After 11 years, USA to UK. Anyoneone been there?

uk_nurse · Nov 17, 2004

i have never been in your situation and always lived in UK.we are going through the 'agenda for change' at the moment so things are 'in between' as for the conditions well....no change in my hospital, still stressed , staff shortages etc etc The NHS is not in a good state, hence they are trying to improve it with the agenda for change. Sorry cant help you much but thought would give you a little in sight into how things are over here. :)

suehp · Nov 17, 2004

Hi,
I came to the US in 1993 after I was qualified as an RGN for 5 years. Have worked in the community, rehab and most recently Med/surg. I am trying to decide if coming home is in my best interests. Hate my current job, have no family here etc. My concerns are adjusting again to the NHS. After this long it is a scary prospect, wondered if anyone out there had done it and what their experience was. Has pay improved, how about conditions? Any information would be appreciated.

Sorry I cant help you either because I am doing the opposite...going from UK to USA!!! Whereabouts in the USA are you?? :)

annmariern · Nov 18, 2004

I am in Florida Sue. Tampa.

annmariern · Nov 18, 2004

i have never been in your situation and always lived in UK.we are going through the 'agenda for change' at the moment so things are 'in between' as for the conditions well....no change in my hospital, still stressed , staff shortages etc etc The NHS is not in a good state, hence they are trying to improve it with the agenda for change. Sorry cant help you much but thought would give you a little in sight into how things are over here. :)

Well, thanks for the info; I had hoped things had improved. Beginning to wonder if there is anywhere you can just do your work the way its supposed to be done and go home sane!!:rotfl:

suehp · Nov 18, 2004

I am in Florida Sue. Tampa.

LOL Thats where I am headed!! To Vero Beach on the East Coast! :rotfl:

AllenJ · Nov 19, 2004

I'm a UK nurse planning to head up your end.

NHS has improved in the past few years in terms of working conditions and pay, but it's still not in line as what you get paid in the states.

Depending on your speciality, agencies pay a far better rate than NHS, and you can self book once the ward/unit knows you and likes you, it's a matter of ,if your face fits.

I know theatre agency nurses get as much as £25/hr or more in London, but London is very expensive to live in, alternatively live on the outskirts and commute into London. You won't be able to drive into London as you'll have to pay a daily charge and parking is a nightmare.

I'll say way the pros and cons, NHS don't pay a lot but you'll get a good pension per years worked , a good holiday scheme and lots of time off if you have family to care for. The choice is yours but as we all know the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Good luck

AllenJ · Nov 19, 2004

Well, thanks for the info; I had hoped things had improved. Beginning to wonder if there is anywhere you can just do your work the way its supposed to be done and go home sane!!:rotfl:

Depends on the team you work with. You get the good days and the bad days. Management is still rubbish as ever.

uk_nurse · Nov 19, 2004

.
NHS has improved in the past few years in terms of working conditions and pay, and lots of time off if you have family to care for. .
Good luck

hey where do you work AllenJ? it is certainly not like that here in part of uk where i work. Im definitely coming to work where you are if this is the case.

working conditions in my trust....lack of nurses, break...what is one of those, leaving on time after a 14 hr shift......more like leaving an hour later and as for LOTS OF TIME OFF if got family to care for ....yes well i think not. i get a talking to if have too much time off when my children are sick!!

AllenJ · Nov 21, 2004

hey where do you work AllenJ? it is certainly not like that here in part of uk where i work. Im definitely coming to work where you are if this is the case.
working conditions in my trust....lack of nurses, break...what is one of those, leaving on time after a 14 hr shift......more like leaving an hour later and as for LOTS OF TIME OFF if got family to care for ....yes well i think not. i get a talking to if have too much time off when my children are sick!!

I work in London + Greater London and as much as i haven't got young children, i have witnessed my colleagues taking time off as carer's leave. I think it's all down to management and having a good team. I work in Recovery/Anaesthetics and i must say after the recent recruitment drive from the Phillipines/South Africa, the staff ratio has improved + the use of Agency nurses has helped. Please i'm not saying the NHS is perfect, but in my unit i have noticed an improvement in comparison to 6 years ago. You are always welcome in our unit, we need more peeps. LOL.:)

annmariern · Nov 22, 2004

I work in London + Greater London and as much as i haven't got young children, i have witnessed my colleagues taking time off as carer's leave. I think it's all down to management and having a good team. I work in Recovery/Anaesthetics and i must say after the recent recruitment drive from the Phillipines/South Africa, the staff ratio has improved + the use of Agency nurses has helped. Please i'm not saying the NHS is perfect, but in my unit i have noticed an improvement in comparison to 6 years ago. You are always welcome in our unit, we need more peeps. LOL.:)

Well, thanks for the info and the job offer! :)