Nursing in the UK

donmurray · Feb 5, 2004

Charge Nurse is a rank/grade in the uk. it's a title gradually being replaced with Ward Manager. Frankly I prefer Nurse in my title somewhere...

Good_Queen_Bess · Feb 5, 2004

Originally posted by Betty_SPN_KS
Just out of curiosity, why are female charge nurses called sisters in the UK? Makes me think of nuns :)

I have no idea where is originates. I prefer "charge nurse" myself.

shadows mom · Feb 23, 2004

I'm moving to UK in 2005. Can an ICU nurse from UK help me plan ahead on transitioning to NHS system of 'doing things'? I am currently working on licensure through the NMC. I have soooo many questions and would love to hear from someone currently working Intensive Care.

jjjez · Apr 5, 2004

Sorry, but you are commenting on ONE socialized medical system.
I now work in France where the system is excellent. The difference? UK -lowest rate of taxation in the European Union; France-one of the highest. You get what you pay for. The French are very community minded and very attached to their public services. The majority are proud to pay high taxes for good public services and while everybody would like to pay less tax, they see it as a necessity in a civilised society where everybody has access to good health care without having to worry if they can afford it or not. I'm afraid the selfish British public (and I speak as a Brit myself) will always vote for tax cuts, then moan that their schools, hospital and trains don't work.
French nurses are highly skilled. All the tasks you describe (cannulation, catherization etc.) are done by nurses, though frankly, they were when I worked in the UK too so I don't see why your hospital was behind. Nurse patient ratios are not high, BUT the support workers here (Aide Soignantes) are highly trained and are almost like your LPN's or British EN's, so although you may be few registered nurses on a shift you have very good support from your Aide Soignantes. The French system works efficiently. There are no waiting lists like in the UK, it's high tech and dynamic. Of course it has it's problems like all systems, but what the French think of as a "problem" is often ten times worse in the UK.
I have heard too many horror stories of what can happen to people in the US if they are not adequately covered for me to be convinced it is an attractive system. Didn't Clinton want to reform it? And wasn't he blocked by big business?. And you spend more on health care than any other developed nation for no better measurable outcomes.
I believe there is no fairer system than the principle of health coverage for all funded by the state out of taxation and free at the point of delivery. The French example is proof that this can also be of a good quality. Give me socilailzed heath care any day!

Well considering France, like Germany can't even afford their health care system, guess which country they're taking on ideas from???

You've guessed it

the NHS

DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 5, 2004

Well considering France, like Germany can't even afford their health care system, guess which country they're taking on ideas from???
You've guessed it
the NHS

Which is exactly why the government did so badly in last weekend's regional elections. If you look at the cantonal map of France it is now all red apart from Alscace which is the only region not to have gone socialist.

Unlike the British, the French don't vote for tax cuts every time. They are very attached to their (very good) public services, and if they see them under threat (as under the Raffarin government), they vote accordingly. this is somewhat different from the British who rather selfishly voted for 19 years of Tory tax cuts, and now wonder why they have rubbish schools, hospitals at crisis points and trains that don't work.

Gretta2 · Apr 15, 2004

Hi! I'm thinking about working in the UK. Does it matter much if you have a degree versus a diploma. In Canada it doesn't make much difference in your wage.

as far as agencies go, are they accommodating to families (i have a child and husband)?

Any tips? I need a break from these long cold winters!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 15, 2004

Hi! I'm thinking about working in the UK. Does it matter much if you have a degree versus a diploma. In Canada it doesn't make much difference in your wage.
as far as agencies go, are they accommodating to families (i have a child and husband)?
Any tips? I need a break from these long cold winters!

hi

I don't think it matters re degree v diploma in nursing over here in the UK as long as you fit the NMC's overseas nursing requirements, if you go to this link and look under international nurse you should be able to get the relevent info. http://www.nmc-uk.org

regarding agencies and accommadation I haven't got a clue but if they have a web site it is something you can ask them, If possible I would not work in London as it is too expensive to live.

Don't you know we are not reknowned for having good weather in the UK :rotfl: generally alot of rain.

hope this is of some help.

Anna

jksam · May 19, 2004

Hi, I'm a new Canadian nursing grad. I'm dying to go abroad and explore the rest of the world and work at the same time. I have my heart set on the UK. With everything that I've read in this thread regarding the differences between the UK healthcare system and the US (Canadian) healthcare system I'm wondering if I should stay in Canada and gain experience before going abroad. I feel that I have gained a good grasp on nursing in Canada through my four years of study, and I feel confident with my skills as a new grad.....but I still have a whole lot to learn in the nursing profession. I'm frequently told that I should gain a couple years of experience before going abroad, but I have ants in my pants and I want to go in the near future. Any thoughts or words of wisdom would be very helpful!

thanks

fergus51 · May 19, 2004

I have a friend who went to London as a new grad and came back a few years later. She is an excellent nurse, so it doesn't seem to have hurt her at all. If you want to go, I say enjoy!

jksam · May 20, 2004

thanks fergus51...that's very encouraging!

Wendy Huang · May 21, 2004

Hi, I'm a new Canadian nursing grad. I'm dying to go abroad and explore the rest of the world and work at the same time. I have my heart set on the UK. With everything that I've read in this thread regarding the differences between the UK healthcare system and the US (Canadian) healthcare system I'm wondering if I should stay in Canada and gain experience before going abroad. I feel that I have gained a good grasp on nursing in Canada through my four years of study, and I feel confident with my skills as a new grad.....but I still have a whole lot to learn in the nursing profession. I'm frequently told that I should gain a couple years of experience before going abroad, but I have ants in my pants and I want to go in the near future. Any thoughts or words of wisdom would be very helpful!
thanks

Hi, I almost read the new treads in this room everyday since i found this website.I am registered nurse work in China for three years. I also have this kind of ideas to work UK, I am just curious about the world, i want to explore the world as well. I have read many treads and get to know lots of UK nurses want to move to US, I don't know why they want to move, because of the pay or the nurse position in the hospital? I think if you can apply for a job in UK, do it when you are young. I think you need registered to NMC before you work. I have to pass the english language test and need training in UK for 6 months before working. Hope this helps. I'd like to share with you my mind. You can e-mail me.

Wendy from China :)

Atheana · Jul 5, 2004

Being a nurse is not only about being able to carry out technical aspects, such as B.P. monitoring, for example, but being able to care for people who are unwell and not able in some way to care for themselves. Being a nurse is about showing compassion, understanding, strength and stamina, as well as reassuring and alleviating fears. Many patients I have cared for really couldn't care what their B.P. is, sometimes all they want is for someone to be there to hold there hand, to listen and to explain things.

I couldn't agree with you more Karen. Well said.