U.S. nursing vs UK nirsing

Published

Hi all, I am a UK ICU RN currently going through the interview stage of relocating to the U.S. I went to high school in the US so I've always had an interest in returning. The only thing that is frightening me slightly is the paid time off allowance of going from my 7 weeks a year to 2 weeks.... Does anyone know if US employers allow you to take unpaid weeks off? Also do you get uplifts on working nights and weekends etc or is it a flat hourly rate? Any UK nurses made the move? Do you love it or regret it etc? Thankyou so much for any feedback xx

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult.

Hi Emma,

Sorry I cannot answer your question but I was wondering if you'd be able to tell me about your process? I'm moving back to the states in December and waiting for the BON to send me my letter (I should receive it in the next few weeks). When did you qualify? How did you meet the requirements? And which state has endorsed your license? I also went to high school in the states/I am a permanent resident. Thanks in advance for any answers!

florence

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, I qualified in April 2015 as a RGN in the UK and went through the Bon in Arizona and Mass as I am undecided on location at the moment!!! Both accepted my nurse training through the CGFNS process. I sat the NCLEX last month. As I am not a permanent resident I have to go the greencard/ EB3 route. I have 3 interviews lined up over the next 4 weeks, 2 are via Skype and one is in person in London. I hope this helps - won't be a problem for you You I am sure. X

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult.

Thank you so much. You've given me hope! I'm dreading the letter. I wish you a speedy immigration process and all the luck for the future! X

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Every job I've had averaged about 4 to 5 weeks vacation yearly in California. Many places have you do 3 12 hour shifts, so it's easy to arrange your schedule to get a decent length of time off. I can't speak to other locations in the states, but I can't Imagine everywhere offering only 2 weeks vacation....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi there EmmaUKRN, I'm really interested in moving to the states when I graduate but I keep hearing how hard it is due to the differences between the uk degree and the us degree. However seeing as to how you're degree has been accepted, I was wondering what degree you have, if you don't mind.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Hi all - just wanted to interject a bit more information. There are significant differences in employee 'benefit time' because there is no national legal mandate -- yup, absolutely no requirement for US employers to provide any sort of paid leave, holidays or vacation.

In my part of the country, most organizations use a "Paid Time Off" scheme, rather than separating vacation & holidays. PTO is accrued at a specific rate that generally comes out at ~ 160-ish hours per year (to cover vacation & holidays). You can't utilize PTO until it has been accrued. The accrual increases after 5 years of employment- generally to an equivalent of 210-ish hours per year. Unfortunately, the first 2-3 days of 'sick time' in many cases is deducted from PTO and longer illnesses may be paid at a lower "short term disability" rate. In addition, there is no separate paid allocation for maternity/paternity leave.

Pretty bleak, right? Be sure to do a thorough investigation of an employer's benefit policies and practices before you accept a job - so you won't have any surprises.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've always had 5 weeks payed leave per year in America. 6 weeks after 5 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work in MA, have PTO, starts at 27 days, 10 manatory holidays, leaving 17 days for sick time and vacation. Short term insurance kicks in at 2 weeks. Ma is over staffed with nurses

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment