Can any one help compare American and UK nursing?

Kaylesh · Feb 14, 2005

I am an American training to be a nurse in the UK. I was wondering what it is like to work as a nurse back home and what is the education and training like?

Hiya

I'm a American born,bred and trained RN .. been working and living here in Scotland since July 99...

I have a ADN (associate degree in nursing).. it was a three year evening program in Massachusetts.. Training is in all areas of nursing .. Unlike here in the UK where you decide early on in your training which area (branch) you want to go into.. In the states you get trained in everything and then decide what area you would like to go into once you have taken and passed the famous NCLEX.

If you are trained here and want to work in the states you have to show that you have the appropriate number of hours in all the specialty areas such as pediatrics,, mental health,etc...as well as you would have to take and pass the NCLEX .

In the states you can also change specialties.. Where as here in the UK if you want to go from Adult to Child nursing you have to take a 18 month course.

Thats some of what i know or believe to be the case.. By all means any other US and/or UK nurses chime in please..

It was a long time ago i did my training in the states .. qualified back in dec 91 took and passed the boards in Feb 92 back when it was a two day long multiple choice fill in the blank paper test.. Ok i know i'm ancient ROFL..

Hope that helps somewhat..

Kaylesh

expatnurse · Feb 15, 2005

Hiya
I'm a American born,bred and trained RN .. been working and living here in Scotland since July 99...
I have a ADN (associate degree in nursing).. it was a three year evening program in Massachusetts.. Training is in all areas of nursing .. Unlike here in the UK where you decide early on in your training which area (branch) you want to go into.. In the states you get trained in everything and then decide what area you would like to go into once you have taken and passed the famous NCLEX.
If you are trained here and want to work in the states you have to show that you have the appropriate number of hours in all the specialty areas such as pediatrics,, mental health,etc...as well as you would have to take and pass the NCLEX .
In the states you can also change specialties.. Where as here in the UK if you want to go from Adult to Child nursing you have to take a 18 month course.
Thats some of what i know or believe to be the case.. By all means any other US and/or UK nurses chime in please..
It was a long time ago i did my training in the states .. qualified back in dec 91 took and passed the boards in Feb 92 back when it was a two day long multiple choice fill in the blank paper test.. Ok i know i'm ancient ROFL..
Hope that helps somewhat..
Kaylesh

Thanks so much for your reply to my message any other thoughts you have on the subject I would love to hear them. expatnurse