[thegoose]

Hello... if anyone has had a similar experience.....please help.

I was educated at McMaster University and completed my BScN in 2006. I worked since then in a busy inner city ER/trauma centre - it was great! In January 2008 I moved to Dublin as my long time bf was offered a research position with trinity and i had always wanted to live and work in annother country, at least for while.

I started applying for my ABA licence in September, and finally after many setbacks, I recieved a letter stating that I need to go through a 6 week adaptation period. I was expecting to get fully registered based on my edcuation and experience but was willing to do what was needed to be able towork.... but with the hiring freeze there are almost no jobs, I have contacted all of the 'approved' hospitals in the dublin area regarding a placement and they have so far all of them but 2 have gotten back to me saying that they are no accepting anyone for placements. So I'm planning appeal this decision but I'm looking for some advice, maybe a reality check?

my first question is to anyone from canada who came to Ireland, were you able to get registered directly or did you have to do an adaptation period.

The reason I have to do the adaptation period is that my education lacking in clinical hours, McMaster provided about 1250 hrs of clinical time (none is paid) over 4 years. I'm currently checkign around to other schools in ontario to see if that is comprable but I believe they woudl all be at least in the same ball park.
The ABA states the school program must have a minimum of 2300 hrs of clinical time. this would work out to 275hrs/semester over 4 years, which is about 24 hrs a week of clinical, which seems like a lot considering nursing school has lots of other class hours.
I Checked with Trinity college's school of nursing and found that they do 36weeks over 3 years of cinical time, which is roughly 1200 hrs. Then in their last year they do 36 weeks(1200 hrs) of full time PAID. which is where they would get thier standard of 2300 hrs minimum.

so in this comparison, no on from ontario would qualify for direct registration, not even if they had 10 years of experience!

My seccond question is: if I file an appeal, what is the likelyhood that my work experience hours could somehow make up the difference? I worked full time for about 18months before comming to ireland I estimate about 3,000hrs.
I plan on appealing anyways as I have nothing else to lose at this point.

If anyone has gone through something similar or can offer any insights into this matter it would be greatly appriciated. I just want to nurse! I miss using that part of my brain!!!