Relocation to UK

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 3, 2008

If not already a member from the EU you are going to find it extremely hard to find a employer willing to assist with a work permit. Even if the experience is in the shortage occupation list there is no guarantee that you will get one as many UK nurses are struggling for work at the moment. This thread gives a link to the shortage occupation list https://allnurses.com/forums/f124/changes-shortage-occupation-list-uk-307731.html

michaelarose · Jul 3, 2008

So, the long short is don't bother, right?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 3, 2008

That is up to you, The process through NMC is a few months plus you have to pass English exam and do a ONP which will not guarantee you a job plus as I mentioned in my previous post on how employment works. Most jobs you will see advertised states will not assist with work permit

suzanne4, RN · Jul 3, 2008

Another question would be what type of degree do you hold in nursing? If not the BSN, then your training will not even be accepted as a start.

Unless you have significant experience in an area where they have a shortage in, such as PICU or the NICU, it is going to be quite difficult to get a visa there as well. They are having lay-offs of their own nurses, so if they are hiring; the jobs are going to go to them first. Same way that would be done anyplace else, including the US.

michaelarose · Jul 4, 2008

Another question would be what type of degree do you hold in nursing? If not the BSN, then your training will not even be accepted as a start.
Unless you have significant experience in an area where they have a shortage in, such as PICU or the NICU, it is going to be quite difficult to get a visa there as well. They are having lay-offs of their own nurses, so if they are hiring; the jobs are going to go to them first. Same way that would be done anyplace else, including the US.

I'm in the process of getting my BSN, so that isn't an issue. The question is would it be wise to attempt. From what I am reading, it would not be wise to attempt to try. I only know about Scrub nursing, uro/gyn and orthopedics. So that's not going to work either.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2008

Without a specialty training in an area that they have a shortage in, the chances of being able to work there are not in your favor. They are having lay-offs all over and the NHS has hiring freezes in place as well.

And as an American, you are in the third level of possibilities for a visa for there to work.

Right now, things are quite difficult in most of the EU countries to get working visas in at this time.

michaelarose · Jul 8, 2008

Okay thanks for sharing, I now know this isn't an avenue to pursue, as stated with all the reinforced warnings about being jobless if I attempt.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 8, 2008

Thanks for your understanding.

It is not that we are trying to tell you not to do it, that is your choice to make. But when there are no jobs and issues with getting even a license for you, it just does not make any sense at this time.

chocolatepoppy · Jul 9, 2008

Michaelarose, just read your thread and just had to respond :) I did relocate to the UK,successfully,easily, and without help of an agency. Long story short, first thing is I knew where I wanted to move to, then I went through the lengthy process of registering with the NMC and got a PIN number. You MUST have this to work anywhere in the UK. Its only a matter of providing the required info & paying the fee, then waiting to receive your PIN number card. After that, I then searched the web site for the NHS Trust in the country I chose to move to, and searched for job posts. (I chose Wales, and I wasn't disappointed!!) I had been an RN for 17 years and KNEW I had more than enough experience to offer any prospective employer. I found a post that appealed to me, and sent my CV and all the required paperwork to them. I then waited to see if I'd be 'shortlisted'. I did make a few phone calls to speak to the Senior Sister regarding interest in the job listing. She was very nice and took time to speak w/ me,answering any question I had. Anyway, I did receive word that she wanted to do a telephone interview and we set up a date/time for this to happen. After that, I waited for I guess around a week when she e-mailed me that the post was being offered to me. This NHS Trust applied for and got my work permit sent to me-I didn't have to 'pay' for it. I then went to the nearest international VISA office and applied for my work permit VISA. I made sure I had all the paperwork they specified I needed,and was I glad I followed instructions, as when I got there and was waiting my turn, I could hear staff turning people away who did not follow instructions and had to make another appointment w/ them....my process went smooth as silk. Just like anything else in life, when you are given instructions, PAY attention and DO what you're asked- it works:) I got my work permit VISA stamped on my passport which took about 1-2 wks to receive. Then it was off to Wales :) Man, I never regretted a moment. I still have a valid work permit, and PIN number. My mom fell gravely ill, and we felt we had to return to the States,otherwise, we NEVER were coming back -we loved it that much!!! Of course, it didn't hurt that our daughter(who married a Welshman)and son-in-law were there :) We still talk about returning as soon as possible. SO, if this has helped, wonderful. I always say if you want something bad enough, you'll find a way to achieve it - and won't let anyone/thing stand in your way. By the way, there are loads of job posts across Wales&England and they specifically state that newly qualified nurses are welcome as well as experienced nurses. Some posts do state that under certain circumstances, they will offer the job to hospital employees first, and if they still don't get any suitable prospects, offer the jobs to outsiders. One helpful site is: Cardiff&Vale NHS Trust- check it out. You might try 'NHS Trusts' and investigate for yourself. I wouldn't waste my time w/ an agency, as the Trust has to usually pay the agency a fee., and most NHS Trusts are kinda hurting for funding from time to time.

Follow your dream !! :yeah:

michaelarose · Jul 9, 2008

HI Chocolatepoppy,

Thanks for the encouraging reply, after so many negative ones, its nice to read about a pleasant experience. Thanks also for encouraging me to follow my dreams, as there are many quick to tell you why you shouldn't. I also heard from an UK nurse named Marie that explained that with all the red flags to prevent people from overseas to be able to fill nursing positions, they will still consider you. She also suggested going directly to a potential employer, and she also stated that even though there are plenty of nursing positions, the reasons why the NHS keeps saying they don't have money is because the keep hiring management. I'm not sure how true this is, but its not surprising. I receive emails daily from the NHS posting available jobs and there are tons, I just don't understand how there are unemployed nurses in the UK then.

Marie also said that there are plenty of specialties and that if there is one you possessed you will get a once over, she also told me not to buy into all the hype about not being able to find work, she thinks this is in existence to keep potential foreigners at bay, but the down side is the nurses there are overworked. At this point, they don't care where the help is form as long as they get it. Is this true?

I guess I keep getting so many different responses from different people that I have been puzzled exceedingly. How long ago did you go through this process? I know I already too my IELTS and passed, and I will have my BSN by the end of next year. Any other suggestions?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 9, 2008

If you look at job descriptions for the NHS it will state they can not assist with work permit. Here is one that I found and is general for most that I looked at. http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/overseas_cand.html