American student studying in the UK

JMCP · Feb 25, 2015

ummm, don't look to come back and try to work in cali after getting an international degree. I was going to move to Australia (university of syd) for my msn. got accepted and in the works of getting my visa i stopped. my friend who was a year in told me that her degree would not be honored in California which is where we are from. why? because of peds and ob... anyway, it took her 2.5 years to be able to get into a school to take those two classes. she was only able to do it in nevada. so, during that time i got my degree with no problem... blah, such a huge issue...especially since getting a degree in australia didn't mean you got to stay there...nope, it meant you got the degree... your visa expires and you're on your way home.

scwhit84 · Feb 25, 2015

Really!? That is one topic I will have to investigate. I figured because I am already a US citizen (from IL) I would be able to take the NCLEX no problem and practice. I am interested to see what other people have to say. Thank you for the reply.

swdrobertson · Feb 25, 2015

Training here in the UK is very different than the US.

We are trained in specific areas of practice (General nurse, child nurse, mental health nurse, learning disability nurse) so it is highly unlikely you will be able to simply sit NCLEX when you are done.

I am a Scottish educated nurse. Im at the very early stages of trying to get a licence in MO. It is very difficult with new hurdles everyday.

That being said if you did choose to work here after your nurse education you will have great job security as the health service is a national institution. From discussions with American friends who are nurses my impression is that US nurses have a greater theory base than UK nurses however UK nurses tend to have more practacle time than our US counterparts.

please feel free to ask me anything you wish regarding life etc on our wee island.

Scott.

scwhit84 · Feb 25, 2015

Thank you for the reply. I'm really glad this website exists. What obstacles are you having Scott are you experiencing so far in trying to get licensed through Missouri? This information doesn't deter me from wanting to study in Scotland, but I would like to know what I will be getting myself into. Ideally I would like to practice both in the US and UK, I want to be able to travel.

What about the education in the UK. I have been told its harder because their is not a grading curve like there is in the US. Forgive me for a possible my ignorance, how does practacle nursing study differ from theory based study?

As for questions about Scotland, I will have many in the coming months. Fall semester does not start until September I believe.

swdrobertson · Feb 25, 2015

Hi

The obstacles i (and most uk nurses) face are securing enough theory and clinical hours in mental health, obs, and peads.

In terms of our system being harder i dont know. When i trained it was really hard. We worked on placement right rhough the summer and had very little time off compared to students on other courses (6 weeks a year if memory serves). Academically it was challenging but managable. However than was 10 years ago.

In terms of the theory/ practice difference I was refering to .... I find that US nurses have greater knowledge straight out of nursing school than UK nurses however UK nurses have much more practicle experience and a wider variety of clinical skills. Our courses tend to be equally split between time in the classroom and time working alongside trained nurses.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 25, 2015

I would suggest talking to the University and see if you can arrange hours both clinical and theory in Paeds, Obstetrics, Mental Health and Adult. They may not accommodate but until you ask you will not know. If you are classed as an International Student I see no reason why they will not accommodate

Trauma Columnist · Feb 26, 2015

Here is the link to IDPFR's requirements for internationally educated nurses:

http://www.idfpr.com/Renewals/apply/FORMS/CGFNS_02.pdf

scwhit84 · Feb 26, 2015

Excellent advice, I have email the nursing boards of the states I want to practice in. One has already responded back to me! Yay! I will take those requirements to Glasgow. I also know I can take the NCLEX while I am overseas. Thanks traumaRUs for the document, if only the evaluation was not so expensive. I will also take that with my to Glasgow.

LondonFog, BSN · Feb 27, 2015

Hi, I can't offer you advice on the nursing as I am a student in the US myself, but I can certainly give you the lowdown on Glasgow having lived there for 5 years. I LOVE SCOTLAND! Yes, it's a wee island, but it's just breathtaking. The University of Glasgow is just lovely. The weather takes a little getting used to as does the initial culture shock and accent, but if you're willing to open your mind and accept it for what it is - it's just beautiful. I can go on and on about the UK. Housing is cheap (compared to England), older looking, but very convenient. Everything (pretty much) is walking distance away with the entire city on a great public transport system (trains and buses). I lived in Shawlands, but also loved the West side, especially Byers Road near the Uni. You can get your groceries delivered and people are very friendly. The museums are free and you'll just love the shopping. Take advantage of the short distance to Europe. Glasgow is fashion forward, friendly, and fun- There is some pretty good night life and beautiful local parks. Don't expect the hospitals there to look as advanced as the US- The NHS is a government funded agency so the glitter you get from a private hospital cannot compare. All that glitters isn't always gold. Having said that, you get far better annual leave there once you are in work! Visit Edinburgh and the Highlands as soon as you can.

Thanks for asking this- I'll try my best to answer if you have anymore questions regarding the city. I now live in Florida, but miss the UK terribly all the time. Thanks for all the information in the posts- I'm hoping that will help me someday :)

scwhit84 · Feb 27, 2015

What are the best places to visit in the Highlands and Edinburgh?

swdrobertson · Feb 27, 2015

Edinburgh has the old town which people tend to really enjoy. Its full of really old buildings (lots of history), there is also the Edinburgh dungeons tours and if you like shopping the old town is only a few minutes walk from the main shopping area.

As for the Highlands.... Well every inch of that place is stunning. If your a Harry Potter fan i suggest starting in Glenfinnan. If you are there at 11.10 in the morning you will see the Hogwarts Express cross the famous viaduct. In all truth though id say befriend a local who is willing to drive you. You will be awestruck the entire journey. I still am and i have lived here my whole life.