Moving to UK guide

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 20, 2012

How are you planning on working in the UK?

Jobs situation is dire at the moment with many nurses struggling to find work. Cost of living will vary depending where in the country you plan on living, London is very expensive so rent will be expensive elsewhere in the country may be cheaper. Wage is just short of £22000 a year with lots of other bills to be taken into account like tax, council charges (community tax) food (look up Asda, Morrisons, Tesco) transportation will depend but seeing as Petrol/gas is expensive expect travel to be expensive

babyNP., APRN · Jul 21, 2012

Do you have a visa for permission to work there?

furble · Jul 22, 2012

well I have known this agency since I started working. Recently they send me some information that UK is looking for pedia nurses (its gonna be a working visa), and I am quite having second thought about it. London is a beautiful place, no doubt about it, but I am worried that because of the expenses I might not enjoy where I'll be at.

furble · Jul 22, 2012

with the £22000 per year salary, does overtime incude in it?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 22, 2012

Overtime is not included and to be honest unless much has changed TRUSTS can not afford overtime and very rarely happened. Agency may differ but that is something you discuss with them.

specialist nurse working in neonatal intensive care units is on the shortage list for work permit so not sure if you are specialised in that area. London is very expensive and if going via agency not sure how accommodation is funded but expect you to share if minimizing the cost.

Tier 2 Visas | National Shortage Occupation List | UK Immigration

allnurses Guide · Jul 22, 2012

with the £22000 per year salary, does overtime incude in it?

I've not seen overtime paid for over 5 years, and its not likely to improve.

At least 4 English hospitals are in administration at the moment (bankrupt) and services are at risk due to the current financial climate.

Nurses are having to apply for their own jobs in some areas.

Not a good time to look for nursing work in the UK

furble · Jul 26, 2012

that really helps.. well, my area is in pedia ICU and I just got an email that they are looking for pedia nurses. Im glad you shared the tier 2 visas. Thanks a lot!

MuppetAus · Sep 9, 2012

I'm in the UK at the moment and had no problems finding work. I'm with continental travel nurse agency. I had the choice between two different hospitals when I arrived. I have been working over time every week. I average 10 hour overtime. You shouldn't have any problems with pedia specialty. I think the only people who will struggle to find work are those who have less than 5 years experience.

jhan2288 · Sep 19, 2012

MuppetAus, I am also going to be with continental, but I've been waiting almost a month for my recruiter to find me a job, and its going to be in haywards heath which is in the middle of nowhere!!! Where did you get your contracts?

MuppetAus · Sep 23, 2012

Jhan have you completed your ONP? Some girls I did this with didn't get jobs until they had finished this. I don't know why. I let them believe I had other options and would take them if I wasn't given definant job. I didn't have contacts, but I didn't care where I was sent. My advice would be take where ever they offer and move after your first contract when they know your a go work.

C.Rene RN · Oct 23, 2012

Those of you who mentioned you are working with Continental Nursing, I spoke with them on the phone today & received their application packet. I found it overwhelming to see all of the documentation that they require, proof of immunizations, home background check etc. I'm currently in the UK on a settlement visa (from the US) and I am nervous that I wont be able to access all of the required documents they are requesting while I'm in the UK. Did you hook up with them prior to your arrival in the UK? I just dont know how to even go about getting a criminal background check done on me in the US from the UK, and I couldnt tell you the last time I received my immunizations and boosters. Also, do you get any sort of hospital orientation through the agency? I completed the ONP, but found it utterly useless in regard to learning about actual hospital practice and what to expect in the hospital setting. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.