[patdnurse]

I have just found this site and cos there is little actual nursing to do on this remote island I am trying to fill my time exploring other nursing sites. I am responsible for all medical care as I am the only medical person on this island. There are 24 residents ages from 8/52 to 89yrs.

[NorthER,RN]

Hello Pat,
What an experience this must be for you to be the nurse for such a diverse community - where did you do your training? Are you from the Shetlands, or is this a new experience for you? The furthest north I was in Scotland was to Orkney, and that certainly was not quite Scotland. Do you have friends that you can share your experiences with? Do you have to transport patients off the island very often?
I'm glad that you've found Allnurses - there is always something new and interesting to read, and lovely people to get to know.
I wish you all the best in your Northern home - I hope that you've had a good summer,
Rae

[Carleen]

Originally Posted by patdnurse

I have just found this site and cos there is little actual nursing to do on this remote island I am trying to fill my time exploring other nursing sites. I am responsible for all medical care as I am the only medical person on this island. There are 24 residents ages from 8/52 to 89yrs.

Hi pat that must be great! Where is Shetland? i am going to school to become a LPN this fall? can you give me some insite?

[Jessy_RN]

Hello and welcome to the wonderful family of allnurses.com. Enjoy your stay, and best of luck to you.

[patdnurse]

Originally Posted by NorthER,RN

Hello Pat,
What an experience this must be for you to be the nurse for such a diverse community - where did you do your training? Are you from the Shetlands, or is this a new experience for you? The furthest north I was in Scotland was to Orkney, and that certainly was not quite Scotland. Do you have friends that you can share your experiences with? Do you have to transport patients off the island very often?
I'm glad that you've found Allnurses - there is always something new and interesting to read, and lovely people to get to know.
I wish you all the best in your Northern home - I hope that you've had a good summer,
Rae

Hi Rae
In answer to your questions I did my training in Derbyshire which is in the middle of England [ many moons ago ] I then qualified as a district nurse working in a busy GP practice of 13,000 patients, paper work etc was starting to get in the way of actual nursing so when I spotted a job nursing on a remote island i thought I'd dig deeper and find out what it was all about, never thinking that I would get interviewed and then offered the post. Big huge environmental change, the island of Foula is west of the Shetlands which is above Orkney towards iceland. We have no electric from midnight till 0730 which can create unique problems but hey nurses are supposed to be adaptable aren't they.I have to arrange air ambulance to get patients off the island for emergency care

[patdnurse]

Originally Posted by Carleen

Hi pat that must be great! Where is Shetland? i am going to school to become a LPN this fall? can you give me some insite?

Hi Carleen
Shetland is north of Scotland but below Iceland. The sun shines here but the temp doesn't get higher than 17c. We have magnificent cliffs which are home to thousands of nesting seabirds at this time of year.

[prmenrs]

Wow! That sounds fascinating! I had a great-aunt who was the "plantation nurse" in Lahaina, Maui. She contracted TB and died before my mother was born--so before 1923. I picture her making rounds on horseback.

Not exactly the same scenario for you, but still, a unique challenge. I imagine there are nurses who'd love to take a little sabbatical/vacation with you!

Welcome to allnurses!

[mattsmom81]

What an interesting experience to be on a remote island practicing nursing!!

Welcome to our BB and hope to see you posting a lot!

[sirI]

Originally Posted by patdnurse

I have just found this site and cos there is little actual nursing to do on this remote island I am trying to fill my time exploring other nursing sites. I am responsible for all medical care as I am the only medical person on this island. There are 24 residents ages from 8/52 to 89yrs.

So, to be responsible for all medical care, do you practice as a nurse practitioner or similar? Sounds very interesting. When do you have a physician to come to the island, or do you?

Tell us more.

[Carleen]

Originally Posted by patdnurse

Hi Carleen
Shetland is north of Scotland but below Iceland. The sun shines here but the temp doesn't get higher than 17c. We have magnificent cliffs which are home to thousands of nesting seabirds at this time of year.

Wow,

thats really a big change. i live in the US in New JErsey ..it is currently 98 degrees here..vey hot and humid! Well good luck! talk to u later.

carleen