Canadian to work in Scotland?! HELP!

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I am a registered nurse from/living in Montreal, Quebec.

I am currently in the process of getting my nursing license for the UK. I want to do one step at a time, but my plan is to be in Scotland by the end of summer. I am finding it very overwhelming to see all of the agencies and job availabilities- not a bad thing, but how do I pick the right one when I know nothing about them?

I'm looking for anyone that can help direct me towards the best route towards getting a job. I have 2 years experience in Emergency. I have already been in discussion with an agency in the UK but it does not appear that their placements in Scotland are as common as England.

I am also applying to the University of Edinburgh for a masters in nursing- considering school and work part time (which would be ideal). That also raises issues concerning which visa I would be applying for.. so much to do and so little time!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome...your thread has been moved to our UK Nursing forum.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Try NHS.jobs website for Scotland

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Agency work in Scotland is scarce for those with no experience of UK nursing. I know that when I worked for Lothian (the Edinburgh health board) they use very little agency, and only were supplied agency staff through one agency (Scottish nursing guild). The vast majority of agency work i hear is in nursing homes and the rates are pretty poor.

You want to look at joining the NHS staff bank, which is sessional working. Part time work in acute areas is hard to come by, so bank is the best option.

Be careful with agencies here... They will promise you the moon. London would offer far more flexibility than Scotland does, and when you're done and have found your feet, Scotland isn't far away...

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Have to agree with above posters, use the hospital bank or get on the Scottish Nursing Guilds books if you can. Have not heard of any other agencies being used.

In my trust the Bank is the first choice for any vacancy and the Guild is last choice - purely cost.

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Just in case you haven't seen this, it's all the jobs available in NHS Scotland in one place NHS Scotland Recruitment

Remember if you come over on a student visa you can only work 20 hours per week.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

Hey,

I hope this isn't a duplicated question, however I was wondering if someone would be able to help me. I was wondering if there were any exemptions for a Canadian nurse (RN) with a degree in moving to the UK? I understand I would still have to write the IELTS, however, I was wondering if I would still need to write both steps of the exam (The OSCE as well as the MC test)? I have over 2 years experience in mental health as well as currently in the process of applying for the mental health certification in Canada. Ideally, I would like to work in either Edinburgh or the highlands in mental health (Emerge assessment). Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hey,

I hope this isn't a duplicated question, however I was wondering if someone would be able to help me. I was wondering if there were any exemptions for a Canadian nurse (RN) with a degree in moving to the UK? I understand I would still have to write the IELTS, however, I was wondering if I would still need to write both steps of the exam (The OSCE as well as the MC test)? I have over 2 years experience in mental health as well as currently in the process of applying for the mental health certification in Canada. Ideally, I would like to work in either Edinburgh or the highlands in mental health (Emerge assessment). Thanks in advance!

No exemptions. To register with the NMC you need to meet requirements

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