It’s been a little more than a month in the NHS for me and I thought I should share some points that I’ve realized so far after having the so-called first-hand experience. I work in the A&E as a non-trainee SHO. So, here they are
Pros:
- Better lifestyle
- A day off, before & after night shifts
- Single shifts are never more than 12 hrs
- For non-trainees specially starters: Very supportive & friendly environment
- Consultants support their trainees really well & are extremely motivating
- Much better training in terms of learning opportunities (once in)
- Becoming FRCP/FRCS after training- huge achievement
- Courses like ALS/PLAS and lots of other during training that are recognized almost everywhere in the world
- Remarkably impressive CV / portfolio at the end of training in comparison to training back home
- Opportunities to move almost everywhere else in the world after training
- Very good travel experience (If you like traveling)
- And obviously, much better pay - You can save a good part of it as well
- A&E: Senior support 24/7, Consultants (07:00 to 23:00), 1/2 Senior Reg (23:00 to 07:00)
- Team-work: Everyone works as a team, from porters to para-medics to nurses to junior doctors and consultants as well. In A&E I didn’t find anyone being proud or rude about their seniority or their level experience. This is one thing that I love about my job the most.
Cons:
- BEING AWAY FROM FAMILY
- Longer training duration
- Staying extremely cautious all the time about every single thing regarding ANY patient. - Puts a stress at the back of your mind
- A big chunk of tax on your salary
I know a lot of people might agree or disagree and also Its a bit more general point of view rather being a one-month experience. I might find more things to add or something to take off the list from either of the sections but at this point of time, I think It was a very good decision Alhamdulillah, to take PLAB and move to the UK.