US nurse working over seas

allnurses Guide · Feb 1, 2009

Hi travelbug, it's worth you taking a look in the international forums about working in the UK. Unless you have a EU passport then you will only be offered work if there is proof that the position could not be filled within the Uk and EU first and only then if you work in one of the shortage occupations. Within nursing this is critical care, NICU

You will need to register with the nursing and midwifery council and take the overseas nursing program before you will be allowed to practice as a registered nurse and there is an hiring freeze in many places so jobs are scarce unless your talking about a shortage occupation again.

travelbug2000 · Feb 1, 2009

Thanks for the response. I'm currently reading previous post and I would like to say that it seem useless to even approach this idea. There are so many "OPINIONS" posted, I'm looking for pure facts. I understand that the pay is less but I was seeking experience. Just wanted to see nursing in a different light thats all. Not sure if its worth the effort but I have learned that any experience builds character..... thats what I'm on. Would you happen to be familiar with the agencies (continental travel nurse/ regent personal) that staff hospitals in UK or Dubai. Didn't want to submit my personal info across the world without suffice. Again, thanks for your help.

Zana2 · Feb 1, 2009

Travelbug, you need to be registered with the NMC

Below you have a link with the facts.

I'm not saying anything different from Sharrie, even though this is not what you want to hear...

http://www.nmc-uk.org/aFrameDisplay.aspx?DocumentID=4649

allnurses Guide · Feb 1, 2009

Don't know anything about Dubai, but what I am telling you is pure fact travelbug. I live and work in the UK, and recruit for my department so have first had experience and and working knowledge of the employment and recruitment legislation.

There are very few hospitals that would be allowed to use any agency nurses because of cost, we are under strict financial restrictions. If I want to use an agency nurse I have to ask the permission of a member of the executive board and even then it is likely to be refused.

If you want hard facts check out the UK borders agency about how to get a work permit as an international nurse and the shortage occupation list

You would be classed as a tier 2 worker and as such are required to have a job offer before a work permit will be granted.

You will HAVE to register with the nursing and midwifery council otherwise you will not be legally allowed to practice in the UK and to do that you HAVE to undertake the overseas nursing program. This is going to cost you money as will nursing registration, and without this you cannot even be considered for work.

All of these are hard facts. The boarders agency and British government is making it more difficult for overseas workers to get permits to work in an attempt to keep our own citizens in work.

Can't help you with agencies because I never use them, but the information I have provided is not something I have made up, its not my own opinion it is the reality of overseas nurses trying to work in the UK in the current climate.

Pili · Feb 15, 2009

Hi Sharrie,

Thanks for your explanation, maybe you can help me.

I am a Spanish nurse with six years experience in Theatre, I am already registered with NMC and I have my RN1 card to work in UK, and I was wondering to work with an agency to work in UK because I am interested to work short terms contracts, but after to read you answer I don't know what to do...

What do you think that I should do? I am actually in South Africa and I would like to go to England to work one month every two months and after to come back to be with my family but I don't know if that is possible...

Thanks for your help

Pili

allnurses Guide · Feb 15, 2009

You can register with an agency, being European you don't need a permit and you already have NMC registration so you have done all you need to allow you to work here.

There may be some areas that use agency nurses more, where I work we have an agency ban as they are too expensive for our little budgets. But I do know that maybe in London you may have more luck. If you are prepared to travel and don't care where you work then you may be able to get some work via the agency route. Finances are very strict in the NHS and I know that I would really have to defend any agency use

MandaAnda · Feb 15, 2009

Although I don't work there, I'm pretty sure the entire Imperial College Trust uses Pulse quite frequently.

Hope that helps.

lauritasol · Feb 24, 2009

Hi Travelbugg 2000

I am a US nurse, who is now registered with the NMC and working through a travel agency in London. If you want more information on how I did it, just message me here or email me direct. Hope I can help you!

jatinder · Aug 31, 2010

hi i am a us nurse and want to work in uk ,please give me some advise how i can start applying.

allnurses Guide · Aug 31, 2010

The first thing you would need is UK registration.

Take a look at my blog the link is in my signiture there are links and requirements for overseas nurses in there

Silverdragon102, BSN · Aug 31, 2010

hi i am a us nurse and want to work in uk ,please give me some advise how i can start applying.

Starting point would be meeting NMC requirements and depending on your training ie ADN or BSN will depend on meeting requirements as currently NMC do not accept ADN. Next hurdle will be finding a employer willing to go the work permit route with you and generally you need to be experienced on the jobs in the job shortage occupation list. Much has already been written but expect it to be as hard as it is for someone from the UK to work in the US.

Suggest a good read in the International forum as well as this forum