US nurse looking for UK jobs

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I would like to relocate from the USA to the UK in the next couple of years. Are there any employment placement services in the USA that deal with UK nurse positions. In my internet research I found out about taking the IELTS and a little bit about registering with the overseas nurse program through the NMC. I guess I was looking for some help in finding employment before I move to the UK. Any suggestions or advice about moving to the UK to be a nurse? Thanks.

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If you are from the US and trained here, you do not need to write the IELTS exam; that requirement is waived for you.

There has already been much written on this, suggest that you do a search for existing threads. You will have issues trying to get a visa to work there in most instances, and please be aware that you will need the BSN to be able to work there, a two year degree is not accepted for licensure there. The minimum training in the UK is a three year program and you need to meet at least that.

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You actually have to have a visa in hand that will permit you to work before you move over there, same as with someone from there that wishes to work in the US. It is not going to be as easy as you think that it will be.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
If you are from the US and trained here, you do not need to write the IELTS exam; that requirement is waived for you.

There has already been much written on this, suggest that you do a search for existing threads. You will have issues trying to get a visa to work there in most instances, and please be aware that you will need the BSN to be able to work there, a two year degree is not accepted for licensure there. The minimum training in the UK is a three year program and you need to meet at least that.

Recent changes mean every foreign trained nurse has to take IELTS now if not from the EU regardless of where they are from.

Many issues ahead of you and here are a couple of websites to look at

NMC http://www.nmc-uk.org/aSection.aspx?SectionID=17

Unless you have a EU/UK passport you are going to find it hard to find an employer willing to support you for a work permit unless you are experienced in the shortage list http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/work_permits0/applying_for_a_work/business_and_commercial/shortage_occupations.Maincontent.0001.file.tmp/shortageocclist11_06.pdf

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Specializes in med/surg.

You could also try checking out Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. Although they are not all exactly the UK (with the exception of Scotland) they are actively recruiting & you may not have the same problems as you would getting into the UK per se. I've posted some info about this on an earlier thread - so go with SD's suggestion & do a search on here.

Also you can check out the Internet for more info. Other than Scotland you'll find it very hard to get into the rest of the UK - as SD said. Even Scotland will only take you if you have all your registration from the NMC sorted out 1st & then only if you match one of their vacancies.

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