Freaking Out... not really about nursing...

hundreds of people move to Melbourne every week, many of them alone. If you are sure that this is the right thing for you to do, then do it. If you are doing it for other reasons have a good look at why you want to move.

Thanks... Rereading my post, I noticed how desperate it sounds! Jeez! I was in a tailspin. I've been planning to move abroad since I left the US Navy 17 years ago. I have the funny feeling that my friends and family have been humoring me all this time!!! I am laughing at this now, because they have never taken me seriously, and then been shocked when I do exactly what I planned.

So yep, I am still going, even if I alone and I am sure it will work out fine, one way or another. I am so excited! I have been working with my Respiratory Therapist, to really learn how to manage vented patients, and reading tons to get ready for a (hopefully) smooth transition. I worry about the spelling, and drug names, but I think it's better to worry a little than to be cavalier!

I've sent off my package, and visited the Austrailian Embassy in Washington, DC. I'm really doing this!

And if I do go alone, I'll meet new people, that's never been an issue for me!

Thanks for the "therapeutic ventilation of emotion!"

BTW IS "Therapeutic ventilation of emotion" a nursing intervention in Australia? It makes me smile to write it in my notes, 'cause it's such a fancy, formal term for listening!

O my o my! I have never heard of such a term! It sounds very airy fairy!

Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Take care.

I don't live in Melbourne but have visited there (albeit a very brief visit years ago) but you couldn't go wrong. Friendly people, tons to do, great for kids, lots of free stuff for kids to do as well, seems like there is much employment - not just in nursing. Let me know when you go there and I'll come join you, he he!

In the end when all is said and done, you have to be a bit selfish and do what is right FOR YOU. Believe me, working in mental health, I counsel people about this sort of thing many times over, and so many people do what their family, spouse, etc EXPECT them to do - and end up extremely unhappy. Then it causes fights with loved ones, leads to drinking, doing drugs - you get the picture.

You also have to think of your kids as well - what is best for their future. They will love it here - the beaches are fantastic, can get very hot though, but you will adjust hopefully.

Put it this way, I don't think you will regret it. Don't worry re terminology and drug names - there's heaps of IV drug references and MIMS to help out - you will get used to the standard drugs anyway and I'm sure many people will help you out.

Let us know when you get here and how you get on :)

PS: Great food and shopping in Melbourne so you should love it!

Thank You!!!

I hope you really will visit me when I get there!

Kate

Thank You!!!

I hope you really will visit me when I get there!

Kate

You can count on it! I would love to visit Melbourne again.

Keep in touch.

Carol

I recently worked a night duty with an agency nurse from North America - it was only her second shift in Australia and, though a few things were pretty different from what she was used to (including the drug names and different practices) she was great and seemed to have a good night.

If you decide to come on over on your own I wish you luck - sometimes it's easier to make new connections when you don't have to worry about other people. And, though changing your mind would mean extra expense, if you don't like it as much as you hoped and/or miss the folk you left behind, it's not an irrevocable decision - the planes go back to the US as well :)

"Therapeutic ventilation of emotion"

--> wow! sounds very interesting. thanks for the new vocabulary. :)