Having just read a post on another thread, i am worried about my prospects of a decent job when i return to UK.
I am a RMN. When i left UK 7yrs ago, i was a top E grade, but am having trouble finding out info on what i would be in the new banding system. Can anyone point me in the right direction to a weblink that explains all this?

I am also concerned about job availability and conditions. Are there any returnee nurses here who can shed some light on going back and how did you fare?

Did you keep up your UK registration?

Sadly no, is it a problem to register again?

old E grade = band 5 at the higher entry point

kim

The fact you've let your registration expire certainly won't make things any simpler (lots of nurses seem to do this - why??)

Out of interest are you an Australian citizen or just a resident?

Thanks Asher,at least that looks promising.


I am a New Zealand citizen. Australian perm resident. Married to a British citizen with 3yrs previous UK work history.

I assume you mean you are an "eligible New Zealand citizen" rather than an Australian permanent resident. Have you got an Australian permanent visa stamped in your passport?

You might want to think about becoming an Australian citizen (if you're eligible) before forming any concrete plans to leave. Have you had any children born in Australia?

are you working as a nurse at present?

No, i am a New Zealand citizen born and raised there. I have full Australian perm resident status stamped in my NZ passport. My wife has dual Aussie and British citizenship. We do not have any children.
The reason i did not apply for Australian citizenship is because i want to become a British citizen eventually, and therefore cannot hold 3 citizenships.

Yes Asher, i am currently working in forensic nursing.

Where on earth did you get that idea from? It is completely wrong.

If you become an Australian citizen, then you will not subsequently lose that if you later on become a British citizen. Both Australia and Britain allow dual (and triple) nationality. Nor will the New Zealand authorities care.

However you should only start making plans to leave Australia after you've been sworn in as an Australian citizen - not before.

OK. I have been informed worngly about the 3 citizenships, but why are you saying i should get Australian citizenship before leaving?

Incidentally you don't say what status you have had in the UK, but as it seems you are not a British/EEA/Swiss citizen you may need to apply for an entry clearance as a spouse or returning resident: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk

In case you might want to come back. You will risk losing your permanent resident status after a period of time.

New Zealanders no longer automatically get permanent resident status in Australia. There was a significant crackdown in 2001 and rules could always be tightened up further.

Also an Australian passport may give you extra rights in third countries - eg, the USA.

OK. Thanks for that, but i do not see us coming back. I am aware i need to get spouse clearance. I am currently looking at the visa avenues as we speak.
I appreciate your help.