This Has Been Answered Before, I Know...

[Paige2014]

And my situation is probably no different from the other's, but I will feel better once I ask for myself and find out information that way.

I will be graduating with my BSN and bachelor's in Psychology in Spring 2014. From what I understand, in order to do any sort of travel nursing, I must have completed at least one year of RN experience in the state which I receive my licensure in.

I am seriously contemplating working overseas in the United Kingdom, and have been for quite some time. Based on the research I have done of people's prior experiences, I've gotten mixed signals. I understand getting registered with the NMC is a lengthy and frustrating process, and that you must have all your ducks in a row in order to make it happen. That being said, I still have every intention of making this work.

If anyone could offer any insight or tell about their experiences with this, I would really appreciate it. I don't want to get to the point where I start to feel hopeless about a dream that I've had for as long as I can remember. Any and all information is welcome.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Yes the NMC is a lengthy process but unless job is on the job shortage occupation list may be hard getting a employer willing to go the work permit route, especially when the NHS is currently going through some major upheavals and many nurses struggling for jobs with many TRUSTS laying staff off

[babyNP., APRN]

Here's a link to my experience a couple of years ago:

https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/journey-foreign-nurse-651871-page3.html#post7411416

NMC seems to be lightening up on a few things recently (clinical hours) and holding steadfast to others (like native English speakers required to take IELTS). New to the game is that ALL applicants regardless of which country you are from will have to undertake a sort of internship in addition to the class that's supposed to help you understand how the UK health care system works. I actually think this is a good idea, loathe though I would be if I had been stuck taking it.

Currently the shortage list is only listed for neonatal nurses, although this is not hard and fast as I know a few people who have gotten work permits to work in A&E (ER) and other areas despite this.

By the time you reach eligibility to undergo the process, there may be a new government in place and it's anyone's guess what what will happen to the NHS in the meantime. So, keep reading this site for updates, keep copies of your syllabi to know how many clinical and theory hours you have for each nursing course, and good luck! Keep us updated if and when you start the journey.

[Paige2014]

Thanks for the comments so far, you guys. I know everyone's experiences differ with this sort of thing, but it helps me to hear from others what they went through when trying to get licensed to work over there. I have no problems being required to take the English exam, but the clinical hour requirements were what worried me the most. When I mentioned something about them to the head of my school's nursing department, she looked at me like I was speaking Mandarin. And I agree, babyRN, the shadowing experience they ask nurses do to is a good thing. I mean, we have to do something similar here before we're allowed to wok on our own, so it only makes sense.