Travel nursing offers nurses an exciting work opportunity. Not only can it expand and deepen their cultural knowledge and understanding of different environments and societies, but it can also provide them with invaluable career experiences that could enhance their careers.
Australian Nurses looking to expand their horizons should consider working in the UK; however, this process requires extensive research and planning like the following article entails.
Starting Out
Working as a travel nurse in the UK can be a thrilling opportunity to expand your horizons and gain experience abroad; yet can also present unique challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar cultures, food and languages while missing home and family members. They should prepare themselves by thoroughly investigating requirements and working conditions in each of their destinations of interest before undertaking such endeavors.
To become a travel nurse, one must hold a valid nursing license in their home country and register with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). This process typically takes three months and involves considerable paperwork. Furthermore, taking an English language exam such as IELTS or OET must also take place – its results must then be submitted to the NMC with a satisfactory score permitting you to work as a nurse in the UK.
Once you have secured an agency, it is time to apply for a visa and obtain your nursing registration number from the General Medical Council (which you can read about here). For more information about how the registration process works please visit their website; additionally you may benefit from taking an English language test prior to completing NMC registration if planning on taking OSCE exams which can only be taken in England.
They are an indispensable component of any healthcare team, filling gaps in staffing and helping maintain patient safety. In the UK, there is a mandated nurse-patient ratio; they play an essential role in meeting this ratio. Furthermore, many of them earn higher salaries than their local counterparts which make paying living expenses easier.
Getting a Work Permit
To become a nurse in the UK, first register with the NMC and secure a working visa. If your stay will extend past one year, consider getting a permanent work visa to prevent issues in the future – something that International Travel Nurse UK can walk you through. Do your research as the types of visa available vary between countries – also be mindful of any paperwork requirements or fee structures associated with each submission type.
If you plan to relocate permanently to the UK, it is strongly advised that you seek professional advice to ensure a successful application for visas and ensure you possess sufficient qualifications for employment opportunities.
Australian nursing credentials could make you eligible to obtain a sponsored visa through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), providing access to regional areas of the country. A four year ENS visa entitles family members to join you as well. Or alternatively you could enroll in a bridging program which will give you experience before applying for your ENS visa.
Getting Your Visa
Working as a travel nurse in the UK is a wonderful opportunity to travel while also gaining invaluable nursing experience. With its excellent healthcare system and relatively high salaries for nurses, this country makes an ideal destination for international work experience seekers. However, should you plan to relocate permanently there may require professional advice before making this move.
Like I touched on above – to become a travel nurse in the UK, you need a valid nursing qualification and work permit. You also require a sponsor – be it from within an institution such as a hospital or clinic, or through recruitment agencies – which will assist in finding you work and organizing visa and work permit applications, while finding accommodation such as hotels or holiday apartments.
You can actually apply for your work visa through an Australian migration specialist. Nurses eligible for entry under the Skilled Migrant Program (Subclass 189) if they meet all requirements can stay up to four years with this visa; permanent residents will require meeting additional criteria.
An application for a UK visa may seem complex, but with expert guidance it can be done successfully (source: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/problems-with-a-visa/visa-delays/). A registered migration agent can explain the process and offer professional advice while helping with the application process by providing a list of documents you should bring.
Bear in mind that you cannot guarantee yourself employment in the UK; however, your chances will increase significantly with an impressive CV and international experience. Furthermore, an active nursing license in your home country should also help improve your odds.
Working as a Travel Nurse in the UK
Working as a travel nurse is one of the best ways to explore new parts of the world while also gaining invaluable healthcare experience. They are in high demand in areas prone to disease outbreaks and natural disasters; emergency care provision provided by these professionals is paramount to patients’ safety and they work in many hospitals in different geographical locations, which boost resumes and increases chances of admission into graduate programs.
If you are considering becoming a travel nurse, it is essential that you understand that the process can be lengthy. Before beginning work as a travel nurse, there are various requirements that need to be fulfilled such as obtaining a visa and finding accommodation. A reputable agency can assist in this application process so that as soon as you qualify you can start immediately!
Nurses have various career options available to them, including becoming a travel nurse or staying in permanent employment. While the former option offers greater flexibility and allows for travel while working, you should keep in mind that permanent employment might offer greater benefits.
Travel nursing positions can be found throughout the UK in various settings. They are hired to fill staff shortages in healthcare; ensuring patient care does not suffer due to staff shortages. Nursing locum agencies commonly hire them as cover for permanent employees on leave.
Though “nurses eat their young” may no longer apply, they still run the risk of receiving unfavorable assignments from management. Since they fill gaps in schedules more easily than permanent nurses can, management may assign you shifts that are difficult or in undesirable locations – so remember that before relocating.
