oliver01

Within 45-60 days according to some who already received their DL.

Thanks elajo! I got the same message from them as well. Thanks though!

Hi elajo, Accdg to their website, the deadline is on the 31st of January. The question is this: does it refer to the date they will be receiving our accomplished pack 2 or the date that all the documents are uploaded in their system. Usually, it takes 15 days to upload it in their system after receiving our pack 2. I hope it'll be faster this time. Can't wait for the DL as well.

Hi wengtaps, PM sent.

Hi Lex, About the unregistered practice, I emailed SCHS several times but they said that they wouldn't issue such letter. A friend of mine also went to one of their branches to personally request one but nothing happened. According to NMC, they will issue a form that we need to send to SCHS explaining why we were allowed to practice prior to the issuance of our SCHS license. I think you just have to wait for the said form after the assessment of your Pack 2. BTW, my agency will only send my pack 2 this week.

Thanks mate! Good thing my research has paid off. Is the road to citizenship rough? Once you're a Brit Citizen, can you also bring your parents there aside from your spouse and kids? Just wondering..

How about Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)?

Are you sure you won't have to repeat the whole process? Because in the new scheme, you need to register online and make an NMC account, and then book for CBT. Once you passed it, that's the time you can download all the forms of NMC (I don't know if the forms are the same as the ones included in Pack 1 and 2 of the old scheme). Gather the necessary documents and then upload them on your own. After 90 days, they'll come up with the decision so you can book for OSCE. The process might take up about 6 months. But if you take the ONP now since you already have DL, do your best so you can finish it in 3 months. Then just wait for another 3 months for your PIN. Working as a band 4 is not bad at all if you're only waiting for your PIN. Besides, salary is only 300-500 GBP lower than the band 5 pay, right? It also gives you an idea on the working environment in the UK especially if you are not from there. You can think of it as a probationary period. But it still depends on you, mate.

I read somewhere else that after 5 years, one can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Then once approved, one can apply for citizenship after a year of obtaining an ILR.

I will be working in Surrey. I am just really interested to know how much I can save a month. I don't spend too much anyway.

To my understanding, we will only be allowed to function as a nurse only if we have PIN right. So that's another 3 months of not being paid and not working as a staff nurse. Why do they make it too complicated for us?

My bad. I meant rivers, not lakes. Thanks for the correction sky! I will start with the lowest band 5 pay which is 21,458 GBP. But since I have yet to be registered post ONP, I will start with a band 4 pay which is 18000+; that's about 1500 GBP monthly. If you are saying that 800 alone is for housing, holy cow! The remaining would only be 700. I still have to pay for other bills such as water, electricity, TV license, etc. How much do you usually spend on these things? Just roughly around.....? Transportation? Grocery? Cellphone credits/monthly plan/prepaid? Any other things that I didn't anticipate? I'm sorry if I sound like I am computing everything in details. It's just that I am weighing my options. I am afraid that I will just have to work for the bills. On the other hand, I am also offered to work in the UAE with a monthly salary equivalent to 1300 GBP, tax-free, with free accommodation and transportation. I would just have to spend some for food and some basic necessities. Plus, yearly vacation of 30 days with free plane ticket go with the offer. It's really killing me which is which. Do you think I am making a sound judgment here if I still choose to work in the UK despite the big difference in the net income that I'll be making. I am also thinking if the additional high-cost area allowance (5%), unsocial hours, and possible two to four 8 hrs OT a month would make a big contribution to my monthly income. I have worked in the Middle East before. I did not enjoy that much. It's stricter there than the rest of the world. As you said, UK is a place with mixed origins. But I think patients and people living in the UK are nicer and more open than those in the UAE. Maybe it's because of the customs and traditions. Just a personal thought. Plus, one can apply for BRIT citizenship (ILR) after 5 years, right? Also, the rest of the Europe is more accessible like Paris, Spain, Italy, and Germany if I decide to do some travelling. Looking forward to some insights mate!

Here comes the Brit Way!!! I think I will be in a flat shared to save bucks. My hospital will only let us stay in the free accommodation for a month. How much do you usually spend a month for everything so I have an idea?

Wow! I just checked online that my hospital is near TESCO. Thanks for the insight tho.

I am already waiting for my Pack 2. Hopefully, it'll arrive in two weeks. During ONP, I will be on band 4 as agreed in the contract. Were you affiliated with a hospital during your ONP (as HCA) or were you assigned in nursing homes cause I have read somewhere else that some worked in nursing homes while finishing their ONP. How long will you get your PIN after after registering post ONP? I guess I just have to be more focused and self-directed so my ONP won't get extended. Thanks for the insight tho.

Wow. You're a demigod! I heard many took it for more than 3 months. What's the secret to finish it in 3 months and not 6 months? Anyway, Is the duration of the ONP indicated in the decision letter? Once you finish ONP, will your salary increased automatically to band 5 or it may take a while? They said that if you're under ONP, you will be categorized as band 4 with lower salary. According to my agency, NMC is really strict about police and state clearances. But I know you'll find a way.

I will buy a bike once I get there. The idea of living in a houseboat is unique. Just like in the movies. It could be fun. But I guess the area I will be assigned is not near to oceans/ lake,etc.. I'm sorry, what's with Aldi and Oyster card? Sorry, not so familiar..

I will be assigned somewhere near south of London so the hospital will give me the so-called Fringe High- Cost area supplemental allowance of only 5%. Given the location of the place, how much do you think is my monthly cost of living? Transport? Bills? taxes? The Gross monthly income might sound attractive but once you really think of the real monthly take-home pay, it is kind of disturbing. One might only save about a third of his earning, so that's about 400-500 pounds if you are just starting as a band 5 nurse. It made me realize that I might probably save more working in the UAE but I really prefer to work in an open and English-speaking country. I am just wondering what are the pros and cons in choosing to work in the UK (compared to the UAE ) when it comes to earnings/savings.

That's too bad cool planet. I hope you can make it. Anyway, how long did you undergo ONP?

Hi Silverdragon, Can you help me estimate my monthly take-home pay if I will be working in one of the fringe areas? Let's say I start with the lowest pay for band 5 which is 21,478. What is the estimated cost of housing, transportation, bills, tax, etc? I don't intend to spend too much. Any idea? Would the monthly cost of living be around 700 pounds or more than that? I have been trying to surf the web but I haven't found anything. Hope you can help me.

@arya I have been busy also. When did you call NMC? I called them about a week ago. The line was so busy, I had to wait and then suddenly the call was dropped. It cost me about 200 php but I was not able to talk to anyone. When did you send your Pack 1 again? I sent mine last week of September. Maybe it will take sometime.... Sent you an email though. Our God will provide. There's no need to worry.

Aside from the dates, did they specify the reason/s why I was allowed to practice in KSA even without registration? I think that's the most important thing that should be included. There is less than 6 mos gap but my agency told me to secure one because some applicants were requested to produce an explanation letter even if the gap is only 2 to 3 months. Thanks BTW @stylish_gem.

@stylish gem Thanks for the info. I guess I need to provide clear instructions to my representative. Can you still remember what are the things written/ present on the forms? Thank You.

@coolplanet2003 Thanks. I also saw those links. I am just wondering if anyone has a first-hand experience so I'll know what to expect. Cheers!

@coolplanet2003 I envy you. In order to get a Saudi Police clearance for ex-Saudi nurse, you need to get a finger print card from NBI or PNP. The problem is that they ask too many requirements. After that, you need to ask a representative based in KSA to do it for you. I don't know how long the process may take. I need the said clearance before January. It's really frustrating. Any advice?