Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

MEDICAL SERVICES Registered Nurse (Adult) CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an RAF Nurse, you will be providing direct nursing care in a variety of different clinical settings.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During First Six Months £16,800+ + Benefits

Initial pay after training £31,759 + Benefits

Apply as a Regular


DAY RATE STARTS AT: Depends on role, rank and experience

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 21 – 47 (Must begin basic training before 48th birthday)
  • Must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register (Adult or Adult/Mental Health or Adult/Child). Candidates may apply for selection, during final year of RN (A) training (i.e. up to 12 months before completing RN (A) qualification). Phase one training can commence without NMC registration however, full registration on Part 1 must be obtained before undertaking the role of an RAF nurse
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
  • Commit to minimum 12 years service
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below
  • You could be eligible for a Golden Hello of £30,000 if you meet certain criteria. This will be discussed at your Nursing presentation.
  • Now Recruiting Dual Qualified Nurses. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult nursing/child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met.

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Travelling the world
  • Aircraft

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and on part 1 of the register and be working currently as a Registered Nurse in a clinical environment
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.
  • Commit 27 days per year for 12 years minimum
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Travelling the world
  • Health care

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife
4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Aeromedical Evacuation - transfering patients by air (fixed/rotary wing aircraft)
  • Be treated, trained and supported as a professional. Fully supported clinical rotation programme for newly qualified nurses. Options to undertake post-registration specialist courses
  • Provide Primary & Secondary healthcare
  • Regular Service Start pay equivalent to NHS Band 7
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As a Registered Nurse Adult (RN(A)), within the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) having completed the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton, you will be assigned to work within one of the Joint Hospital Groups (JHGs) or alternatively the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM). These hospitals are collectively known as secondary healthcare and you will be required to undertake at least one tour of duty (24 - 36 months) to consolidate the skills and knowledge obtained during your undergraduate training, also gaining Service specific training as required for your deployed role.

The RAF Medical Reserve recruits Nurses from a wide range of clinical specialities. If you work in any of the following clinical areas: Primary Health Care, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Burns and Plastics, acute general Medical and Surgical wards and Mental Health we would like to hear from you. If successful in selection, you will be working within a highly motivated team of nurses and part of a wider multidisciplinary clinical team. As a nurse you could deploy on Operations sometimes in austere and challenging conditions.

RAF Nurses, Regular and Reserve provide the highest standards of patient care in a variety of clinical surroundings. You’ll contribute to delivering cutting edge military medicine and learn to adapt your practice to deliver nursing care in a wide range of challenging settings. As a nurse there may also be the opportunity to undertake Aeromedical Evacuation training to ensure you’ll be able to operate in the clinically challenging environment of flying at altitude.

 

Unified Career Management (UCM) is a new approach to managing cadres of people where the capabilities they deliver are very similar across two or more of the single Services (sS). Personnel within UCM cohorts will benefit from new and bespoke career pathways which offer individuals the opportunity to progress a career within specialist cohorts. Serving personnel will transfer to UCM Medical Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) on 1 January 2024 under their current engagement/commission type and length of Service (LoS), those joining the sS on/after 1 January 2024 will automatically be aligned with UCM Terms of Service (TOS).

All RAF Nurses are part of the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. As a Registered Nurse Adult (RN(A)) you will provide the highest standards of patient care and work as part of a team in a variety of clinical environments. You will contribute to the development and delivery of cutting-edge military medicine and will adapt your practice to deliver nursing care in a wide range of challenging environments. You will be part of a highly motivated multidisciplinary team and can expect to deploy on operational tours to provide care not only to RAF colleagues, but to those in other Services and often other nationalities.

In order to join the RAF as a RN (A) you must be currently employed in Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Infection Prevention Control, Primary Health Care, and other general acute clinical areas.

You will join your nearest geographically located RAF Medical Reserve unit: 612 Squadron at Leuchars Station, Fife; 4626 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire: 502 Squadron at Flying Station Aldergrove, Northern Ireland; or 600 Squadron at RAF Northolt, Middlesex.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing Service provides the opportunity to specialise in accordance with Service requirements. The Nurse Education Advisor (NEA) will provide advice and guidance for those wishing to undertake a specialist qualification.

More Details +

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

As a qualified RN(A) you will be expected to maintain your currency in clinical practice and to be active in your professional development as a nurse. In consultation with the NEA you will have the opportunity to undertake further education and training throughout your career.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

In preparation for your operational role you will complete a preceptored period of practice whilst you complete your; Deployed Operational Nursing Competences (DONC), Trade Management Training and Junior Management and Leadership Course. RAF personnel are also eligible to apply for Eagles Scheme Adventure Training.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

PMRAFNS requires highly skilled and broadly experienced nurses; Newly qualified nurses (with less than 12 month post-registration experience) should undertake a period of preceptorship including a rotational programme to gain exposure to clinical specialities relevant to military nursing. Nurses with more than 12 months experience will undertake a period of preceptorship and Service specific training and development to prepare the individual for their future deployed role.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION:

You will initially join the RAF on a 12 years Notice Engagement (You can apply to leave at any point during this period but this is subject to 6 - 12months minimum waiting time). Pay, pension and service beyond the initial engagement (up to a maximum of age 60 years) are linked to your performance and rank progression. On successful completion of the BRTC you will progress to your first Unit appointed to the rank of Acting Corporal. On completion of the Junior Management and Leadership Course and Trade Management Training you will be eligible for promotion to Corporal. Further promotion to the rank of Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection.

Opportunities to apply for a Commission as a Nursing Officer are possible providing you have completed a minimum of 24 months clinical practice.

DUAL QUALIFIED NURSES

Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ or ‘adult nursing / child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all
eligibility criteria are met. In order to meet the NMC revalidation criteria for both registrations, the individual will have to maintain 450 hours in each specialist area over a 3-year validation period. Individuals will be placed where service needs lie and although support will be given to assist revalidation activities in both areas, the individual is ultimately responsible. The individual, with line manager support is to organise appropriate placements outside their primary role in the form of an agreed job plan.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

In addition to the leadership and management training that threads throughout your career, you may undertake professional nursing courses and study days. These courses are fully accredited, transferable and recognised by the NHS.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with Reserve Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC(R)) Part 1, delivered locally at your Sqn. BRTC(R) Part 2 is a 2-week course conducted at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, which should be completed within your first year in the RAF Reserves. BRTC(R) is designed to teach basic military skills such as weapon handling and fieldcraft.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Following BRTC(R) you will undertake the Transition to Military Practice course (TtMP) at the Defence Medical Academy at DMS Whittington, Staffordshire. The courses will help you to transition from civilian to military nursing.

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.


Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.


You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be aged between 21 and 47 years old (candidates must attest before 48th birthday)

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be aged 18-54 (and meet all specialist/professional pre-requisites listed below)
Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register (Adult or Adult/Mental Health or
Adult/Child). Candidates may apply for selection, during final year of RN (A) training (i.e. up to 12 months before completing RN (A) qualification). Phase one training can commence without NMC registration however, full registration on Part 1 must be obtained before undertaking the role of an RAF nurse.

DUAL QUALIFIED NURSES. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ or ‘adult nursing / child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met. In order to meet the NMC revalidation criteria for both registrations, the individual will have to maintain 450 hours in each specialist area over a 3 year validation period. Individuals will be placed where service needs lie and although support will be given to assist revalidation activities in both areas, the individual is ultimately responsible. The individual, with line manger support is to organise appropriate placements outside their primary role (in the form of an agreed job plan). Frequent liaison with immediate line managers and career managers is essential. Further guidance regarding maintenance of clinical hours can be found in JSP 950 Part 1 Lft 4-1-4 Annex D.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton on day one of your initial training. This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRFV Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF PRFV Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

You must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and be working currently as a Registered Nurse in a clinical environment.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance,  ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years. 

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve

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