US to UK transition, pls help.

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Hello everyone!

I'm a RN (BSN) here in the US and would like to come to work in the UK. I've been a medical/surgical nurse for 1.5 yrs, and planning on taking the IELTS in October. I was just curious, what kind of nursing would I get hired for in the UK? What are the different types of nursing in the UK and their scopes of practice? If I get hired as a Adult nurse, would I be able to start venipunctures, hang an IV bag, give blood, start foleys/NG tubes etc? I tried researching but can't seem to find anything about it.

Would there be any opportunities to take classes if I want to become an ICU or ER nurse?

Do you guys suggest that I look for a nursing agency to assist me to look for an employer, so that I can then apply for visa? Any recommendations?

I hope that you guys can help. So sorry, I have many questions. THANK YOU in advance! :)

Specializes in ER.
You can say that again Skylark. Here I am, 2 Degrees, over 20yrs experience in various Nursing jobs - made redundant! Possibility of employment - ZERO (and I have Specialist experience since 1997). Looks like I shall have to retire and wait for my 'gold plated pension' in a couple of years.

Sorry to hear that Madeleine, your situation sounds pretty much like mine.

25 years exp, BSc, prescriber, etc, been made redundant once a couple of years ago, decided to risk working in the UK again but have had to bail as its about to happen again, the ER / A&E I was in is one of those heading for closure and there are too many folk out there chasing non-existent jobs.

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(very long! But for those who asked the process of US to UK registration process)

Just found this post and thought I would add a bit of my experiences:

I am a US Nurse Practitioner with experience in ER, Hospitalist, Primary Care, Medical Aid Units and Nursing Homes. My husband's job was moved to the UK on April 1st. (2011)

I started looking into my UK licensing issues in Sept 2010 when we heard the UK was possible move. I joked about needing to take an "english test." But now wish I would have just sucked it up and taken the test when I originally found out I REALLY needed to!

I too contacted Continental Nursing via email and got a great hour long chat a few minutes later! She told me straight away that they don't place nurses in the North West (where I would be moving), but would gladly help me with sorting out what I needed to do become registered. (without anything in return).

Her converstation helped me get everything I needed ahead of time...or so I thought!!!

My time line.

-Applied to sit for IELTS in Manchester the day I arrived in the UK (April 1)- granted test day in JUNE.

-Took Test in June. Passed!

-requested registration application June 16th....then requested AGAIN, as they hadn't recieved the first request, July 5th.

-Sent off first part of registration application -end of July. which included to notarized copies of everything (birth certificate, visa/passport, marriage license, nursing license)

-received 2nd part of application via post. which asked for letters of rec (which were not just envelopes that you can put your typed letters you have already requested! But forms for previous nurses who held senior roles to you. I have not worked as a "nurse" since Jan 2004, as I obtained my FNP degree and started practicing. So, I haven't had any "senior nurses" - I have worked for MDs....or WITH MDs. But they didn't want Physician letters) I sent the letters that I already had typed by my co-workers and the NMCs "forms" to the US...they filled everything out, and mailed it back to the NMC. Also, my BON had to fill out a form. Which was a NIGHTMARE. I have one of the smallest BON ever. Everyone knows everyone! but they didn't know what to do. then it was a huge issue to sign the form saying I was of "good character." ???!!! you have licensed me in that state for the past 11 years!

I knew I would need my undergrad to fill out the form. I already had a contact person. She was waiting for me to send everything. She told me she got it, filled it all out and sent it off. It never arrived.

The NMC sent me notice of this...they said I had to have it filled out again! err!

AND...I, not so wisely, informed the NMC of my Masters education via official transcript. SO, the NMC then requested my Grad school to complete a form!

My husband was traveling back to the states for work, so I had him stop off at the university and have the Masters paperwork complete...and witness an official seal.

I got a call on 27 Dec....there was NO SEAL on my 2 forms!! WHAT! I thought I was going to cry! After much back and forth. they found the embossed seal on my Masters form.

Who knows what happened with the Undergrad form! But we have FINALLY gotten that form straighted out this week!!!

(sorry!! I know it's long!!!)

So. I am waiting to hear a decision ...SOON. Although, I have been saying that for 8 months now!!!

(I have been out of work for more than a year now...SO ready to be out of the house!)

Next step is to take the Overseas Nurses Programme. I believe/hope I will be ordered to take the 20day theory course (vs the theory and practical course...which could be 3-6 months!). Now, just need to find a programme. Anyone have recs? There is one in Manchester. 10 days at the campus. 1200 pounds! =0 ugh. just what I need while unemployed.

hope that helps! it has not been a great experience...but I am keeping my head up! I do have a contact at our GP surgery who keeps me posted on the RGN and NP positions that are "mentioned" or posted. just hate that I am sitting around and not able to work yet! (makes me even more upset when I called to schedule my 5 year old with ENT...only to be told it's a 15 week wait! "hello, NP right here, waiting for work" but I know the money is a big issue right now).

My stressed don't end here though....We plan on being here for about 5-10 years. in that time...my licenses will have had to lapse in the US. including my certifications. can any of you US nurses imagine having to sit again for your boards!! ugh!!! I think if I knew it was going to be this hard...I would have encouraged my hubby to take the Alabama job offer =0 over the UK "adventure"!!! =(

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Specializes in NICU.

I will reply later with a longer response, but this is EXACTLY why I wanted to get this process done and OVER with so that I wouldn't have to worry about it years from now. People thought I was crazy (including the husband), but it's not worth the stress that you're going through.

I hope you get a (positive) decision letter soon!!

I hope to do it at Bourneouth University which is in the south of England is 3 days spread out on-campus and is about 400 pounds. You do the rest of it online.

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Thank you everyone for answering my questions; you all have been helpful! I don't know what I would do without this website! I mean, I could read and follow instructions from the NMC website but it's different when you hear people's experiences. :) I started the journey in December 2011 (took the IELTS). Then just two days ago, I submitted the application pack. Hopefully all the forms get to NMC safely, including the transcript of training form and verification reference. Now, the waiting part. Will keep everyone updated!

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Just caught up with this thread, looks like you have had some really positive responses Hilife, I hope it all goes well for you and look forward to any updates (o:

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Nole Nurse: yikes!! What a headache you have been through! I am wishing good news for you soon!

I am still in "phase 1" of my application process....already sat for the IELTS and now getting the birth certificate, RN license and passport copies to be sent to the NMC.

Now this is my CLARIFICATION question.....just to be sure I didn't go too beyond what was needed...when NMC requests "certified" copies of the 3 dox I listed above, this requires one to submit requests to appropriate authorities and pay appropriate fees, yes? For instance, the certified passport copy cost me $50 and a notarized letter to an office in D.C....was this what everyone else had to do for this application portion?

Just need a clarification please :) , my mind is fried after working overtime on night shift and planning a wedding for this May so please, nothing rude.

Thanks in advance for the help!!

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Also, one more clarification question....when finishing the ONP, what can one expect as far as tests/competency skills? Is there another kind of NCLEX? I've been having difficulty finding the answer to this....

thanks guys!

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Newshark:

All of my certified copies:

I took the originals and copies of each to the bank. The bank manager viewed all originals and copies and notarized the COPIES. Those were sent in.

This is what was suggested from "Continental Travel Nurse" agency when I had requested info.

I am finishing my essays to complete my Overseas nurses Programme- should have all paperwork in by Easter. Then a PIN by.....Mid to end April?! =0

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ahh yes, I thought that the notarized photo copies were an option, but I guess I played it too safe, oops!

Yay! mid-end April?! fantastic! How has the programme been? easy? not too difficult?

Thanks for the swift response!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

When finishing the ONP, there's a test of 50 multiple choice questions apparently. If I remember you need 30/50 to pass. If you complete the workbook, it's a pretty straightforward pass the instructor said. I just began the ONP course yesterday at Bournemouth. No "NCLEX" type RN exam, thank goodness!

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thanks Jbo! and yes, phew! No more NCLEX, please! :) good luck with your ONP.

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i heard something about a pin? what in the world is a pin? i know you probably wouldnt want to do this, but can you tell list me all the stuff you had to do starting after you passed your english test? thanks!

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