A relocation checklist
By Gemma Raw
Are you thinking of relocating for a new nursing job? It's a big step and a decision not to be taken lightly. Here's a quick overview of some important things to think about before you up sticks and shoot off to another part of the country.
Every year, around 4-5% of our population relocates to a different city or county in the UK. That equates to about three million people packing up their possessions and boldly heading for pastures new.
If you're retired, moving to another part of the country can be relatively straight forward. However, while you're still working, your ability to easily relocate is obviously dependent on your career. With transferable skills and unfilled vacancies in many areas of the country, nursing jobs offer more mobility than many other occupations. However, careful thought and planning are necessary if the move is to be a good one.
Here are a few things you might want to consider...
Is help available?
When advertising nursing jobs, some NHS trusts offer relocation packages, which can provide much-needed assistance with costs such as rental deposits and moving expenses. The recruitment ad should tell you if there's a package available, but you may have to ask for more information about what it includes.
Do your research
What will it really be like to live somewhere different? The Internet has made it easy to find out lots of useful facts and figures about any city, town or locality in the UK, from what schools are in the area to the price of a bus fare. Use this cost of living calculator to see how far your new salary will go in comparison to where you currently live.
Remember, whether you're a general nurse or a specialist, such as a learning disabilities nurse or mental health nurse, jobs may be significantly impacted by the demographics of the location in which you work. If you're a community nurse, you may need to be prepared to travel more to visit patients at home, particularly if you're moving from a city to a rural location.
Stay a while
You may not have time to get out and about when you go for your nursing job interview in another part of the country. So, if it's possible before you must make the decision to move, why not spend a weekend or a few days there to get a proper feel for the area?
Think about the family
If you've got a family, you'll obviously need to consider their needs and feelings. How will the move affect your children's education? Do you have a commitment to elderly parents or other relatives that you need to consider?
These are just some of the issues that arise when you're thinking of moving your home as well as your job. There are lots more, from weather to property prices, so why not make a list of pros or cons? It's a good way to focus your mind and be sure you're making the right decision.
If you’re considering relocating for a new job role but you’re unsure if it’s the right move for you, why not speak to one of our trained consultants?
