Working Holiday in Britain for Ozzie nurse

banaltra1 · May 16, 2005

Hi Jenny

log on to nmc-uk.org. it will give you all the information you need. From talking to australian nurses here, I gather it can take a while for your registration to come through, so apply for that before you come here, otherwise you'll have to work as a health care assistant. Some good nursing agencies are; Nightingale & Geneva. Avoid NHS professionals as their payrates aren't as competitive as those mentioned. You'll probabaly have more flexibility working as an agency nurse (and earn way more money) than if you're employed directly by one of the hospitals.

Good luck.

may24 · May 26, 2005

Hi Jenny

I think agency work is great as I have done it for 4 years, but its not like it was 7 yrs ago - the work was rife and the pay brilliant, lines of work was everywhere. Nursing agencies are competitive but they are pretty much offering similar packages now.

Downfalls: never know from day to day if your shift would be cancelled, there are quiet periods ie summer, xmas. Irregular hours, not always treated with the respect be prepared to be slagged on occassion, travelling distances, not put onto training or paid for courses

Positives: work when you want, flexibility, allowing for time to be taken off to travel on holiday for any length of time money allowing, good pay rates, get to work in many different work places to gain a perspective which hospitals you like or not like!Paid weekly

Fulltime work on the otherhand offers stability, regular income, dont have to travel to a different hospital each day, access to ongoing updates, paid training and courses to keep up with continuing professional development and the upkeep of NMC registration requirements. Paid sick leave, annual leave orientation package and support. It will take around 3-4 months to fit in and adjust with the nursing work. Which is a good reason why I think working a full time job on arrival to UK is helpful to gain an understanding of the UK health system and also a way to meet other people, on a regular basis.

Hope this helps. Another option when here on working holiday is to get permanent part time employment and work agency the rest.