US Nurse Heading for England

I'm an American and I am going to move to London in March. I'm going to work for the NHS in an ICU. I know there are a lot of UK nurses who visit this site, so I'm soliciting your input. I'm really exicted about the whole thing and it's all about the experience of living and working in another country. I love London and can't believe what a great opportunity this will be. What do you think I need to know? Cheers!

[srose]

First of all, I'm not a UK nurse, so I have no advice to give, but have a FABULOUS time in England!! I lived in northwest england for nearly a year, and visited London many times, I am in love with the country and would move back there in a heartbeat.

I would love to do something like what you're doing once I get my license. Could you PM me (or even post here) and tell me what program you're doing this through, any details that you have at all, if it's not too much trouble?

Cheers!!

Rose

[ayemmeff]

Visit http://www.nursesnetwork.co.uk

(The uk version of allnurses) Let us know how it goes!

[ANnot4me]

I posted on the UK site some time ago and got no response, so I thought I would try here. Thank you.

srose, I'm working with an agency. You don't have to do this, but most hospitals only hire foreign nurses who require work permits through an agency. There are many. Usually an agency recruits for a specific trust. The first thing to do is to apply for registration at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (formerly the UKCC). I think you need to have one year experience before they'll register you. The process has taken me nearly 6 months, so keep that in mind.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

How wonderful! My best friend lives in Denton (Manchester)...

Have a great time! Let us know how things are going for you!

[sjoe]

chi--have an excellent time. Maybe while you are there you could teach them not to add all those extra "u"s when they spell. And to pronounce words correctly, for that matter.

[Repat]

Very good luck to you! I lived in Britain for 15 years, but did not work as a nurse, per se, but in research. At that time (1986) they obviously didn't have a nursing shortage, and I was told I would have to work 2 years, nights, for £5,000 to be certified (I was coming from a university hospital's acute psychiatric unit, charge nurse). Anyway, I worked in research at all the hospitals in the mid-sized northeastern city where we lived. I have to say that UK nurses know their stuff as far as bedside nursing. Anyway, pm me if you want to know any more (I was both employee and patient in my stay there!).

[Grace Oz]

GOOD LUCK! And remember, don't call them "Pommies"!!... That's what us Aussies call English people ( affectionately of course!)However, some of them take offense, so be cautious. :-)

Enjoy your new adventure & remember, if you come across the Queen, curtsey!! LOL...

Cheers,

Grace

[tonicareer]

How much education did they require? LPN ok or ASN or BSN?

[Stargazer]

Originally posted by Grace Oz

remember, if you come across the Queen, curtsey!! LOL...

Sorry, Grace--it's actually incorrect for Americans to curtsey to the Queen, because we are not her subjects.

[donmurray]

LOL! And you don't wrap your arm around her like a certain Aussie!

[Huq]

I am a UK nurse living in the US (I married an American)

All of my training was in London and Oxford. I would love to know where you will in the UK

What to expect? Well....

Harder work and possibly longer hours.

Much lower salary. Higher standard, both in practice and theory.

Remains more structured than any other country (and I have nursed in quite a few)

More formality between nursing and medical staff, but much more respect.

Have fun. See as much of the country as possible. Think about doing midwifery, it's great and, last but not least,for goodness sake learn the English spelling!