Working in high risk areas

Ukraine crisis FAQs

Information on the Ukraine crisis and ways to support the Ukrainian people.

The best ways to help Ukrainians is to donate directly to credible international and Ukrainian organisations that are working around the clock to help those displaced by the conflict.

For primary care professionals looking how to meet the health needs of patients from Ukraine, we recommend reading Arrivals from Ukraine: advice for primary care.

As a nurse, you may already experience burnout from COVID-19 and the demands a two-year-long pandemic has placed on you, your family, and your colleagues. It's tempting to "doomscroll" through bad news or feel guilty about working in relative comfort while nursing colleagues and civilians in Ukraine are suffering.

Instead, focus on what you can do. For example, donating now or in the future. Remember, that you can help spread the word and encourage others to donate time or money in support of Ukraine. Above all, take care of yourself so that you can continue taking care of others.

There are currently limited options for volunteering in Ukraine. There are some organisations in surrounding countries where you may find options. You may also want to investigate what your employer is doing.

Please be sure to reach out to these organisations directly to get the most up-to-date information on volunteering before you decide to travel.

Be sure to verify any organisation, especially ones you aren't already familiar with. Unfortunately, while human suffering like the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine can elicit profound compassion and the desire to help, it also attracts scammers who prey on this.

Volunteering to work overseas FAQs

Information and resources for nursing staff who are considering volunteering to work overseas. More useful information can also be found on our working overseas page.

Members who undertake overseas work should ensure that they have adequate indemnity and insurance cover. The RCN scheme does cover the overseas work of volunteers to the extent that a clinical negligence claim might be brought against them.

However, there are other considerations about how a volunteer is supported, particularly if working in a dangerous environment. Any member considering volunteering should give careful thought as to what will happen if they need support with their own health whilst overseas, for example. Volunteers can be given support from organisations that arrange volunteer activity.

Please check with the NMC before you travel to ensure that your professional registration is valid to work within the country you are travelling to.

If you are a nurse or midwife practising overseas and want to maintain your UK registration, you will have to comply with the revalidation process every three years and continue to pay your annual retention fee to the NMC. Find out more about the revalidation requirements here.

If you are working overseas (or have worked overseas for part of your three-year renewal period) as a nurse or midwife you can meet the practice hours on the basis of your registration with the NMC. The NMC advises that you should always register with the appropriate regulator in the country in which you are practising.

For more information, see our Working Overseas advice guide.

Communication plays a key role in the provision of healthcare. To effectively care for patients and practice safely, you should check if you need a basic knowledge of the language of the country where you will be working or if there will be an interpretation service available to you.

Conditions may be physically stressful and emotionally overwhelming. Expect long working days, the strain of working with people who are traumatized, and insufficient supplies. Make sure you are taking care of your emotional and physical health too.

If you are currently taking any medication it is useful to check the government website for information on what you need to do when abroad.

Ensure that you are following the guidance in relation to COVID-19.

More information is available in our Wellbeing, Self Care and Resilience subject guide and on our Healthy Workplace, Healthy You page.