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by Mieke

As I haven't posted on the forum for some time, here a short recap, I am 45, two kids (5 & 8).
Until recently I have worked on a 20-bed medical unit with mostly gastroenterological patients (Diab I+II, div. tumors, hep B+C, liver transplants, pancreatitis....), but for the lack of beds on appropriate units also cardiac patients pre- and post PTCA/stenting with or without previous MI. The average patient age by 78.
During night shifts it was expected to manage 20 of the above patients by oneself. It was not unusual to have at least 2 patients with (alzheimer's) dementia.
As of April 1st, I will go on 30 hrs/week for a denominational home health service.
If you do work or have worked with a registered nurse who was trained in Germany, I am really curious how difficult or not it was for that individual to meet the demands made of Canadian nurses today.
Thank you for your input in this.

Mieke

[Fiona59]

Re: Do you have a German trained nurse in your team?

Your ward sounds a lot like my ward. Meant to be surgical but due to bed shortages we wind up with medical patients. And yes we're getting the dementia patients as well.

Our night ratio is better (either that or our patients are more acutely ill). Charge Nurse, 3 RN and 1 LPN when properly staffed, but have seen it done by 2RN and 1LPN in total.

Sounds like you'd fit into our zoo.

[RGN1]

Re: Do you have a German trained nurse in your team?

Wow Mieka - your ward sounds like my old NHS one here in the UK - we are always led to believe you're better staffed over on the continent! Especially Germany - you're always thought off as so mega efficient by us Brits!!

I too am moving to Canada & looks like I'll fit nicely into your zoo Fiona! Although I'll be in one in Alberta! Your ratio's do sound slightly better though!

[Fiona59]

Re: Do you have a German trained nurse in your team?

Oh, my zoo is plenty big. I'm in the same area but different hospital from our Jan.

[RGN1]

Re: Do you have a German trained nurse in your team?

Hey - we could be colleagues one day! Well you have been warned xxxx

[Mieke]

Re: Do you have a German trained nurse in your team?

Thank you Fiona and Rgn1 for responding. Was going to respond sooner, but my ISP was not up to it.

Germany being more efficient..... it may appear as if we are, or there is an interest in keeping up this appearance.

As with everyone depending on a job for sustenance many nurses don't dare speak up. Just a story that made it around the whole clinic (1000+ beds) A young male nurse spoke with the Prof. after rounds and mentioned that what we were doing was dangerous patient care... the response was that he was free to go on unemployment.....

So what does that tell me?.....I get all qualification to come to work in Canada

[RGN1]

Re: Do you have a German trained nurse in your team?

As long as it doesn't turn out to be "out of the frying pan, into the fire!"

[Mieke]

Re: Do you have a German trained nurse in your team?

Yup you are right there. Something to be considered very carefully