Travel Nursing Series: Nursing in the UK

Why do people travel? Finding a definitive answer to that question is difficult, at best. Human nature has many needs and these needs vary from person to person. Perhaps plain wanderlust urges people see new places and have new experiences or the need to get away from everyday stress or pressures at home or work. Some may want to make a religious pilgrimage to a sacred site or find new adventures in the jungle or mountains. New careers may beckon as a cooking school lures you to enroll or the travel writing bug bites you. Whatever the reason, travel allows you to make a connection in another country, meet different people and experience different cultures. But most important, travel allows you to become a citizen of the world…..to make a connection with other members of the human race.

This desire to travel even leads some people to work overseas and has led to the establishment of several agencies that specialize in international travel nursing. One country that is a popular destination for American born travel nurses is the UK. Similar cultures and language make England, Scotland and Wales a desirable nursing post.

Most international nursing agencies have the experience to help the travel nurse through the registration process, including any licensing or training that is required. A travel nursing tour in the UK is typically on a 13 week rotation which mean that a nurse could experience four different settings in her travel country, if desired. Options to extend a 13 week tour are often available if a nurse wants to remain in the same location.

Above average pay rates and full medical benefits offered by the National Health Service are not the only financial incentives to entice the travel nurse. Subsidized housing is provided either close to the health care facility or close to safe public transport. Some agencies also offer 24 days of paid vacation annually, sick pay and continuing education. Travel stipends give travel nurses a little extra financial help to explore their new country. In addition, nursing uniforms are often provided by the hospital.

Uniform scrubs have made their way overseas so it is likely that you will not have to wear the traditional black shoes and black stockings that have characterized nursing uniforms in the UK. However, if you have a favorite brand of uniform scrubs such as Cherokee scrubs or Dickies scrubs you may want to bring them along as availability is not guaranteed. You will have to provide your own nursing shoes or nursing clogs so check your hospital's requirements with your agency.

London is a jewel of a city and has more than its share of treasures. Boasting one of the world’s premier museums, London’s art culture is top-notch. Visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewel, watch the ceremonial changing of the guard, take a trip out to Wimbledon, and, of course, visit Harrods. If you have never shopped at Harrods you are in for a treat. This multi-storied building encompassing a full city block in the middle of London’s shopping district is worth a day’s exploration itself. The bottom level international foods department is an epicurean delight. Remember, in Europe the ground level floor is just that……..ground level. Floor 1 is the next floor up, etc. Keep this in mind when reading the store directory if you want to end up on the correct floor. Good buys on English china can sometimes be found and all purchases can be easily shipped to the US, if desired. Like France and Italy, clothing in London is very fashion forward so check out the trends of the next fads to hit the US. Exploring London and its environs by the subway system (the "tube") is easy, economical and safe.

Adjusting to life in the UK is easier than ever. Once almost non-existant, large supermarkets are springing up in most areas which means that most of your favorite foods are available on the UK supermarket shelves. Still, there are some products that are simply not sold in the British Isles so you will want to verify if your favorite snack or lunch food is available. Otherwise, you may want to bring a stash of peanut butter or your favorite cracker with you.



Public transportation in the UK is clean, safe and very accessible. Travel in the cities or between cities is made easy by the reliable transit companies. Most areas of the UK can be accessed in less than 8 hours, making for easy weekend touring. Although traffic in the UK drives on the left, it is not terribly difficult to adjust, so rent a car and visit Windsor. Head farther west to unexpectedly happen upon Stonehenge in the middle of farm fields. Travel a little to the north and stop in the charming villages of the Cotswolds. Further driving takes you to touristy Stratford –on-Avon and then to the university environment of Oxford. One of my favorite spots to visit in this region is the town of Warwick with its partially restored castle founded by William the Conqueror. To walk on the same ground as William the Conqueror trod in the 11th century is a pretty heady experience for an American.

The UK is full of wonderful and varied places to visit. From the Dover Cliffs to the lake region, and on into Scotland or Wales you are sure to find adventures to delight your soul. Pack a variety of non-wrinkle clothing to layer for the ever changing weather. Evenings can be cool and as a friend of mine found out, wearing thermals for sleepwear was a necessity for all seasons except summer. If you have room in your suitcase, a lightweight but warm fleece blanket is a welcome addition as you can use it as an extra blanket, a leg warmer while reading on the couch or throw it over yourself on a train to a new destination. And don’t forget your" brolly" for you will surely need it.

With some good planning, being a travel nurse in the UK can be that new adventure that introduces you to a new culture and new people with relatively few difficulties associated with moving to a foreign country. Perhaps finding work overseas by being a travel nurse is for you.