Planning to work outside the US? which one do you prefer, Dubai or London?

loriangel14, RN · May 24, 2010

You would need to investigate the requirements for licensure in those countries.It will involve having your education and skills assessed. For Dubai you need to be fluent in Arabic.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 24, 2010

Also add may be hard to get a work permit for the UK unless you meet job shortage occupation list which is here http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/workingintheuk/shortageoccupationlist.pdf

Will have to meet NMC requirements and I did see a news article a while ago on London hospitals not replacing nursing staff which will make it harder on finding jobs. Unemployment in the UK is high like the US and first choice will be given to UK and EU first

Jolyn1013 · May 24, 2010

I know that these two are in economic crisis, just like the rest of the world. I am planning to quit my job here in US to work either Dubai or London, I just need to know the requirements needed and if there are international agency that would help me process my paperworks. thank you so much. Any input or a step by step processing will be a big help. thanks again.

Trauma Columnist · May 24, 2010

I guess my question would be: if there are no jobs, where do you work?

At any rate, you will need to contact both countries that you are interested in and find out their licensing requirements.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 24, 2010

Trained outside Europe | Nursing and Midwifery Council

UK Border Agency | Working in the UK

Meeting requirements will not make it easier to get a job in the UK as you will still have to meet UK borders requirements and find a employer. I would suggest you do not quit any job until everything is sorted

loriangel14, RN · May 24, 2010

I know that these two are in economic crisis, just like the rest of the world. I am planning to quit my job here in US to work either Dubai or London, I just need to know the requirements needed and if there are international agency that would help me process my paperworks. thank you so much. Any input or a step by step processing will be a big help. thanks again.

You ignored Silverdragon's statement that it is hard to get a UK license and there are no jobs. Why would you quit a job you already have to move somewhere that you can't get a license or a job?

Fiona59 · May 24, 2010

A relative worked in Dubai.

Let's see: how do you handle claustraphobia? You live in compounds and socialize with your coworkers. Alcohol can only be consumed in western hotels. No socializing with the opposite sex in public.

You should look at some of the UK's newspapers. Full of horror stories of couples going to Dubai for the weekend and winding up in jail for not being married to their partner. Jailed for a kiss on the cheek.

You are a guest worker there and the locals don't always treat you well.

beary · May 31, 2010

Hi Jolyn1013

I used to work in Saudi Arabia, and I enjoyed. To work in the Middle East is a challenge, but if you don't mind working in a foreign country, excepting all the differences from your own, then go for it. About the comment on being jailed etc., if you obey the laws like you would do in any other country, you would be fine.

Try Helen Ziegler, I think the agency recruit for the Middle East (Saudi, Qatar, UAE etc.). I have not used them personally, but had been on their website a couple of times.

It usually takes a few months to get all the paperwork sorted out (everything is done by the recruiting agency, and they are being paid by the hospital for which they recruit), so wait until you have a job offer and read the contract(and like whats being offered), before you quit your job. Most hospitals offer 1-3 year contracts, and you can either renew your contract at the end( if you enjoyed working there) or finish your initial contract and go home.

Good luck with everything.