For internationally trained healthcare professionals, transitioning into the NHS goes beyond passing the OET Test — it’s about adapting to a new healthcare system, workplace culture, and social environment. That’s where our Living the Language guides make a difference. These resources for doctors and nurses have just been refreshed incorporating valuable updates to help overseas healthcare professionals navigate their UK journey with confidence.
A valuable resource for your workforce
Originally introduced to bridge the gap between passing the OET Test and thriving in the NHS, Living the Language guides offer practical insights into everything from workplace communication to understanding British culture. These revamped editions build on years of feedback from candidates, NHS partners, and diaspora communities, reflecting the latest practices in the NHS to provide even more tailored support.
Here are some of the key updates that make the new editions even more valuable:
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Understanding the structure of NHS teams: A completely new section explains the multidisciplinary nature of NHS teams, detailing roles and responsibilities to foster better collaboration and confidence. Professionals gain insights into navigating flatter hierarchies and working effectively in diverse healthcare settings.
- Updated content: Highlights the importance of empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare. It emphasises building trust through active listening, shared decision-making, and cultural sensitivity. Case studies demonstrate how to tailor care to individual patient needs, focusing on respectful communication and empathy.
- Cultural and social integration: Fresh content on understanding British humour, manners, and conversational norms helps professionals feel at home inside and outside the workplace.
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Updated resources: New recommendations for apps, glossaries, and NHS-specific tools, ensuring professionals have the latest references at their fingertips.
What professionals are saying
“Living the Language guides offer reassuring advice for anyone trained overseas who is working in the NHS for the first time. They highlight that differences in communication style, language, and culture are to be expected when practicing in a new country and present positive ways to further adapt and develop on an ongoing English language journey.By both raising awareness and providing a practical toolkit, Living the Language guides are a valuable resource for anyone transitioning from studying English to working and practicing in an English-speaking healthcare environment.” Michelle Brennan, Admissions Lead at REACHE, The Refugee and Asylum Seekers Centre for Healthcare Professionals Education
Empower success in the NHS
These updated editions continue OET’s mission of empowering healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers. Explore, download and share these guides with your teams to support your international staff.
Download: Living the Language guide for nurses