Question to Nurses

Hi everyone,

I worked in medical in the US, I was a medical assistant in private practice cosmetic dermatology. Currently I’m waiting on my spousal visa. I’m thinking about going to school for a nursing degree in the U.K. The one huge difference in the U.K. in comparison to the US is pay. I’m not sure if I should go back to school and spend the money or not. Im currently 42 and have a 5 month old so the thought of a long road of school and then starting at a low salary is a bit daunting. Plus, I made significantly more as a medical assistant in the US than I would as a nurse in the UK. Money isn’t everything but it does help...especially in my advanced career age. 😁 Any advice in the area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I worked in medical in the US, I was a medical assistant in private practice cosmetic dermatology. Currently I’m waiting on my spousal visa. I’m thinking about going to school for a nursing degree in the U.K. The one huge difference in the U.K. in comparison to the US is pay. I’m not sure if I should go back to school and spend the money or not. Im currently 42 and have a 5 month old so the thought of a long road of school and then starting at a low salary is a bit daunting. Plus, I made significantly more as a medical assistant in the US than I would as a nurse in the UK. Money isn’t everything but it does help...especially in my advanced career age. Any advice in the area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I would start with looking at the international student tuition rates and see if you can even afford the tuition.

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I would start with looking at the international student tuition rates and see if you can even afford the tuition.

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I’ve looked. It’s not out of the question but it’s definitely a factor in my decision.

Nurses are really in demand, so that's a pro. The NHS is badly underfunded and so nurses (along with most everyone else who doesn't work in finance, TBH) are underpaid, which is obviously a con. I'd say it depends on whether you think this would be a job you'd be happy to do for a long time, or if there is another job you could do with your current qualifications that would be as good or better. It's worth spending the money if you're dedicated to nursing, but if you're just looking for a job then there may be alternatives that suit your current skills.

Nurses are really in demand, so that's a pro. The NHS is badly underfunded and so nurses (along with most everyone else who doesn't work in finance, TBH) are underpaid, which is obviously a con. I'd say it depends on whether you think this would be a job you'd be happy to do for a long time, or if there is another job you could do with your current qualifications that would be as good or better. It's worth spending the money if you're dedicated to nursing, but if you're just looking for a job then there may be alternatives that suit your current skills.

This is my dilemma. Probably my best option is to see what I can do with my current experience and go from there. Either way it will be a financial adjustment. I worked in a sort of niche market in San Francisco and my wage reflected that. Not in a million years will I make close to that salary in the U.K. unless I was in finance or tech....neither of which I have experience in.

Also Bay Area salaries are ridiculously high. My husband had to take a significant pay reduction to do the exact, same job. Same company but they had different salary bandwidths for the SF Bay Area vs Edinburgh office. It was the only way they would agreed to move him to the Edinburgh office unfortunately.


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https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/adult-nurse#salary

In addition to the time investment, I think it’s also worth noting the cost of going to nursing school in the UK vs the prospective salary. Since you will be paying the international students fees.


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https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/adult-nurse#salary

In addition to the time investment, I think it’s also worth noting the cost of going to nursing school in the UK vs the prospective salary. Since you will be paying the international students fees.
Yeah, that’s my main issue. It’s just not worth it financially which is really sad because I love working in healthcare. When the time comes I’ll just have to see where we are financially and what makes sense work wise. I knew I’d make nothing near what I made in SF so was prepared for that. I also was planning on commuting to London where I could do what I did in the US and earn a bit more. With a baby that’s not going to happen so I’m looking into other options. It’s a tough one!


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On the bright side I’m sure you would have gained some general administrative skills from being a medical assistant, right? That can be useful for the time being while you’re trying to figure out what you want to pursue in the healthcare field. Possibly some part-time admi work while the baby is still too young to go to preschool. That should give you enough time to plan your next move. Good luck!


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On the bright side I’m sure you would have gained some general administrative skills from being a medical assistant, right? That can be useful for the time being while you’re trying to figure out what you want to pursue in the healthcare field. Possibly some part-time admi work while the baby is still too young to go to preschool. That should give you enough time to plan your next move. Good luck!


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Great idea! I’m so used to a work life that is 10 to 11 hours long I hadn’t really thought about admin part time. At least with that I can get to know the system before diving into expensive education. Cheers!

Great idea! I’m so used to a work life that is 10 to 11 hours long I hadn’t really thought about admin part time. At least with that I can get to know the system before diving into expensive education. Cheers!

Yeah. Maybe get your foot in a medical practice so at least it’s still within the field you want to be in.


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