Questions about ONP in the UK

[rob_t.]

Hi!

I am a Registered Nurse in the Philippines and been here in the UK since December 2010 on a Student Visa. In October last year, I started working on my NMC application/registration in hope to do the ONP and become a Registered Nurse in the UK. The reason why I started on it late is a long story.

At the moment, I am only waiting for my Assessment/Decision letter from the NMC, which according to them takes from 2 to 6 weeks; and I am also able to find an employer (a nursing home in London) once the decision comes through. And provided that the decision is positive, my new employer said they will sponsor my work permit.

I am quite confused though, because two of my friends who did their ONP had to find an employer and a university at the same time to do their ONP. Both of them are also from the Philippines, so I assume that I will be doing the same as what they did. Is this always the case? Or can I do my ONP at the nursing home alone and not look for a university?

I know I should have waited for the decision letter to come through first before looking for an employer, but since my visa is about to end very soon; I decided to look for an employer whilst waiting for the decision letter. I'm expecting the assessment letter to come no later than March 6, 2013, and my student visa will end in April; so my time is really tight.

I would appreciate any advice on what to do with my situation.

Thank you!