US Nurse moving to UK

[Ahmad Hadi]

Hi everyone, hope you are doing well. I am a US citizen graduated from nursing school on 2019 and since then I have been in ICU, I planning to move to UK in this Summer 2021. My NMC application is in process, all papers were submitted except of OSCE Exam. for a month now I have been applying for jobs on NHS jobs website with no answer, also I applied though some agencies and they receive the CV and then the don't keep me updated with my application. 

I would like to ask for a contact for a good agency? 

I also was thinking to book for OSCE course in UK and travel there and get my NMC PIN and apply for jobs while I am there. any advice.

Thank you

[LondonFog, BSN]

Hello Jeunge,

You've got some good time until 2024 to research and gain a great understanding before you go. Email me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to share my recruiters with you. Good Luck. 

[emcrna, RN]

How and or what is the process to work UK coming from Texas ?

 

what is the process ?

curious here

Elle M

[email protected]

 

[LondonFog, BSN]

Hi Elle,

So if you read through the previous posts on the thread, the procedure is pretty much the same. Look on the NMConline.com website for details regarding registering as an overseas nurse. Once you start the registration process it will guide you through the steps - background check, medical, etc. Part of the process is taking two exams - one theory (CBT) and one practical(OSCE). The process can get expensive so it might be wise to work with some recruiters that specialise in international nurses. Some good ones are Continental, Drake Medox, Kate Cowhig - they will assist in securing a job with the NHS which will then pay for most expenses albeit you sign on for a termed contract (usually 2-3 years). Part of the process with registration is to verify you Tx license which should be easy if you use Nursys or Tx BON.

The CBT is a pretty basic exam on the computer and Pearson Vue has some good remedials on that which is enough to study for. The OSCE is another story! If you sign onto a position they will assist you in training, but as this is a practical exam, it is also a bit nit-picky. It's like attending 'return demos' during early nursing school practicals. There are lots of unofficial You Tube videos on this that help though. 

As you may already know - the salaries are quite low when compared to U.S. rates (generalisation, I know), just be prepared for this. I am unfamiliar with the immigration part of the process as I didn't need this, but I know your potential employer (NHS) does sponsor you. The entire process takes a good few months, so plan ahead for sure. Good luck and let me know if you need anything further. :)

[akpierce314, ADN]

I'll try to break down my process for you.

I found an agency (one of many good ones) called MSI that was helpful for me. https://www.msirecruitment.com Have a look at their site and if you're interested in them I can put you in touch with the woman who helped me, Carmen. She was SO helpful and responsive. MSI basically asked me where in the UK I wanted to work and Carmen looked for various postings matching my wishes all over the country and set me up with an interview that I did over zoom and was immediately offered a job in London. But I'll take a step back and list the process from the start. 

1. Go on to the NMC website and register with them (many agencies will reimburse this fee once you arrive in the UK). This is the governing body for all UK nurses who issue your PIN (what we call a license). 

2. Schedule your CBT (computer based test) and begin studying for that. It's basically a Pierson exam which is not too dissimilar from NCLEX, but quite a bit shorter and easier. You'll take this at a Pierson exam center somewhere near where you live. (This fee also often reimbursed, MSI covered mine).

3. Get in touch with MSI or some other recruiter if you plan to use one, which I recommend. 

4. After you've passed this test, start narrowing down the places you'd like to apply and seek out interviews. If you use a recruiter they will do this work for you. Btw using a recruiter costs you nothing, they get paid by the trusts for the nurses they bring in. 

5. Once you've had an interview and secured a job you will begin applying for your visa. You will be getting a Skilled Worker Visa which is valid for three years but easily renewed by your employer. You will need sponsorship from the hospital that hires you which is why you can't really apply for this until you're offered a job and accept. (MSI reimbursed the cost of visa). 

6. Once you get your visa the hospital will set a start date for you and you'll want to start booking flights (MSI covered the cost of my flight.) and looking for housing.

7. Once here your hospital will help you schedule and prepare for OSCE which is the in-person practical exam. (MSI paid this for me). After you've passed that you will be working fully as a nurse in the UK!

I hope this timeline gives you a good starting point.