Are you planning to pursue a degree in Nursing?
Well, that's an amazing choice. Nursing is a respected field all over the world with an increasingly rewarding career. But if you are thinking of moving abroad for work and wondering whether you should go to Canada or the UK, then that's definitely a tough choice.
Both of these countries are known for their strong healthcare systems and offer amazing opportunities for nurses. But of course, you cannot go to both of them, right? You need to choose the one depending on your goals and preferences to see which one suits you best.
So, here in this blog, I will make this choice easier for you by telling you which one is the best country for nurses. So, stay tuned and find your answers right here in my blog.
UK Vs. Canada - Which One is Better for Nurses?
We all know that nursing is one of the most prosperous careers in the world. WHO has already forecasted a shortage of 4.5 MN nurses by 2030. Therefore, the world needs more of them. And they would have exciting career opportunities all over the world.
But for now, we need to know which one is better for you, UK or Canada? So, let's find out by comparing the key factors. Here we go:
Nursing Job Opportunities
UK:
Well, the UK has a long-standing tradition of nurses with the National Health Service (NHS) as one of the largest nursing employers in the world, with a headcount of 328000 Nurses in total.
So, there is a continuous demand for qualified nurses, especially in areas like elderly care, emergency services and mental health. Hence, you can easily find nursing jobs across the UK, from big cities like London to smaller towns. You can easily find a nursing job here in the UK.
Canada:
Now, on the other side, Canada is also facing a shortfall of nurses and needs them especially in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
The Canadian Nurses Association has also estimated a need for 60,000 new nurses by 2030. Hence, more job opportunities for people. However, getting a nursing job in Canada might be a little harder than in the UK due to their strict licensing rules.
Salary and Benefits
UK:
The nurses in the UK earn a starting salary of around £24,464 per annum, which increases with experience and promotions. So, this one is for the first band with 0 years of experience. The more experience and band you have, the higher your salary.
Plus, the NHS offers pension plans, paid holidays, maternity leave, sick leave and many more to their employees. Also, your healthcare is totally free. Hence, no worries about your medical bills either.
Canada:
Well, here Canada will take the lead as nursing salaries in Canada are slightly higher than in the UK. On average, a Canadian Nurse can earn between $33.50 - $46.39 per hour, depending on their experience and province, which is way higher than in the UK.
Plus, they will also be getting amazing benefits like free Medical, maternity leaves, sick leaves and many more.
Cost of Living
UK:
In the UK, cities like London are quite expensive. But other areas have an affordable cost of living.
The public transport is well-connected and cheaper. And you can get cheap nursing assignment writers UK for help as well.
Plus, the groceries, rent and utilities are generally manageable in this salary range, especially if you are living outside major cities.
Canada:
The overall cost of living in Canada is generally higher. Accommodation, especially in popular Canadian cities, can be really expensive for nurses. But other cities are affordable.
The extreme winters in Canada also bring additional challenges for nurses from hot regions. And raises their heating and transport costs.
Licensing and Registration Process
UK:
To work as a nurse in the UK, you need to register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) first. Also, foreign nurses need to pass a Computer-based Test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to get the license.
It definitely takes time. But the UK government actively support overseas nurses by offering training support and relocation packages.
Canada:
Well, you need licensing in Canada as well. But it is comparatively more complicated than in the UK.
Each of the provinces in Canada has its own nursing board. You will need to go through NCAS Assessment, language tests, or maybe more. So, it can roughly take you around 1 to 2 years to get your working license here.
Work-Life Balance
UK:
Normally, the NHS follows a 37.5-hour work week for nurses.
Shifts are scheduled, and many nurses get their time off on weekends or holidays. Plus, they also offer various annual leaves, around 27 days per year. So, they got a healthy work-life balance in the UK.
Canada:
Well, in Canada, the work schedules can be flexible for nurses. But there have been reports of long shifts and weekend duties by nurses.
The days of vacation vary as per the province. But usually they start from two weeks a year.
So, considering these comparisons, I would definitely prefer the UK over Canada. But you can choose as per your preference.
Final Words
In a nutshell, both Canada and the UK are great places for nurses to build their careers in this prospering field. But if we compare the job opportunities, cost of living, and overall lifestyle. Then surely the UK will take the lead, especially when you are looking for a quicker way to start your career.
So, if you are a nurse thinking about your next move, then trust me, the UK might be the best option for you. It has lots to offer nurses. So, think about it and make your next move wisely. NO pressures! You got the comparison of both countries. Thus, just suit the one that suits you.
