1. WORKING ABROAD Di Francis Senior RCN Officer South Hampshire, IOW and Jersey

2. Plan Ahead! Research your chosen country u Culture u Religious beliefs u Laws u Visas

3. Resources u UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) www.fco.gov.uk Local laws and customs United Arab Emirates laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK. You are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with, and respect local laws and customs. Extract from FCO web page

4. RCN Library u www.rcn.org.uk/library www.rcn.org.uk/library u http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/libra ry_and_heritage_services/library_collect ions/e-journals http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/libra ry_and_heritage_services/library_collect ions/e-journals

5. u Contact other RCN members working abroad- via RCN Direct - www.rcn.org.uk/support/rcn_direct_onlin e_advice

6. Qualifications and Registration Requirements u You will need to register with the relevant licensing or registration board in the country u NMC – for verification certificate and advice on maintaining your NMC Registration u International Council of Nurses - www.icn.ch

7. u 6 months experience advised u Employers in Middle East usually require 2 years experience u VSO require 3 -5 years experience

8. Finding a Job u Nursing Journals u Recruitment events u Interviews u Always take time to seriously consider a job offer

9. Contract Checklist u Do not sign if there are blank spaces u Do not sign if in a language you do not understand u Do not rely on verbal promises u Pre employment agreement

10. u Job Description u Induction/Orientation u Probationary Period u Premature Termination of Contract? u Changes to Employment u Salaries u Hours u Annual Leave u Length of Contract u Health Insurance

11. Other considerations u Sickness entitlement u Emergency leave entitlement u Accommodation u Relocation expenses u Local Law Customs u Cost of Living u Pension (www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk)www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk u Independent Financial advice www.lv.com

12. And Finally u Join a union u Make a will u Access Factsheets on RCN website www.rcn.org.uk/direct

13. RCN Student Membership £10 per year