getting agency work in london??

suzanne4, RN · Feb 26, 2007

Process will be next to impossible to get work there right now. They are having huge lay-offs in the NHS. Any jobs that are available will go first to those from the UK, and then next to those from the EU countries. Even Americans are having issues with trying to get work there.

When hospitals are having lay-offs because of not enough money, they usually are not going to use agency nurses as they are more expensive. Remember that the agency is getting money on top of what you are making.

Agency work is never regular anywhere, it is always subject to ups and downs in census even in healthy times there. And what is going on in the country. As far as London proper, you are not going to get enough shifts to make it worth your while or come close to covering your rent there.

Tanvi Tusti · Feb 26, 2007

Hi All
Have been reading the posts about getting work in the UK, and it isn't sounding promising. I am an Australian trained RN working in NICU (have post grad certificate) for last 6 years. Have been dreaming for years to come to the UK on a working holiday, and now financially it is finally possible, but it seems a lot of nurses are being laid off and agency nurses not being used. So are my chances of getting regular work minimal?
I am wanting to base myself in London and do agency work, aiming for 3- 4 12hr shifts per week. From an immigration stand, I wont face any problems as my husband can get permenant residency no problems.
By the time my registration goes through, I think it's going to be close to 12 months before we get there. So if anyone can give me current up to date information about this issue, I would greatly appreciate, as I don't want to start this costly process, if my chances for getting regular work is next to nil!!

Hi rummie

Ive done the reverse lol, UK nurse working in Australia. I have lived in London for a few years myself and getting agency work there was no problem then. London usually has a big staffing problem mostly because of the costs of living there. Im not sure what its like now, in terms of getting agency work, but to my knowledge there has never been a problem in London. Try these agencies, Ive used them all and they were pretty good to me:

http://www.adevia.com/nursing_jobs.shtml

http://www.prestigenursing.co.uk/

The longest part for you will be registering as a nurse in the UK. You need to contact:

http://www.nmc-uk.org/

If I can help any more about general living costs etc. in London dont hesitate to ccontact me. Good luck.

xx

suzanne4, RN · Feb 28, 2007

That was a few years ago when things were just fine. With the lay-offs all over the country, it is hard for a foreigner to even get a license right now. Let alone find agency work that is going to give them that many hours per week.

Right now, it is bad in London, that is why so many from the UK are wishing to come to the US.

And with rents being high, there is not going to be enough to guarantee being able to meet the rent.

When things are bad with money for hospitals, the first to go are the agency nurses. Always and no matter which country.