Any Tips for a UK RN relocating to the USA

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Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.

Hi Everyone,

I am a UK RN relocating to Florida in the next 3-4 weeks.

ANy tips for me to make the transition easier?? I have 16 years experience but have been out of the hospital enviroment for 12 years. I am going to be working in a Rehab Hospital.

I am excited about the move but also feel a bit nervous! :rolleyes:

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Where in Florida? South Florida is nothing like the northern part of the state.

How did you get the job? I am live near Fort Lauderdale and am doing an RN refresher course as I have been out of the hospital setting for 10 years. there are women in my class who couldn't get a job, without doing a refresher, after being out for 2 years!

Make sure you get a good orientation. US nurses do some things UK nurses don't and UK nurses can do some things US nurses can't.

You must have trained around the same time I did and I never did IVs. So I am spending most of my course sticking the rubber arm and looking for patients with easy veins on my clinical days.

Good luck - you are coming at the best time of year (no hurricanes).

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Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.

I am going to the East Coast - Vero beach.

I got the job through an Agency initially but I was offered a job up in Deland too and that wasnt through an agency but decided for Vero Beach!

I have been working in a nursing home as a Manager.

I never did IV's either but have been taking blood for a while now although not that often these days but if there are any to do I jump at it for the practise even if I do miss the odd one!

I will definately make sure I get good orietation as I am going onto nights :uhoh21:

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Consider yourself a "Pilgrim" to the USA.

With all of the difficulties that the original Pilgrims from the UK had when they came to North America, it is your duty to live up to their standards and to face the challenge with hope, courage, and adaptability.

The rewards will be forthcoming but the challenges may be great

Don't forget your cultural heritage but adapt it to new circumstances.

I am an American male RN and a Member of the National Society Sons and Daughters of the PIlgrims. Welcome! :)

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I am going to the East Coast - Vero beach.

I got the job through an Agency initially but I was offered a job up in Deland too and that wasnt through an agency but decided for Vero Beach!

I have been working in a nursing home as a Manager.

I never did IV's either but have been taking blood for a while now although not that often these days but if there are any to do I jump at it for the practise even if I do miss the odd one!

I will definately make sure I get good orietation as I am going onto nights :uhoh21:[/quote

Have you visited Vero Beach? When I originally went to Boston 16 years ago I went sight unseen!

Vero is central coastal Florida. I think fairly sleepy small town so far. But, the Florida building boom is rapidly spreading north up the coast. That part of the state is still recovering from last year's hurricanes.

My only real tip for working here is to get a good health insurance package.

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Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.

Yes I have visited Vero beach - our house is more or less in Sebastian - it is sleepy but we dont mind that! :)

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Yeah, a little bit nerve racking when moving to practice in US. Are you being employed by a travel agency? Some of the agencies have meet-and-greets, or relocation managers who are very helpful.

Wish you well.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

This is a very old thread and the OP has been in the US for a long time now

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