Canada to UK questions

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Hi there,

I am a nursing student in Canada currently finishing up my 1st year of a four year BSN degree. I absolutely adore England and a couple of years ago I moved there hoping to make a go of it, but happened to be a victim of the recession as my current trade didn't get me very far over there. I decided to move back to Canada, go back to school, and then head across the pond again. I know it is early days to be planning yet, but I've been slowly gathering information about what I will need to do to get licensed in the UK once I'm done.

I have a couple of preliminary questions and was wondering if anyone has any experience with them and can offer any help. I will of course be contacting the NMC etc when the time comes, but just looking for some info and opinions in the meantime :)

First of all, I have observed the nursing job shortage in the UK (and keeping my fingers crossed things are different in 4ish years when I hope to come over). I see that the UK must offer jobs to UK/EU nurses before international nurses when possible. I am a british citizen as my mum was born and raised there, I also have a full british passport. Do you know if for purposes of job offerings I would be considered a UK nurse, or would I still be an international nurse because of where I studied and was raised??

Also, during my third year of studies I will have the option to specialize if I want to. Would this benefit me when applying for jobs in the UK or would my speciality not be recognized? For instance, I was thinking I might possibly gain my critical care nursing or operation room nursing specialities, but wasn't sure how they would apply in the UK. Would I be considered a specialized nurse, or would I still be starting as a band 5 staff nurse?

Thanks in advance for any help. Just hoping to slowly get all my ducks in a row!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You have a British citizenship and passport therefore you are British and do not have to worry because you are entitled to live and work in the UK. You are only classed as International in regards to your training. You will probably still start on Band 5 but a lot will depend on the job you apply for once trained and experienced. Just doing a specialty in your 3rd year will not make you a specialist, courses post training would be expected like Intensive Care course or Coronary Care course

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This is my exact situation as well! I'm currently doing my LPN and have almost a full year before I can continue on with my RN and was wondering if I would be able to work overseas during that time? I was wondering if anyone knew what LPN roles are like/if there is anything like that overseas? My mum was born and raised in Scotland but I was born and raised in Canada.

Any information would be great!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
This is my exact situation as well! I'm currently doing my LPN and have almost a full year before I can continue on with my RN and was wondering if I would be able to work overseas during that time? I was wondering if anyone knew what LPN roles are like/if there is anything like that overseas? My mum was born and raised in Scotland but I was born and raised in Canada.

Any information would be great!

If looking at the UK the it doesn't accept LPN, a lot will depend on the country you are looking at. I also think the EU is the same and doesn't accept LPN

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