Re: Working and studying in the UK

Serene I really don't think it's about thinking working as a carer is "degrading" and not what you've trained for it's making sure that these nurses have all the information before they make a decision that could potentially put them into poverty in a cold, foreign country. Despite what you say it is very expensive to live in the UK, even sharing accommodation, the amount that will be earned as a part time carer is minimal as most of these positions are minimum wage. I seem to remember that your Mom has something to do with one of these agencies so I wonder if there's a little personal interest in your active encouragment of these schemes.

There are promises of work visas at the end, and as none of these organisations actually provide the Visas this (in my opinion) is exaggerated and non EU citizens are going to find it almost impossible to find work as an unqualified worker (because that's what carers are classed as here) because no employer will sponser the visa, they won't be allowed because these are positions that can be filled by UK / EU citizens therefore even with the points system these nurses won't qualify.

Re: Working and studying in the UK

Hello There!

I've talked to my friend about this site and she visited and read the contents and she did some research on her own. I'm not sure if most of u guys familiar, but she said it's on the POEA list..(i think it's like the department of the Government that handles overseas workers..pardon me..not so familiar either.hehe) On top of that, cause since it was her bestfriend who has a sister that's been living in UK talked her into getting into this thing, she asked her to find out about it in UK.. apparently, her bestfriend's sister said it was a GO light and that it's legit.

About the lodging and essential necessities, fortunately, she and her bestfriend will be living into one of the sister's house, so, scratch the lodging.
--- as i see it, if u have something like this going for you, then It's not so bad..especially, (just as mentioned) if you're coming from 3RD World Country.. i see the differ..
but of course, it's not much really even after the other expenses, and not to mention if they can fall into a NON-Extravagant lifestyle that is... Just to be honest, I don't want her to go through it.. but i can't deny the fact that even it SUCK (considering she's an RN graduate) it's BETTER (that is, "IF" everything goes according to plan) than staying in the country. sad isn't??

she went and paid 25,000.00 Php and took her entrance exam.. she should get her result in about couple more days.. i'll update u guys

Re: Working and studying in the UK

I think one of the points that I am trying to make is the cost of living grifflikin if your friend has accomodation already then that's a huge expense she's not having to pay for that others will.

I completely understand the desire to improve yourself and achieve all you can achieve for yourself and for your family, but I have serious doubts about these courses actually improving life for the nurses who enrol in them

Re: Working and studying in the UK

Sharrie said " I seem to remember that your Mom has something to do with one of these agencies so I wonder if there's a little personal interest in your active encouragment of these schemes.". Fortunately yes, my mom has a consultancy firm and has assisted a loooot of newly gaaduate nurses and caregivers go to the UK under the NVQ in Health & Social Care program. And that is why I can speak with authority.

We are all here not for personal interest but to give light to what is the truth, as one sees it. That is why the pros and cons are so encouraging for this will help those undecided to weigh their options.

NOW TO NURSES OUT THERE :Tier 2 Point based sytem, skilled workers-general, includes in their Government - approved UK shortage occupation list for tier 2 , as of Nov. 2008, among others, NURSES - JOB TITLES: I quote " ONLY the following job titles within this occupation : registered nurse employed or engaged at band 7 or 8 of the Agenda for Change scale or their independent sector equivalents ; registered nurse at band 5 or above employed or engaged in the following specialties- operating theatre nurse, anaesthetic nurse, operating department practitioner, scrub nurse, theatre nurse, critical nurse (nurses working in critical units with level 2 or 3 classification)." MAC to review evidence by March 2009. This will give Filipino nurses an opportunity to work as a NURSE in the UK. And mind you, everyone interested can just go to the Point based sytem website for guidance. YOU DON'T NEED ANY CONSULTANT OR REPRESENTATIVE to do this.

I wish all of you a HAPPY HAPPY, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR !

Re: Working and studying in the UK

i really appreciate sharrie's help and insights into this working and studying scheme that's being offered right now in the Philippines.so sad,but true.nurses won't be able to practice and improve their careers in the U.K. if they sign up to these programs.
me and my wife have several relatives who are nursing graduates ( nothing unusual there, he he he) but me personally, much as i want them to start earning instead of being unemployed in the Phil., i wouldn't suggest or let them go to the U.K. thru this kind of program.
i know,it boils down to economics and it's better than earning nothing but the question is, is it really worth your while?
first of all, you'll pay minimum of 50k pesos for the program which could easily go up to 200k.with the £ down to just £1=70 pesos, just imagine how long it will take to recoup your initial investment.secondly,you'll just receive the minimum wage(or maybe slightly higher) and i'll tell you and every U.K. resident also will,this is just not enough after you take out the BASIC necessities and expenses.some are arguing that if they really scrimp and save they could still have money left to send home...but with a weakened pound, i wonder how much it will gonna be?
i've just been to a Christmas party the other day where there are several nurses who are in London on a student visa and i tell you guys honestly,my heart goes out to them.everyone has their own sad experience to tell which i won't discuss here anymore but the bottom line is,what's going on with them right now isn't the one that was promised by the agency whilst they we're still applying for the program.

Re: Working and studying in the UK

Originally Posted by Serene_ieg

NOW TO NURSES OUT THERE :Tier 2 Point based sytem, skilled workers-general, includes in their Government - approved UK shortage occupation list for tier 2 , as of Nov. 2008, among others, NURSES - JOB TITLES: I quote " ONLY the following job titles within this occupation : registered nurse employed or engaged at band 7 or 8 of the Agenda for Change scale or their independent sector equivalents ; registered nurse at band 5 or above employed or engaged in the following specialties- operating theatre nurse, anaesthetic nurse, operating department practitioner, scrub nurse, theatre nurse, critical nurse (nurses working in critical units with level 2 or 3 classification)." MAC to review evidence by March 2009. This will give Filipino nurses an opportunity to work as a NURSE in the UK. And mind you, everyone interested can just go to the Point based sytem website for guidance. YOU DON'T NEED ANY CONSULTANT OR REPRESENTATIVE to do this.

I wish all of you a HAPPY HAPPY, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR !

I have highlighted what will count and when they are talking about experience they are asking for more than a couple of months of working in the area and usually will expect it to be paid work

Re: Working and studying in the UK

Who can apply as a skilled worker?
Before you apply under the skilled worker category (Tier 2 General), you must have:

a sponsor; and
a valid certificate of sponsorship.

When you apply you are awarded points based on your:
qualifications;
future expected earnings;
sponsorship;
English language skills; and
available maintenance (funds).

To get full details please visit www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk

Re: Working and studying in the UK

But even finding a sponsor you still need to meet criteria and for nurses you need work experience in the areas on the shortage list

Re: Working and studying in the UK

Originally Posted by Serene_ieg

Sharrie said " I seem to remember that your Mom has something to do with one of these agencies so I wonder if there's a little personal interest in your active encouragment of these schemes.". Fortunately yes, my mom has a consultancy firm and has assisted a loooot of newly gaaduate nurses and caregivers go to the UK under the NVQ in Health & Social Care program. And that is why I can speak with authority.

Authority or bias

Originally Posted by Serene_ieg

We are all here not for personal interest but to give light to what is the truth, as one sees it. That is why the pros and cons are so encouraging for this will help those undecided to weigh their options.

!

You are quite right, there are those of us here who have absolutely nothing to gain, no ties to companies who benefit from this type of program but are just intersted in giving the facts and the reality of living in the UK on minimum wage, as a student with little prospect of work at the end of that course.

Re: Working and studying in the UK

Originally Posted by Serene_ieg

Sharrie said " I seem to remember that your Mom has something to do with one of these agencies so I wonder if there's a little personal interest in your active encouragment of these schemes.". Fortunately yes, my mom has a consultancy firm and has assisted a loooot of newly gaaduate nurses and caregivers go to the UK under the NVQ in Health & Social Care program. And that is why I can speak with authority.

We are all here not for personal interest but to give light to what is the truth, as one sees it. That is why the pros and cons are so encouraging for this will help those undecided to weigh their options.

NOW TO NURSES OUT THERE :Tier 2 Point based sytem, skilled workers-general, includes in their Government - approved UK shortage occupation list for tier 2 , as of Nov. 2008, among others, NURSES - JOB TITLES: I quote " ONLY the following job titles within this occupation : registered nurse employed or engaged at band 7 or 8 of the Agenda for Change scale or their independent sector equivalents ; registered nurse at band 5 or above employed or engaged in the following specialties- operating theatre nurse, anaesthetic nurse, operating department practitioner, scrub nurse, theatre nurse, critical nurse (nurses working in critical units with level 2 or 3 classification)." MAC to review evidence by March 2009. This will give Filipino nurses an opportunity to work as a NURSE in the UK. And mind you, everyone interested can just go to the Point based sytem website for guidance. YOU DON'T NEED ANY CONSULTANT OR REPRESENTATIVE to do this.

I wish all of you a HAPPY HAPPY, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR !

The moderators here are very aware of what is actually happening in the UK at this time, two of them are actually from there and have been nurses there for years.

In order to qualify for the Band 7 or 8, it requires years of experience, and for the specialty areas, they also require years of experience. Even the specialty areas require years of experience for the Band 5 if you are aware of how things are done in the UK.

New nurses going to the UK are not going to be able to remain and work there when they are done with whatever training and that is the point that we are trying to make. They are still going to be considered a new grad and not qualify for what you have listed above. And they will not be working as an RN when they go over for this training program and therefore will not meet the requirements to remain there when they are done as they will also not hold current work experience. They may be able to qualify for one year to remain and work but this will not get them any further, just like the OPT in the US; once it is up, it is up and cannot be extended.

Just because your mother has an agency or consultancy as you call it, she is not the one that issues the visas either. And most facilities in the UK have a hiring freeze in place as well as the fact that critical care nursing as it is practiced in the Philippines is a world apart from what is done in the UK, as well as most other countries.

We are stating things as they are happening. It also makes absolutely no sense for anyone that already holds the BSN to go thru one of these training programs as it will not qualify for them for a visa to remain and live in the UK when all is said and done and that is the point that we are making. Taking someone for a ride is not what we like to see done to nurses here. And that is all that is being done, promises being made that are not going to be kept.