newshark

furble: The 3rd and final time I was put into the decision queue was 24 January, and I received my "assessment of application"/Decision letter on 10 April...mind you I was delayed by the NMC's audit of the Overseas Nurses applications in Feb-Mar. Also, to the others asking about Continental....I was going to work with them until I heard about PULSE. PULSE will reimburse employees 100% of the ONP (after 1,000 of work) versus Continental who only do half or so, plus, apparently the pay is better at PULSE. But I've been with them since June and the steadiest shifts I can find are in district nursing. I'm enjoying it for what it is, but want to get back into the hospital. I've decided to go back to Continental and do a 13 week contract with them (I'll still stay on with PULSE for extra money, though). Hopefully all goes well....good luck to everyone!

Just received my PIN today! The end has come! Good luck to anyone else going through this process. The NMC sure knows how to test your PATIENCE.

I completely understand your frustration!! I really hope something comes up soon for you, blueice. Is BU saying they don't have enough registrants to create a course for the ONP? That was the initial problem I was having. As for my status, I have received the final letter from the NMC. I'm not sure what it's called exactly, but it informs me of the £133 I have to pay them and it includes a personal declaration form which needs to be filled out and signed by registrant (me). I was able to pay the fee over the phone, seeing as their online system wasn't accepting my card, and I will be sending the form tomorrow, first class overnight. Once they receive everything, it states that my name will be entered on the NMC register. Then, a Statement of Entry will be sent to me and the statement will indicate which part of the NMC's register my name will be entered on. A payment receipt will also be sent "under separate cover confirming my expiry date". So as for dates, I sent my ONP completion form on 30 May, this most recent letter is dated 06 June 13; I received it on 11 June 13, and according to the NMC, it should take up to 14 working days for my payment to be processed. Will check back once everything is sorted! (can't believe this headache is almost over!)

blueice: is Bournemouth too far for you to travel for the ONP? I believe it's only about 1.5 hours from London to get there by train and I'm under the assumption that they offer several dates for the ONP. Sarena: I'm not 100% sure on this....I do remember the instructor mentioning that whomever has already submitted their documents to the NMC PRIOR to their auditing will only have to do the 20 days study, as it's always been. But for anyone just starting the process, they will be required to follow the new rules of the NMC (which includes the 3 months supervised practice). So from that, it sounds like what Continental told you is true, and let's hope you are not required to do the 3 months. I'm not certain of the exact reason for their decision for all nurses to do supervised practice, I'm just glad it doesn't apply to me.

Sorry for the delayed response! I used to receive email notifications when someone responded to my posts, but I guess I have to update my settings or something... As for my experience so far... Was going to do the ONP at Bournemouth Uni, but the dates offered there conflicted with my personal schedule, so I emailed my main point of contact at Continental Travel nurse (who I was originally going to work with once registered) and she told me about PULSE (another nursing/healthcare agency) who were offering the ONP at beginning of May. Somehow, I had never heard of PULSE. During all my conversations on these message boards, never did I see someone mention PULSE--so here I am mentioning it as another resource for all overseas nurses!! So PULSE has the instructors from Bournemouth Uni (BU) come to their London office and teach the ONP --**by the way, I am only required to do the 20 days protected learning, but apparently, every overseas applicant will be required to do the 20 days learning AND 3 months supervised practice--no matter what! **-- this is the information I got from one of the BU ONP instructors. If you are not already registered with PULSE, the ONP costs £600--bleh!! BUT, the reason I decided to sign on with them and not Continental is because PULSE will reimburse 100% of the ONP after 1,000 hours of work (6 months) with their agency. Continental only reimburses £250 or so. I got extremely lucky with timing for the ONP, because Continental had told me about PULSE 2 days before they were doing their next ONP, so I called PULSE immediately and was placed in the course (thank goodness!). My advice for those waiting for their decision letters would be to find out the dates of the ONP where they want to attend and to continuously contact the uni/agency on the space available for those dates. Lahueristic--To answer your question about receiving my decision letter from the NMC....yikes. My situation was a (semi) nightmare, and if I could go back and do it again, I would do it completely differently. But if I wasn't able to stay here for as long as I am (husband is European, so as long as we stay married, I can stay in the UK) I don't think I would even bother with the NMC. So, I received my 2nd pack from the NMC last year (2012) around May, but I took my time completing the packet, and sort of sent documents in at random and not all together. I was thinking the NMC would start reviewing each document as they received it, but they wait until all your documents have been received before putting you into the "decision queue". I sent everything to them by September, and (thinking I did everything correctly), I moved over to the UK right after sending my dox to the NMC (my husband was already living here, so I wanted to hurry and be with him). I was anticipating that by Christmas I would have received my decision letter and then come January I would get started in the ONP. **this was my plan, but obviously not how it worked out** I called a week or so after sending everything in Sept and they told me everything was received, and I was in the decision queue and to wait 4 weeks for my decision letter. Decided to call a couple of weeks later to find that I was out of the decision queue because my references were considered invalid seeing as they weren't filled out by registered nurses. I worked for a private home care agency, and had the mother of the client fill the form (but she's not a RN) and at the hospital I worked, only Human resources has an Official stamp--which is what the NMC wants for the reference to be valid. SO I had to re-do these references, sent them back to the NMC and by mid October-ish I was back in the decision queue for the 2nd time. Then I think it was January when I was contacted again by the NMC asking for information on the college courses I took in high school. They were under the assumption that I had received an associate's degree, or something of the sort prior to my attendance at Uni. At first, I waited to submit an explanation to them about these courses because I thought I could get around it by explaining they were asking for the wrong information. I tried explaining that I only took a few college credits while I was in HS (we had a dual-enrollment programme) but that these credits did not validate to any kind of certificate or degree. But I shouldn't have waited so long to just submit to them, word for word, details about the courses I took with a few documents from the community college I took them at, etc. I literally created a "contents page" for the documents I sent back to the NMC and highlighted all the details of the courses and such, so there wouldn't be any more questions about them (I was pretty frustrated with the NMC by this point). Then, I was back in the decision queue for the 3rd time, but about 2 weeks later found out the NMC were being audited on their application process for overseas nurses---WHAT. THE. ****?!?!?! --never thought my application was going to be processed! So it took them until the end of March? April? Before they were done with the audit (hence why all overseas nurses will have to do supervised practice from here on out). And when I received my decision letter, they said that I was put into the decision queue in January, and I received my decision letter in APR. Had that been the FIRST time I was in the decision queue, I would have been SO pleased to have only waited 3 months for my letter, but obviously, that was not the case. Partly my fault, but I was shocked when they were so confused with my college credits. My advice to anyone who took courses at more than one university/college: submit everything the first time and break it down like you are explaining it to a dummy. The simpler, the better, and it will save you time in the end. So that's my recount of my application history with the NMC. Obviously not the end of my frustrations with them. My "sign off" date for the ONP is tomorrow (YIPEE) and then after that, they say another 4-8 weeks before you receive your PIN. But of course, before you receive the PIN, you have to send the NMC MORE money ..£109 is what I was told. I would NOT recommend moving over before you get your decision letter. Unless circumstances are unusual....I don't regretting moving over so soon (as I said, I wanted to be with my husband), but what I do regret is not getting a job as a health care assistant or something in the meantime (the reason I didn't was because I didn't anticipate this process to be forever). And when you get a job in healthcare, it can take a little bit of time and effort before you can start working. Anyway, best of luck to everyone. Will keep checking back regularly to see if there's any more comments, and will be definitely be back to notify everyone once I've received my PIN.

Congrats blueice! I too recently received my letter for 20 days ONP study and did some calling around for the universities in London (only called City of London and one other) and both were about £1000+...but Bournemouth University offers it for £450. Just sent my application for their ONP. Hoping to get in ASAP. If you don't mind posting how much Tooting's ONP is, that would be nice seeing as I am closer in location to them. Good luck with the rest of this LONG journey! I think I see some light at the end of the tunnel now! Kindest regards

Haven't even done my ONP, loz_newby!....Was thinking I would have at least gotten that out of the way by now, but not even..... :/ Anybody have any recommendations to HCA positions near South-Central London? I've only been to the NHS website...any other agencies or private companies someone would like to recommend to me?

Appreciate the tips, skylark! I was thinking about going to the NMC after they were delaying my application decision since Sept 2012. First they put me into the decision queue and then wanted my work references re-done, then it was my education history that they didn't understand. It was all very straight forward and easy to understand (assuming they have processed other US applicants' paperwork--I'm sure mine wasn't too different!) And then to find out they have an audit, or however they are calling it--I'm pretty sure they were 'keeping me on the leash' until February since they knew this was coming. I am extremely frustrated as well! Did NOT anticipate such a delay with this, and moved over to London right after submitting all paperwork back in September. Currently working as a waitress, and just recently starting applying for HCA jobs after I realised this process has no end in sight. I am also anxious that they could request more information or documents (or even experience). I just met the minimum requirement for 1 year RN experience (having only 1.5 years). Think I may take skylark's advice and go catch up on my reading in the NMC office.... Oyeee....good luck to everyone. Keep posting if you hear anything!

Thanks for the responses!

yemachi....may I ask why you made the move to the States to practice nursing? Is the pay in the UK significantly lower than the States? How did you like having more autonomy? Just curious...thanks :)

I submitted the initial packet late March-early April and received the second packet mid to end of April. I was abroad for a whole month and am just now starting the process of the second packet. Hoping the process will be as painless as possible **fingers crossed**. I will repost as soon as I have made some progress (or what kind of speed bumps I may run into). I'm hoping you have received your second packet by now? I also have a general question to anyone who might know the answer: regarding name changes (due to marriage) DURING application process with the NMC: ....I started the application with the NMC in my maiden name and am hoping it will be quite simple to have them change it once I submit my second packet along with certified copies of my birth certificate, passport (with NEW name) and RN license (with new name), seeing as those 3 docs are the only ones they requested in the first packet. Anyone with any experience on this matter? Or agree with my reasoning that it shouldn't be too difficult for the NMC to update/change my information? Thanks to all!

ericjameshealth: If you haven't found your answer to everything that needs to be done after the IELTS, then read back a page or so on this thread, nolenurse wrote about their experience. Also, even if you have a 2 year contract with your hospital, you should still get started on your application because it can be a lengthy process. I am currently in "phase 2" of the process, as I like to call it. I have sent off my certified copies of my passport,RN license and birth certificate as well as my IELTS results with a fee of ____ ...can't remember, wanna say 185 pounds or so and am now waiting for packet #2 from NMC which will be the packet asking for my nursing school clinical and theory hours, documents my managers and Board of Health will need to fill out, and some other dox. After you send that off (with another fee, I believe), the NMC takes (monthsss?? ) to review it and if they give you the OK, then you can start an ONP over in the UK. Once completed, you get your PIN, as the others were saying above. I will be keeping in touch about my progress; and I am staying hopeful about the job market. When there's a will, there's a way, and nurses will ALWAYS be needed. I've heard pleanty of negativity about jobs in the US and the UK, but I have 2 Rn jobs here in the US and plan on getting a job once I make it to the UK. Good luck to you and everyone else!

thanks Jbo! and yes, phew! No more NCLEX, please! :) good luck with your ONP.

ahh yes, I thought that the notarized photo copies were an option, but I guess I played it too safe, oops! Yay! mid-end April?! fantastic! How has the programme been? easy? not too difficult? Thanks for the swift response!

Also, one more clarification question....when finishing the ONP, what can one expect as far as tests/competency skills? Is there another kind of NCLEX? I've been having difficulty finding the answer to this.... thanks guys!

Nole Nurse: yikes!! What a headache you have been through! I am wishing good news for you soon! I am still in "phase 1" of my application process....already sat for the IELTS and now getting the birth certificate, RN license and passport copies to be sent to the NMC. Now this is my CLARIFICATION question.....just to be sure I didn't go too beyond what was needed...when NMC requests "certified" copies of the 3 dox I listed above, this requires one to submit requests to appropriate authorities and pay appropriate fees, yes? For instance, the certified passport copy cost me $50 and a notarized letter to an office in D.C....was this what everyone else had to do for this application portion? Just need a clarification please :) , my mind is fried after working overtime on night shift and planning a wedding for this May so please, nothing rude. Thanks in advance for the help!!

Great, thank you. I hope receive nice Christmas news, then. Please keep in touch about everything. I actually wanted to PM this message to you, BabyRN, but I cannot figure out how...? Do you have to have a certain membership for that? Well, I wanted to ask you is if there's a difference with the IELTS...I am trying to sign up and have the option to take the general training test or the academic test. Do you know what the difference is? Which test did you take? Thanks in advance

Yes, I have heard the process will take a few months. Do you mind me asking when exactly you submitted your last application? I'm assuming this was the second part of the application you most recently submitted since you are waiting to hear if you are accepted? I have not taken IELTS yet, plan on doing that by the end of this year to beginning of next year. I plan on submitting my first half of the application in March, when I will have met my one year minimum experience date. I am going to try and get as much information and documents gathered before I move but I was also wondering how difficult you think it will be to complete and submit parts one and two of the application if I am already living in the UK? And yes, I have heard that the way the UK nursing system organizes their course and clinical hours is a little different than the States. How exactly do I "convert" it for them to their liking? Does the NMC help with explaining that at all? I apologize for being so specific, but as you know, this information is so limited and you are one of the few RNs who I have found on here who is in a similar situation. (I haven't looked up helricha or coffee RN yet, but plan to). I too will do almost anything to make this happen, but as you said, going through another few years of nursing school will be a bit rough. Keep in touch when you can, I much appreciate it!

Newton, how are things going with the application process? Have you made it through to the "final round"? are you registered? Please share your experience. I am waiting to submit my first application in March 2012 and need all the information I can get regarding this experience. Thanks in advance!-newshark

Hey there UStoUKbritt and others! So are you saying you have still not become registered with the NMC? I am quite worried with all these responses in this thread...Let me give a quick run down of my situation... Like hi life__RN, I am also trying to transfer my license from the US to UK. I graduated with a BSN and will have my one year MedSurg experience in March 2012. Luckily, I will not experience Visa issues, since I will be marrying an EEA member upon my arrival, and will live and work in the UK as an EEA member's spouse. However, I will have the bare minimum experience, and you all are saying it is difficult to even get registered with the NMC? What exactly is the issue? The posts are saying clinical hours are the majority of the issue? Even with a 4 year nursing education? Has anyone reading this thread SUCESSFULLY transferred their license and are currently or have ever PRACTICED in the UK?? Please help us! Information is limited online, and there are so many questions... Also, when talking about clinical hours, is that in reference to the clinical hours performed while in nursing school, or as a RN? babyRN: when did you apply to the NMC? Please keep in touch about your experience. I know myself and others need a lot of questions answered regarding this topic. Many thanks and well wishes in advance to anyone who responds to this message!!! -Sincerely, newshark

Thank you again! That was very, very helpful. My fiance is an Italian citizen working in England right now. He (and his job) are pretty transitional, however. I can't express my gratitude for all the info. I am new to allnurses but am so impressed with everyone's willingness and timeliness to answering questions! It's shocking to hear how the nursing field is one of the most notorious careers where the experienced "eat their young" when everyone on here is so wonderful. Thank you all :)

Hi Kambav34 and others! Looking for as much info/help as possible!! Graduated May 2010; just got licensed, Jan 2011. No hospital experience (besides clinicals/practicum). I was originally looking into civilian work abroad but am now thinking joining the reserves would (maybe) be a quicker way for me to achieve my goal of moving to Europe. My question is: if I talk to a reserve recruiter, how "picky" will they allow me to be before I sign? Basically, I only want to join if I can be guaranteed a position abroad (preferrably Europe). **I hope I'm not giving anyone the wrong impression--the reason for the desired location is to be with my fiance who is in Europe**. So, if anyone can answer my question, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much!

Thank you ARMYICURN for the quick response. As for what I want to do GS side; (talking as one with no experience), I'll start with anything. I haven't found my "niche" yet, and will take any opportunity that comes my way. The only GN positions that are available in my area (that I have applied to so far) are med surg and PCU positions. Overseas is what I have limited myself to, because my fiance is currently overseas and his job is limiting him from moving back to the States; so it is best for me to move over there. You definitely answered a lot of my questions. If you have the time and have the desire to just write about anything and everything you know about what to expect as a civilian nurse overseas or your experiences as an RN overseas, I would love that. Things such as...when/if I get hired, do they do phone interviews, do they have the future employee fly out prior to the move...? Do they allow civilians on base housing? Does the government allow civilians to bring personal items up to a certain weight abroad with them (Car, furniture, etc). How big was the hospital you worked at in Germany? What kind of patients did you usually see in an on base hospital/your hospital? Are the shifts 12 hours? How easy/difficult is it to transfer from base to base in Europe? **If it isn't obvious, I am VERY new with anything military. I apologize if my questions seems silly. I am just trying to get a good visual of what to expect. (Oh, I also wanted to add that money is not much of a motive for me; the main reason I am determined to do this is so my fiance and I can be together. ) Thank you so much for your time!!! I really appreciate it!

Hey there! I've been looking through a few "civilian nursing on military base" threads and am not finding the particular information I need (nor any info that was posted more recently than 5 years ago). Let me first apologize if my post is a bit lengthy....I'm just trying to find any and all information I may need, and am trying to give everyone the full picture of where I am coming from :) Ok, so to start: just graduated with my BSN last year, May 2010. Just got my license this Jan 2011. Have been working as an at home nurse for a quadriplegic female teenager who is vent dependent and is on a home vent. Am trying to apply to local hospitals so I can acquire my year experience necessarry to apply for a civilian position. (Let me also specify that I am solely trying to work at an overseas base) -- Question #1: An officer's wife (friend of mine) suggested as soon as I get licensed, to apply for the listed civilian positions because this kind of paperwork is a long process. However, I do not have a year experience as a licensed RN, nor do I have hospital experience; only my home care experience. So, is that a good suggestion, or will the human resources dept for civilian nurses look at my application and laugh? Question #2: If I do not succeed at obtaining a hospital job, for whatever reason, I may have an opportunity to work at an outpatient surgical center in their PACU. But I was told by someone else that hospital experience would look better and be a better experience. Any suggestions for what the overseas military facilities will be looking for? Question #3: Has anyone else been in a similar situation to mine (or known someone who has) and would you mind telling me how everything worked out for you/them? **By similar situation, I mean: not having a spouse in military; trying to go overseas, and starting with little/no hospital experience. Any and all answers would be greatly appreciated! I am also just trying to get a good grasp on how this whole process would work for someone who has no ties to the military (no spouse, etc). If you are a detailed writer, GREAT! I love lots of details and lots of help. Thanks so much in advance! I truly truly appreciate it!!!