test? Watch our helpful webinar series  for a complete overview of the test and how it can help you achieve your healthcare career goals.