Can an American nurse work in England?

[khemvika]

I may be wrong but I read somewhere that in England, there is a shortage of nurses in that country. I am a nursing major who will be starting her sophomore year at my university next month and I always dreamed of moving to London after I graduated. But my dad suggested that after graduating, I should work here (in the U.S.) for about two or three years before I go to London and search for a Nursing job.

Is this goal seem impossible or will it turn into a reality?

Thank you for your answers.

[DIPLOMATICRN4HIRE, MSN, RN]

Yes an American RN can work in London, but you need to think Long and hard about the decision. I live overseas and I can tell you the healthcare systems overseas arent what they are cracked up to be. I have been to a hospital in London and the interview was nice , but lets listen to the downsides:

Cost of living: OMG its huge, the sterling pound which you will be paid in is yes higher than the us dollar but it doesnt go nearly as far. Consider a small apartment (studio) in london near the hospital will run you about 2000 sterling pounds(which is cheap IF you can find one) thats about 3500 us dollars. Food: add another 50% of your regular cost in the states, then add for your utilities and such.

The average pay in london is compriable to the pay in the states in us dollars but when you convert the exchange rate to sterling pounds , the pay doesnt go as far.(because cost of living in london is like the cost of living in New York City or San Fransisco).

Yes I do suggest that you work in the states for atleast 2yrs to get grounded on your likes and dislikes, because in another country you will be shifted, to what they need to fill not necessarily to your speciality.

Listen to the person that was from the UK , that person knows what their talking about I declined the position because I dont float to other areas I specialize for a reason.

Zoe