A Heartwarming Success Story: How Community Support Helped a Nigerian Nurse Land a Dream Job in the UK
Imagine being a registered nurse from Nigeria, armed with your OSCE certification and NMC PIN, but facing the daunting challenge of securing a job in the UK while on a visit visa with just one month left. That was the reality for Akintayo’s sister, whose journey captured the hearts of the “Nigerians in the UK” community on X. Through collective support, determination, and a viral tweet, she turned her dream into reality—and her story is one you won’t want to miss!
On April 25, 2025, Akintayo (@DaddyboscoJ) shared his sister’s plight in a tweet that quickly gained traction:
“My sister is in the UK on a visit visa (1 month left), she’s a registered nurse, passed OSCE, and has her NMC PIN. She’s struggling to find a job as many NHS trusts aren’t offering COS. Any advice or opportunities would be greatly appreciated.”
The tweet, which you can view here, amassed 73.2K views, 38 likes, and 47 bookmarks, sparking an outpouring of advice from the community.
A Community Rallies with Practical Advice
The responses to Akintayo’s plea were a mix of visa insights, job-hunting tips, and heartfelt encouragement. Here’s what the community shared:
- Visa Challenges: Users like Richie and Toyin Roberts highlighted that UK immigration rules typically require leaving the country to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Toyin suggested returning to Nigeria to apply for a COS and re-entering the UK within weeks—or even days—using priority processing.
- Alternative Pathways: Fisman and Hawa recommended exploring nursing homes in Scotland and Northern Ireland, which often offer sponsorship. Chioma ‘Kemi advised starting with care or support roles to secure a visa, then transitioning to nursing positions later.
- Targeted Opportunities: The Empire pointed Akintayo’s sister toward Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS, while Fowosere suggested Oxford University NHS, known for sponsoring international nurses. Another user, Mayor of New…, shared a success story of a friend who landed a job in Wigan, encouraging her to explore trusts there.
- Networking Tips: SeniorMan emphasized attending open day events to boost her chances, and Fisman recommended using LinkedIn and Indeed to connect with recruiters.
- Words of Hope: Amid the practical advice, users like Maureen Chidimma offered encouragement, with Chioma ‘Kemi writing, “May God make a way for her.”
Not everyone was optimistic—some users, like Jackreacher, criticized the approach of job hunting on a visit visa. However, the overwhelming support from the community proved transformative.
A Joyful Update: A Job with Sponsorship Secured!
On May 14, 2025, Akintayo shared a heartwarming update that left the community buzzing with excitement:
“A big thank you to all for the helpful suggestions, and an extra special shout-out to
@AnyanwuchukwuM my sister has landed a job with sponsorship.”
The update tweet received 52.5K views and 465 likes, with Maureen Chidimma replying, “Best news I have heard today .” You can read the full thread here.
Lessons for Aspiring Nurses in the UK
Akintayo’s sister’s story is a beacon of hope for international nurses. Here are five key takeaways for anyone looking to follow in her footsteps:
- Know the Visa Rules: Switching from a visit visa to a work visa while in the UK is generally not allowed—plan to apply from your home country.
- Consider Care Roles: Nursing homes and support roles often provide sponsorship and can serve as a stepping stone to nursing positions.
- Target Specific Regions: Scotland, Northern Ireland, and trusts like Oxford University NHS or Leeds Teaching Hospitals are known for supporting international hires.
- Network Strategically: Use platforms like LinkedIn, attend open days, and connect with recruiters to increase your visibility.
- Lean on Community: The “Nigerians in the UK” X community proved invaluable—don’t hesitate to seek support from those who’ve been in your shoes.
Inspired by This Story? You’re Not Alone!
This isn’t the only story of a Nigerian nurse finding success in the UK through community support. A similar journey was shared on FellowNurses.com, where a nurse went viral for earning a ₦40,000 salary in Nigeria before landing her dream job. Read the full story here.
Join a Growing Community of African Nurses
Are you a nurse, student nurse, or midwife from any part of Africa looking to connect with others on a similar journey? Join a thriving WhatsApp community dedicated to African nurses, where you can share experiences, seek advice, and find support. Click here to join today!
Akintayo’s sister’s journey reminds us that with determination, community support, and the right strategy, dreams can become reality. Have a similar story to share? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing. We educate, inform, and support the nursing profession.
