And I thought the UK would want me!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 5, 2006

I am writing this almost in tears. I can't believe all of the hoops that you have to go through to register in the UK! I am graduating in May, from a 2 year Nursing School (in the top ten best in the US), and I have maintained a perfect academic average. I am older, as I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psyc, and was a biofeedback therapist for 18 years before changing to nursing. I wanted to go to the UK after graduating, but now I find out that the new 20 day ONP course, and whatever supervisory requirement is only offered to RNs with at least a year of experience! I was (and am) willing to do whatever the NMC wishes to deem me safe to practice, but it looks like I am completely paralyzed to even get started over there because of this rule! There isn't any way I could get the experience once I am there, under supervision, or at a lower pay, or anything? I am fresh (almost) out of an excellent school. Why wouldn't the NMC let me get the experience in the UK, and then register after a year? Is this possible? Sorry so "ranty", but I'm not getting any younger here! Please help if anyone can enlighten me! It appears that it is very difficult for international nurses to get jobs in the UK- and yet there is a shortage, and folks like me who want to live and work there! ugh!

Unfortunately there isn't a way round the rule as to practice as a RN you have to have a PIN and you can only get that from NMC. Immigration process and getting a work permit can take up to 12 months. Are you sure you can't get the 12 months experience before looking to work over here in the UK. I know from reading the nursing times (a weekly nurse magazine here in the UK which can be accessed online) that there is a waiting list for the 20 dayONP so you may be able to get your name down on a future course whilst waiting to gain your experience

I hope this helps a bit

bethem · Feb 5, 2006

I suppose they don't want to spend time and energy effectively 'training' a new grad who will then, presumably, take his or her skills back to his or her own country. You will be able to work in the UK, just get some experience first!

In Australia - part of the Commonwealth, and we still (some of us) see the Queen as our 'leader' - they suggest at least two years of experience before going O/S, especially to England.

Sorry you are having a hard time with this. If it is your dream, do what has to be done to make it happen.

angefeedback · Feb 5, 2006

Thanks for your reply. I guess my true concern is more about wether my RN is enough with the 1 year of experience, or if the school I went to (not being a 4 year university) makes it impossible no matter how much experience I get first! I appreciate your imput! A.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 5, 2006

It is the same for a nurse to work in any foreign country. Each country can set their own rules. And they do.

Example, a foreign nurse that did a two year program, out of the US, will usually not be permitted to work in the US, as that program would not be considered the First Level in their country. Most countries, that still have the LPN or equivalent, offer it as a two year program. The only ones that you hear of getting accepted were doctors that do a two year program, as they have the pre-reqs done and can just concentrate on the nursing part.

For you to work in Ontario, Canada, you need to have a BSN for initial licensure, a two year degree from the US is not accepted. It is the same amount of time as the LPN there.

angefeedback · Feb 6, 2006

Thanks for the imput, Suzanne. I am learning a lot! I am so glad that you all are out there to fill in the blanks!

A

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2006

It is very hard to nurse in a foreign country even if you are experienced but it helps if you have some experience under your belt.

A year will go quickly. I am new in US and myself and the others who are here from the UK are all struggling and we probably have 100 years of experience between us lol.

British nurses are more likely to say what they think and feel and are actively encouraged to question all aspects of care. I have not found the US nurses to be like this, they are much nicer and not as direct. Of course this is on my ward, I reserve the right to change my mind later:roll

RGN1 · Feb 20, 2006

You should see what we have to do to get to the USA!!!

All countries like to think their education is precious, I'm afraid in the UK we're no different. Considering our lot has changed the nurse education program to a degree course that no longer even gives you the hours to apply for your N-CLEX it's pretty rich!

I'm hoping to come accross the pond in the other direction to you so let's hope we both make it! It just takes patience, time & a whole lotta faith! xxx

hanna74 · Feb 22, 2006

hi

im not hundra % sure here but im pretty sure u would have to have done a 3 year nursing course, which is what we have in england, in order to register. as u have a previouse degree there is a fast track course of 2 years but i think u would have to do that one in england. like i said i dont know for sure but i dont think an overseas 2 years diploma enables u to register as a staff nurse in england.

as for the shortage of staff, i dont think that is so at the mo, the cohort before me left 30 nurses without jobs on completion, most trusts have a job freeze to save money.

good luck anyways i hope it will work out for u in the end.

hanna

RGN1 · Feb 22, 2006

you do have to have a three year course. Check out the NMC's website for details.

We do have a shortage of nurses on the wards but we also have a shortage of money, so many NHS Trusts have recruitment freezes etc in place. It sucks & that is why I left the NHS to work in the private sector, the lack of qualified nurses on my acute ward was down right dangerous & I didn't want any more of it!

Now I get 5-6 patients & a bit of time to actually say hello to them & look after them properly without having to give out the breakfast, give out the lunches, then try & feed the 3 that can't do it for themselves (mmmm cold NHS food - yummy), then, on top of all the bedside cleaning nurses are supposed to do, try & fit in the dressings, CVP & obs readings, catheter care, 2 hourly turns, cleaning up the incontinent ones etc etc etc..........

Have I put you off even trying to come yet??? :lol2: