Heading back to work in the UK, I wish!

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Like many foreign trained nurses I never expected the obstacles I'm up against with the NMC trying to get licensure in the UK as an RN!

I am a UK citizen, I trained as an Enrolled Nurse in Scotland then moved to the U.S. soon after finishing nursing school. I am of course talking about the late 70s!

After marrying my US fiancé and giving birth to our 3 children, I went back to nursing school, graduated with an Associates Degree-Nursing, took my NCLEX exam and passed with flying colours. I have worked as a Labor & Delivery level 3 RN, specialised as a perinatal (high risk pregnancy) RN, Post Partum, Newborn Nursery and currently level 3 NICU, not to mention home health clinical specialist caring for women with high risk pregnancies.

After an in person visit to the NMC, explaining my situation, several months of returned forms for ridiculous reasons, numerous very early phone calls, (I live on the west coast US) many emails. All I have managed to accomplish is RN7 level2, in other words they will basically let me practice as a now defunked Enrolled Nurse or a CNA!

We won't mention the expense of this as they took fees to read it me to the register and fees to apply as a "real RN". Dispite all the information, forms, copies of transcripts, degree etc they can't quite understand what the problem is!! REALLY!!! I would basically earn minimum wage as aposed to my 6 figure salary here!! AGAIN REALLY!! I joked with the male assistant on the phone at the NMC that I'd be retired before they'd complete my application, there was dead space for a few seconds before I said, "I'm joking", then he laughed. Now after the RN7 level 2, I know it's true!!!

Any comments or advice would make me feel better!!

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I can not say that it is pleasing to read what the NMC thinks of American nursing education. I truly feel sorry for you.

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I lost my mother late last year, I have 4 siblings that still live in Scotland that I want to spend so much more time with, it's pure torture dealing with the NMC, such tunnel vision it's unreal! I'm ready to throw in the towel! :(

Really appreciate your thoughts and comments tho!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
I can not say that it is pleasing to read what the NMC thinks of American nursing education. I truly feel sorry for you.

That will be the same attitude that exists for UK trained nurses trying to work in US......

To the OP, I'm really sorry but what did you expect? You do not have the relevant training and if you had looked on this forum you would know how difficult it is to get past the NMC. As far as fees goes, preaching to the choir sister, we complain bitterly about the fees we have pay the NMC.

Another thing, and I am really sorry to bring this up, but how old are you? If you trained in the late 70's you are probably mid to late 50's. It is unlikely anyone will hire you. We have an elderly workforce as it is and there are plenty of youngsters out there looking for work. You should not be discriminated against because of your age but......

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I don't think there are any European countries that recognize the US ADN for licensure purposes. Most other countries require a BSN. The UK doesn't even recognize/accept the US accelerated BSN programs -- not enough hours of nursing education. It is what it is.

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The UK has rules that are unbelievable until you hit them.

I was born there and visited recently. My passport was stamped with limited entry for six months and no access to healthcare or public funds. Even if I entered on an EU passport, I've been told I would be ineligible for healthcare and benefits because I haven't paid in. This from a country who is seen as an easy mark by people claiming refugee status, marriage scams, and health tourists.

I have no need or desire to return there to live or work. I just find the stamp ridiculous, especially after the Border Agent welcomed me "home"

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Another thing, and I am really sorry to bring this up, but how old are you? If you trained in the late 70's you are probably mid to late 50's. It is unlikely anyone will hire you.

Really? This worries me. I too am from the same training era as the OP and also fall into the age category you mentioned.

I am in the process of applying for a place on a Return to Practice programme as I've not worked for 9 years, and it concerns me that when my date of birth is noted I may get rejected. Would be a shame really as I've still got a lot to offer and I'm fit and healthy with no personal or family commitments so I'd be very flexible and reliable.

I took time out to pursue other interests but I miss nursing. I have 27 years of varied experience as a bedside nurse and management and feel I could hit the wards running after being brought up to date on the programme I'm applying for.

I have spoken with several nurses younger than me who all tell me there's a drive to persuade us older nurses to come back to work. I hope they are right.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

My reply was aimed at a foreign trained nurse trying to meet NMC standards to work in UK. You as a citizen and UK trained are in a different boat altogether. Good luck.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

The RN (2) is a registered nurse status, it is not an unregistered (CNA) or in the UK health care support worker it is a registered nurse.

I work with enrolled nurses who carry out and receive equivalent pay to level 1 RN, they are extremely valuable and integrated part of the workforce

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Hi Chapyi55,

Please to meet you.

I'm unsure if my post is going to make you feel any better, however, I'm kind of in the same boat you're in (however, the shoe is on the other foot).

I have dual citizenship (UK & US); I'm a trained RMN (Mental Health Nurse - 10 years - UK trained). Would LOVE to return back to the US, however, if I want to become a RN in the US - I HAVE TO RETRAIN FROM THE BEGINNING! The one positive thing that would arise (if I retrained in the US), would be I wouldn't just be a mental health nurse, I'd be an 'all rounder' RN.

I'm not sure if you're aware but attending a State College in the US is currently a nightmare (due to waiting lists, pre-reqs, satisfying State residency for points and the rest). My only alternative is to attend a private institution, which will cost an 'arm and a leg' (fortune - approx. $50k - $75k).

I now pose the question to you, do you have any advice for me? I'm currently debt free, 48 years old, married, however, my husband does not want to live in the US as he loves the UK, however, I love Florida and I'm dying to relocate back.

Do I divorce my husband and return back to US, qualify for student loans, etc., and finish by 'new nursing career with a $50k - $75k debt?'

I haven't posted this comment to be facetious, I'm really in limbo and just need to put my 'situation' out there.

Until next time.

p.s. I welcome any other comments and/or suggestions from anyone else.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I now pose the question to you, do you have any advice for me? I'm currently debt free, 48 years old, married, however, my husband does not want to live in the US as he loves the UK, however, I love Florida and I'm dying to relocate back.

Do I divorce my husband and return back to US, qualify for student loans, etc., and finish by 'new nursing career with a $50k - $75k debt?'

Seriously....?

Do you really expect us to answer that question?

OK, since you asked - divorce your husband, it sounds from my (admittedly superficial) reading of this that he would be better off without you.

I haven't posted this comment to be facetious, I'm really in limbo and just need to put my 'situation' out there.

Until next time.

p.s. I welcome any other comments and/or suggestions from anyone else.

If you truly are not being facetious then you sound like quite a nasty person that you can throw away a marriage so easily.

My suggestion - divorce and **** off.

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Thank you 'GrumpyRN' for your post and suggestion.

Ensure you have a great day!

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