American seeking information from Brits and Scots

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 2, 2003

hope I can answer some of your questions re working in the UK.

Nursing in the UK is not a brilliant well paid job, average basic pay starts at approx £17,000 a year which is approx $29,000. He doesn't need BSN but if you visit http://www.nmc-uk.org they will be able to give more information re oversea applicants. This is the UK nursing governing site and to work as a nurse in the UK you need to be registered with them.

Male nursing in the UK can be sterotyped but I have known a few good male RN's and they have never to the best of my knowledge had any problems with the public.

Nursing jobs are available everywhere in the UK but like many other countries have theie good and bad, although living in the south of england and certain popular areas in scotland i.e. Edinburgh can be expensive. The wages might be a bit more but so will be the accommodation.

Yes gas or petrol as it is known over here, is expensive but the cost spent depends on type of car and how many miles you travel.

I hope this answers some of your questions and doesn't deter you too much from working over here. you can always PM me with other questions if you wish

Anna. :)

caz · Nov 4, 2003

It's a very long time since I trained, so I'm not sure what the criteria is for admission into training. However, to answer some of your questions:

1. Male nurses are not looked down upon in the british nursing culture (at least not where I work, or have worked). All qualified nurses, regardless of gender are currently being welcomed with 'open arms'.

2. House/flat prices are on the increase. The south is generally more expensive than the north. Renting is very expensive, wherever you are in the UK

3. Scotland is a lovely place to live, having once lived their myself, I know I speak from experience, but be warned, the further up into Scotland you go, the colder it gets!

4. With debts to pay, and a family to look after, I think you will struggle on one income, unless you can supplement it with agency work or overtime.

5. Gas and electricity is not cheap, but monthly payment plans are available, as with telephone bills, television licence etc.

Hope this helps.

GoingNutzinMI · Nov 4, 2003

In the UK, do employers allow their workers to work two jobs? For example, would it be possible for my husband to work full time at a hospital and part time with an agency?

Do nurses generally get a lot of overtime? Is the overtime pay extra (time and a half)?

Thanks in advance,

Abigail

caz · Nov 4, 2003

Your husband would need to read his contract of employment very thoroughly. The majority of hospitals do not encourage their nurses to have agency jobs. Discretion is the key.

In this current climate, overtime is available, especially in the private sector.

Caz

Kaylesh · Nov 5, 2003

Hiya

Also as a American coming to the UK.. He'd need a work permit.

This is sponsered by the employer.. not something the employee can do on his/her own.

I am a US born and bred RN who moved to Scotland in July 1999..

Yes the pay is horrendous compared to the US but there are some things more important than money..

I love the country and the people and wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the UK.

Once you are here for fhour years on a continous work permit you can then apply for what is called Indefinate Leave to Remain.

Which basically means that you no longer are tied down to a work permit.

So basically during your first four years here in the UK if you decided youi don't like the first job.. You would need the next employer to sponser a new work permit etc.. Up to the four year point.

You also have to keep your US liscense up and your UK liscense up to be able to work here.

Any questions feel free to ask.

Kaylesh