Working in the UK: Career advice for recently graduated Nurses
Written by Dave Cullen
For many Nurses graduating in 2013, they may experience a degree of uncertainty about what direction they should take. News media continuously reminds of the harsh economic conditions and this certainly is a cause for concern for many graduates. Do you intend to stay in Ireland and possibly have to accept a job in a slightly less desirable position than you’d like? Perhaps you may consider a temporary move abroad where employment opportunities in your target profession may be easier to come by.
The Nursing sector is a diverse and exciting one and graduates will discover that there is considerable scope found in larger markets such as the UK. London Independent Hospitals can provide you with invaluable acute hospital experience, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and many great courses that can provide career advancement. A graduate can benefit from these courses by using them to branch out into other disciplines that may not be as easily accessible in Ireland.
However, despite the large number of available roles, actually obtaining eligibility for work in the UK is not as clean cut a process as you might think. For nurses who have not previously trained in the UK, it is a requirement for you to have your qualifications registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). For more information on this process, visit www.nmc-uk.org. The lead time for registration can vary from 6 weeks to 6 months.
We recommend that you also register through a recruitment agency in the UK because they will possess the local knowledge of the market and will be familiar with the hiring managers for the hospitals you wish to work in. Be sure that you have registered with a reputable agency that is authorised to work with UK-based hospitals. Working in NHS and Private Hospitals can be most beneficial as these will potentially provide you with a number of career opportunities.
As with obtaining any job, the interview process is significant part of the process. Be sure to conduct the necessary preparation and research. For more information on how to successfully undertake a job interview check out the following article: Top 10 Tips for Interview Success.
The idea of working abroad may seem like a daunting prospect but the potential benefits are numerous and the invaluable experience and knowledge gained will allow you to return to Ireland with significant career advancement.
