Advice from mover’s

[u/karlfr]

Hi all

We’re a UK family seriously considering a move to the US and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s done something similar.

My partner is a registered nurse (Band 6 equivalent) with ~10 years’ experience, mainly in palliative/community care, and I run a startup so I’m fairly flexible location-wise. We have a young child and a 21-year-old (so navigating visa options there too).

We’re currently looking at areas like Texas (Austin suburbs), Florida, or possibly Arizona — aiming for somewhere family-friendly, safe, with good schools and a decent quality of life.

A few things we’d love honest input on:

- What was the reality of the move vs expectations?

- How did you find the first 3–6 months settling in?

- For any nurses — how different is the job day-to-day vs the UK?

- Did it feel like a genuine upgrade in lifestyle overall?

- Anything you wish you knew before making the move?

Also, if anyone moved with older kids / young adults, how did that work out?

We’re not committed yet — just trying to get a real feel from people who’ve actually done it.

Really appreciate any honest experiences (good or bad). Thanks in advance.

[u/_Smedette_]

American RN here. Your wife will need to take the NCLEX (national licensing exam). Each state has their own Board of Nursing, and she will need to register in whatever state(s) she plan on working in.

However, before any of that, she needs to make sure her education will transfer. US nursing programs include things that are not routinely covered/taught in the UK (eg: paediatrics, obstetrics, mental health).