UK Healthcare Resources

www.healthcentre.org.uk

UK accommodation, budget

www.backpackers.co.uk

Australian Nurses council

www.anci.org.au

Aus Accommodation, budget

www.yha.com

www.backpackers.com.au

Australian Info Site

www.ninemsn.com.au

Currency Exchange Rates

www.xe.com

International Times

www.timeanddate.com

Travel Guides

www.lonelyplanet.com

www.roughguides.com

International Youth Hostelling

www.iyhf.org

Q: How far ahead do I need to start planning?
A: If you’re packed and ready to go, you can call us today. However, most people plan their travel 2-6 months ahead. So once you’ve decided to take the plunge, and have a departure date in mind, call us and we can advise what you need to do.

Q: What do I need to do to get started?
A: Just pick up the phone or email us with your query and we’ll guide you through the rest. It is helpful If you have a CV prepared.

Q: How long will it take to find a job?
A: Once we have your application and all documentation, we can discuss potential jobs and you can choose which is suitable for you.

Q: How do I find the right job for me?
A: Having had lots of experience, we can help you match your needs and preferences so that you find the best, most suitable job.

Q: Do I need a Visa or Work Permit?
A: If you hold a British passport – no. You are eligible to live and work in the UK.
If you do not, there are several options available:
- Ancestry Visa – if you have a UK parent or grandparent you should be able to apply for this Visa which allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 4 years
- Working Holiday Visa – if you are aged between 17 and 30 years you can apply for this visa. It allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years. Recent changes to this visa mean that you can work for the whole 2 years, or combine work and holiday.
- Work Permit – if you are 31 years old or more, or if you want to stay at the one hospital for more than 2 years, you will need a Work Permit. This requires the UK hospital to ‘sponsor’ you and arrange your Work Permit for you. It will allow you to live and work in the UK for that hospital, for the length of the Work Permit. Work Permits can be granted for up to 4 years.

Q: How do I know whether a visa or work permit is right for me?
A: We can assist you with this. It will depend on how long you intend being in the UK, how much of that time you want to work and how much time you want to have off to travel etc.

Q: Will my qualifications be recognised in the UK?
A: Our international team can easily answer this question for you once they know which country you gained your nursing qualifications in and where you are currently registered.

Q: Have I got enough experience?
A: If you are fully qualified and registered, and have a minimum 6 months post-graduate experience, we can find you a suitable position.

Q: My partner will be travelling with me, can they get work too?
A: If they are a registered nurse, we can find a suitable job for them too. If they are an SEN or carer on a Working Holiday or Ancestry Visa, we can also find them a job. If they require other employment we can suggest agencies and websites that can assist. If you are going to the UK on a sponsored Work Permit, usually a married spouse of the Permit holder can work under that Work Permit. If you are not married, there are certain criteria you will need to provide in order for your partner to work under your Work Permit. We can provide more information on this.

Q: How much money do I need?
A: Firstly you will need enough for your airfare, although in some cases you may be eligible for either a free one-way or return airfare (speak to us about this). Then you will need enough money to live on for at least one month, as most employers pay monthly in arrears.

Q: Where will I live?
A: We often have on-site hospital accommodation available at low cost, but can also assist you in finding other accommodation if you prefer. If no accommodation is available at the hospital, we will assist you to find something suitable.

Q: Will I be able to keep up with Professional Development whilst in the UK?
A: Yes, not only does Jane Lewis Nursing Agency offer on-going accredited courses, all hospitals will have a choice of courses you can choose from.

Q: What if I don’t like living and working in the UK?
A: Naturally, we suggest you think carefully about taking this step and once you’ve agreed to an offer of employment, the hospital will be disappointed if you don’t stay. However, our consultants are here to help you with as many questions as possible so call or email us with your concerns or worries, and we’ll attempt to help and guide you. Also, talk to friends and relatives about their experiences, this often helps. Travelling overseas can be a very exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s not for everyone, and we might be able to help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Q: Do I need to bring a uniform?
A: Most hospitals provide uniforms and if not, we can advise where they can be purchased. Or you want want to bring your own.We can advise what type of uniform you will need.You will need to bring suitable shoes, and depending on which hospital, we can advise the right colour.