Your First Week in the NHS: What to expect?
Congratulations on starting your NHS journey! Whether you’re a nurse, healthcare assistant, physiotherapist, or any other essential team member, your first week in the NHS can feel exciting, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. This guide is here to help you navigate that crucial first week with confidence and clarity.
Start with a Calm Mindset
It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if it’s your first healthcare job in the UK or your first job after a career break. The great news is that NHS teams are known for being supportive and welcoming. Many Trusts offer formal inductions, where you’ll learn what's expected of you and how the department works.
Pro tip: Never hesitate to ask questions—there’s no such thing as a silly one.
Preparation Is Key
First impressions matter. Familiarise yourself with the job description and try to understand how your role fits into the bigger team. Be clear about what’s expected of you in terms of tasks, responsibilities, and shifts.
If there isn’t a formal induction, ask for a meeting with your rota coordinator or line manager to go over things like leave policies, shadowing periods, and documentation. Always keep important papers in a dedicated folder—trust us, it’ll save you time later!
Respect and Teamwork
One of the biggest strengths of the NHS is its multidisciplinary approach. In your ward or department, you’ll likely work alongside:
Consultants
Specialty doctors
Nurses
Advanced Care Practitioners
Healthcare Assistants
Porters
Physiotherapists
Occupational Therapists
Site Managers
Admin staff
It might take time to understand each person’s role, especially if some of these roles don’t exist in your home country. Just remember: everyone is equally important in delivering patient care. Be respectful, polite, and collaborative.
Get to Know Your Tools
Make sure you have everything you need to function smoothly:
Access your NHS email: Set it up via Outlook or your phone’s email app.
Must-have apps:
BNF (British National Formulary)
Induction App (for hospital contact details and internal extensions)
MDCalc (for clinical scoring and decision-making tools)
If you’re new to the UK system, these tools can be a game-changer in helping you get up to speed.
Dress the Part
Always be on time—plan your route in advance and arrive early. Depending on your department, you may wear scrubs or smart semi-professional clothing. Choose comfortable shoes (orthotic insoles recommended!) and don’t forget essentials like ID badges or other department-specific gear.
Connect with Your Team
Introduce yourself confidently. Most colleagues will call you by the first name on your badge, but you can let them know if you prefer something else. Try to learn everyone’s names over time—it helps build rapport.
If your team organises social events, try to attend. These gatherings help you bond with your colleagues and feel part of the team culture.
Understand Leave & Lieu Days
You may be entitled to lieu days if you work on bank holidays or weekends. These are days you can claim back as time off later. Always track your shifts and understand your Trust’s leave policies. If anything seems unclear or unfair, speak to your rota coordinator or union rep for support.
Cultural Awareness & Inclusion
The NHS is incredibly diverse. Teams are made up of staff from various cultural backgrounds. Embrace this diversity and do your part in contributing to a positive and inclusive work environment. Being kind, open-minded, and curious goes a long way.
A Thoughtful Touch
Once you’ve settled in, consider showing appreciation—perhaps by bringing in a treat to share or a thank-you card. Small gestures go a long way in building lasting workplace relationships.
✅ 3 Key Tips for Your First Week in the NHS
Ask Questions Early: Clarify responsibilities, shift timings, and contacts without hesitation.
Be Organised: Set up your email, prepare essential documents, and use key apps.
Join the Team: Make introductions, attend socials if possible, and show appreciation.
You’re not expected to know everything on day one—or even day five. Keep showing up, stay curious, and give yourself grace. You’ve made it into one of the most respected healthcare systems in the world. Now take a deep breath—you’ve got this. 🌟
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