A nurse who is licensed to practise in another country can apply for work in the UK, whether the country of practise is considered dangerous or not. This follows a government ruling that relaxed the longstanding ban on foreign nationals becoming nurses. This blog post explores why this is the case and the ongoing ramifications for both registered and unregistered nurses.
Why do I need to be a nurse to work in the UK?
In order to work in the UK you will generally need to be a registered nurse. This is because the government regulates health care and sets standards for nurses in training. If you are interested in becoming a nurse and do not have the appropriate registration, you will have to apply for registration. Overseas nurses who have worked for a year in the UK can gain registration without any problems, as long as they can show they have met the required standards. This ruling makes it easier for them to find work in the UK as there is a large pool of registered nurses willing to take on casual work or work in a hospital.
Working abroad and in the UK
There are advantages to working abroad, whether in a developed country like the UK or in a developing country. As an expat nurse, you will be able to gain invaluable experience and make new connections. One of the great things about the UK is that it is a hub for expats, with many expats choosing to live and work abroad due to the opportunities that exist. If you want to explore living and working abroad, check out our special overseas nursing jobs listings and make your application today!
The changing face of nursing
In the last few decades, nursing has changed from a career that only people with a genuine calling to do so can enjoy into a profession that is very much accessible to all. This is thanks to a number of factors, including, the rise of the nursing degree and subsequent nursing shortages, along with more people viewing practical experience as valuable as academic qualifications. The government is also responsible for changing public perceptions of what a nurse does, with more people seeing the role as a positive one. In the past, nursing was associated with women and the ‘cradle to grave’ welfare of children, however, this is no longer the case and society at large is better for it.
A new era for nursing
It has been an exciting time to be a nurse in the last few decades, with many advancements taking place across the globe. Even in the UK, which was one of the last countries to introduce registration, nurses now work in a variety of settings and gain valuable experience that is transferable to their practice in the UK. In the coming years, even more changes are forecast, with a shift to more of a ‘team’ approach and a greater emphasis on individualised care.
At the same time, nursing will continue to evolve and grow, as more people than ever before are seeking the services of the qualified and experienced professional, no matter where they are located.
