Different questions regarding practice nurses/general questions *new to UK*

Hi everybody,

I just moved to the UK a few weeks ago and I am now trying to find a job here. There are some differences to Germany where I come from so hopefully some of you can help me a little bit...

I am already registered with the NMC as a General Nurse and now looking for a job. So far I did my studies for three years and after that worked another three years in a large clinical setting (Neurology) and intensive home care.

So first of all: What Grade/Band would be the right thing to start? At what level do I fit in?

Then: I have seen quite some jobs as a practice nurse. Is there any difference in the education between a general nurse and a practice nurse? Is there another difference to a treatment room nurse? Is it possible to work at a GP without any special courses having only worked in clinical settings so far? What about possibilities to get further education there (I have seen a lot of that in "normal" NHS adverts for trusts)

Do you have any other good advise to get a good start as a nurse in the UK? Every little helps and is highly appreciated, for example tipps which agencies are good and respected (London area).

Thank you very much in advance and best regards

Viola

Hi and welcome

I am a practice nurse and there is no difference still RN. Depends on the surgery some ask for experience and some don't. I had no experience and been doing it just over 4 years now :) I have been on a few courses and currently doing a long distant learning coronary heart disease diploma. I initially started grade E which I think is now band 5 and after 8 months moved up to F grade Band 6 after gaining some experience. Would have done a few courses if I had reaslised how much delays I would have on moving to the USA.

Hi

I've been in general practice for 19yrs now and would say we prefer to take nurses without experiance into practices where there is an experianced practice nurse to support them. Practice nursing is totally different to hospital nursing and you need to be a jack or jill of all trades!! I also feel that you need to be an experianced nurse to cope with everything that gets thrown at you.. I moved from an eye unit to general practice and found it very hard to begin with but i was the junior member of a team of 4 nurse so was supported during my learning curve which was vertical!!

so by all means try practice nursing but get a practice where you will be supported while you are learning the job.

Karen

As far as agencies go Adevia place nurses in the UK, if you have your pin number already. Their main office is in London & they have a website where you can register on-line.

There are, of course, other choices too who may be equally able to help but Adevia are quite a big concern & might be a good place to start.

Thank you for your answers, that was really helpful. I think I know now really better what I am looking for and what I have to take care about. I registered with adevia and I also called a GP practice looking for nurses... I hope that I will find something soon.

Its really lovely to see that so many people are willing to help and answer questions :-)

Looking forward to talk to all of you again!

The very, very best of luck to you! Please let us know how things are going!

Hi!

Here are some news:

I have 2 Interview dates. The first is tomorrow at St. Mary´s Trust in London the second is a GP practise in Central London on Tuesday next week. So I hope I get a job soon. If not I can learn from these Interviews, and do it better the next time.

After I found out, that you usally visit the ward or practise before you apply in the UK, I made some appointments for visiting.

I will let you know what happens.

Thank you again and kind regards

Viola