How difficult would it be to get a job as a registered nurse from the us to the uk?

Question

I was wondering how hard would it be to get a job as a RN (registered nurse) in the uk for an American. Also how much experience is necessary? and what's the starting pay for a RN?

Answer 1

Shouldn't be a problem for you getting a job, as stated above we need more nurses. With most jobs the more experience the better and will help throw you up a few levels (and wage bands) to start, so you might be straight into band 5/6. Starting pays below average (band 1) for a UK job but, it's certainly enough to live.

I've enclosed some links which I hope will help, and finally good luck.

Answer 2

Starting salary is about £19,000 outside London. Are you experienced?  You'll have to be, there's a lot of unemployed nursing graduates in the UK.

You'll have to see whether your training matches UK standards. I suggest you contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council for advice. You have to be registered with them before you can work as an RN in the UK. You will have to provide training transcripts and copies of your professional portfolio. If the NMC finds these are inadequate, you may have to gain the necessary experience here before they will register you. You'll also have to learn about the NHS and how it works in the UK. The whole process can take some time.

When admitted to the register you'll then have to find an employer who will sponsor you for a work visa. Don't bother looking for a job or contacting employers until you are on the register as they won't be interested unless you are.

NMC website: http://www.nmc-uk.org/

Answer 3

I'm not going to be much help but I do know the NHS are desperate for nurses and there's predominantly immigrant nurses in the hospital close to me (Phillipinos, South Africans, Portuguese etc). I think it applies to many hospitals especially in the London areas.  Experience? I don't know, but you would have to be qualified.  Unfortunately pay isn't great as far as I've heard.  Why not look on the UK immigration websites for further information.