“OET is the best stepping stone for nurses wanting to work abroad. It’s now accepted in more countries, including the US, making it the perfect choice for career growth.”
For Sylvanus Wafula, nursing isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. Originally from Kenya, he spent nearly two decades caring for patients in mission hospitals, always driven by a deep passion for making a difference. However, his ambitions extended beyond his home country. He wanted to gain international experience and improve his career prospects, which ultimately led him to the UK.
Like many internationally trained nurses, he faced an important step: proving his English proficiency to meet the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements. His first attempt at IELTS didn’t result in the required scores, leaving him searching for an alternative. Frustrated and searching for another way forward, a friend introduced him to the OET Test, and that changed everything.
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Finding the right test: why OET made the difference
Unlike general English exams, the OET Test is tailored for healthcare professionals, making it more relevant and practical for nurses like Sylvanus.
“OET is more friendly and easier for a nurse because the scenarios are based on real-life nursing situations,” he explains.
But success didn’t come instantly. His first attempt didn’t go as expected — he had relied only on YouTube videos to prepare and missed the required score in one sub-test. Determined to get it right, he changed his approach.
By the time he sat for his second attempt, he was already in the UK, having moved on a dependent visa to join his wife. This time, with proper preparation, he passed with high scores — opening the door to his career in the NHS. Sylvanus prepared for the OET test online through an OET Test preparation partner based in Kenya - ELTester Consultants.
A rewarding career in the NHS
Sylvanus points out how OET prepares nurses for real-world communication in healthcare settings.
“When you come here, you don’t get lost, because OET prepares you for how people communicate in a professional setting,” he explains.
Simple phrases that might mean one thing in Kenya could have a completely different interpretation in the UK.
“Simple phrases mean different things here. For instance, when a patient says, ‘I feel sick,’ it usually means nausea, not just general illness. Without OET, this could have been confusing.”
Thanks to the OET Test, he was equipped with the right language and cultural awareness to navigate patient interactions with confidence.
“Back home, you could perform procedures without even introducing yourself to the patient. Here, you must introduce yourself, explain what you’re doing, and obtain consent before proceeding,” he notes.
This structured approach to communication was one of the biggest adjustments he had to make, but the OET Test had prepared him well for these expectations.
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Today, Sylvanus works at Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, England, where he applies the skills he honed over years of nursing in Kenya. He notes significant differences between nursing in Kenya and the UK, especially regarding resource availability and workforce support. “Back home, we had to be very creative due to limited resources. Here, everything is well-equipped, which allows us to focus more on patient care,” he says.
Overseas nurses can find a job in the UK by applying directly through job boards like NHS Jobs, or by using a recruitment agency — ensuring it follows ethical guidelines by checking the NHS Employers ethical recruiters list, as UK-based agencies cannot charge fees for finding work.
Supporting other nurses on their journey
Sylvanus isn’t just building his own career — he’s also helping others follow in his footsteps. Over the years, he has mentored nurses hoping to work abroad. Many who have now settled in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia credit his guidance for helping them take the leap.
Adjusting to life in the UK
Moving to the UK came with challenges, including adapting to the cold winter weather and adjusting to cultural differences. However, with time, he and his family settled in, finding comfort in the supportive healthcare community and a structured system. His children have also adapted well to the UK education system.
Download our FREE UK Destination Guide for essential tips on moving and settling in with ease!
His advice? Choose OET
For nurses thinking about working overseas, Sylvanus strongly recommends OET. Having tried other English tests, he believes the OET Test gives healthcare professionals the best chance of success.
“If you prepare really well, you have a 90-95% chance of passing on your first attempt — unlike other exams, which can feel unpredictable,” he says.
His message is simple: “OET is the best stepping stone for nurses wanting to work abroad. It’s now accepted in more countries, including the US, making it the perfect choice for career growth.”
Your journey starts here
Sylvanus’ story proves that with determination and the right preparation, achieving your dream of working abroad is possible.
Whether you're aiming for the UK, Ireland, US, Australia, or New Zealand, OET can help you get there.