Possible Move to England - Agency Advice and Recommendations

[SunshineNRainbows, BSN, RN]

My husband received a job offer in England, and would be closer to our family, therefore we are seriously considering the move. His main concern is my ability to secure employment. 

I'm looking at nursing agencies to help aide my search and transferring my documents from US to UK, but it's overwhelming. Does anyone have any recommendations or positive experiences with any international agencies I could look at? 

I'm a duel citizen, of US and EU, and so visa requirements are a little different, however, I do need to prepare documents for transferring my license. Also, for US nurses to UK, did you keep your US license active? 

 

Thanks! This was sudden and unexpected, so I'm trying to pull as much information as I can as quickly as possible. Also, can I take my CBT after arriving in UK? We may be moving before the end of the year. 

[GrumpyRN, NP]

Sorry but you don't just "transfer your licence" that easily. There is a lot of time and effort required before you can work as an RN in the UK. 

There is a thread below this section in the United Kingdom section about "American Nurses in the UK."

Good luck with your efforts.

Oh, and welcome to the UK when you get here and remember quarantine.

 

[waufah, BSN, RN]

On 11/3/2020 at 3:30 PM, SunshineNRainbows said:

My husband received a job offer in England, and would be closer to our family, therefore we are seriously considering the move. His main concern is my ability to secure employment. 

I'm looking at nursing agencies to help aide my search and transferring my documents from US to UK, but it's overwhelming. Does anyone have any recommendations or positive experiences with any international agencies I could look at? 

I'm a duel citizen, of US and EU, and so visa requirements are a little different, however, I do need to prepare documents for transferring my license. Also, for US nurses to UK, did you keep your US license active? 

 

Thanks! This was sudden and unexpected, so I'm trying to pull as much information as I can as quickly as possible. Also, can I take my CBT after arriving in UK? We may be moving before the end of the year. 

You need to apply with the NMC for recognition. The process is very straight forward nowadays,I am in the process. You pay a fee and they will contact your BON and verify your credentials. After that they will authorize you to sit the CBT and OSCE. The CBT can be taken anywhere in the world but OSCE can only be done in UK. Why go through an agency? Have you looked at NHS jobs? Once I passed the CBT I had very positive feedback and have a few job interviews lined up in the next couple of weeks. I am hoping my employer will pay for the OSCE....you can PM me for more details. 

I have kept my US license because it is cheap in my state and I have found some jobs that need US licensed nurses. I also was able to do some remote jobs from Europe.