RN looking to work in the UK

stprdi_01 · Feb 15, 2002

Hi Pep. I would be interested in knowing what you found out about UK nursing agencies. I have been thinking of heading to the UK for a couple of years. I just started seriously looking in to it again after all the problems with the medical system here in BC. I too would like to know how to check out the agency BEFORE applying with them. I think that BUPA looks quite good as well as Thornbury. They seem to be the largest. HOwever they don't have member forums on their sites which some others I've seen do have. Wouldn't that be helpful. I'm in elderly care and would seek work in that area. Where abouts are you interested in going to? Let me know what you found out.

Peppurr101 · Feb 15, 2002

Hi there..

Thank you for your reply. After months of waffling back and forth, I finally went with a recruiting company in London called Health Professionals. (http://www.healthprofessionals.com/).

They recruit for hospitals throughout the UK..they aren't an agency per se, they are a recruiter..

I never did find a way of checking out the different agencies and recruiters before dealing with them.. it seems the UK doesn't have a Better Business Bureau as we do here in the US (and if they do, it isn't easily found!)

I have been actively working towards relocating to the UK since last October. Through all my queries and online research, Health Professionals provided the quickest, most consistant replies and therefore I decided to go with them.

Each and every time I call them or email, the person assigned to my case either calls me back within the hour (during business hours that is) or emails me the same day. With each question I ask, if they don't know the answer they find out and get back to me usually the same day or the day after. They seem to be very interested in what is right for me rather than just jobs to fill.

From your note it seems you are interested in agency or 'bank' nursing. I did check into the Thornbury website and in fact I emailed them back and forth a few times. They replied promptly, but were unable to tell me that I would have a full time position as they filled temporary positions on a day to day basis. Since the area I work in is very specialized, and I won't have access to a car when I get over there, I wanted to be sure that I found a job that promised me a steady paycheck and a full time position.

Also, when I emailed the RCN (Royal College of Nursing), they told me that the UK doesn't normally issue work permits for agency employment as the jobs are technically 'temporary'.

Something you might want to check into before you decide..

I'm not sure what your situation is so it's hard to know what else to say.. (especially here on a public board :) Have you been to the UK? Are you familiar with the way the health system works over there? Will you be travelling alone or with family? Have you looked into salaries?

If you would like, you can email me at [email protected] and I will try to answer any questions you have the best I can.

:) :cool:

robh1 · Feb 28, 2002

get in touch with me if i cannot help you girls then i can put you intouch with people who can

rob

All41 · Mar 11, 2002

I can help you if you are interested in working in The Republic of Ireland.

Bee · May 25, 2002

I am not sure if you guys are still looking for nursing positions in the UK.

I have been a Travel RN for six years....I just completed a year in London. I had absolutely no problems getting my liscense in the UK--actually I received it within two to three weeks of applying!

I have a lot to say about nursing in the UK...but before I babble want to make sure people are still interested or looking for a job there.

kathyann65 · Jul 5, 2002

I am interested in traveling to London myself and would appreciate any babbling you have to offer!

fergus51 · Jul 5, 2002

Here's a question for UK/Ireland nurses, who staffs your nurseries? Is it neonatal nurses like here or midwives? Just wondering.

nightingale, RN · Jul 5, 2002

Alk41:

I am interested in working in Ireland. Is it possible to wrok Agency there? Do they consider short term assignments like 3 months ata time; the reason I ask is I heard they only consider 6 month assignments.

I have also herd the resposnibliites are very differnt in nursing there. It is more like and RN is assigned CNA responsibilites.

I would love to find out more about this International Nursing.

B.

live4today, RN · Jul 5, 2002

Originally posted by Bee
I am not sure if you guys are still looking for nursing positions in the UK.
I have been a Travel RN for six years....I just completed a year in London. I had absolutely no problems getting my liscense in the UK--actually I received it within two to three weeks of applying!
I have a lot to say about nursing in the UK...but before I babble want to make sure people are still interested or looking for a job there.

I'd be game to go to the UK if I could date Simon (one of the judges on the American Idol Show) while I'm there. :kiss :lol2:

NpNp · Jan 6, 2003

What is the work in the UK like? Also, do they utilize NP's

Thanks

Nanci

ayemmeff · Jan 6, 2003

Originally posted by cheerfuldoer
I'd be game to go to the UK if I could date Simon (one of the judges on the American Idol Show) while I'm there. :kiss

That would put you in a minority of ONE when you get here then,Cheerful!!!

Please come over anyway,We'd love to see you ,I'll even get a "Vegas" chair!!Please?please?please?!!