I'm Back with a vengeance! My US experience

nursemelani · Jan 25, 2006

Hi Everybody! After a long self imposed exile im now back with a vengeance! Trying to straighten out what went wrong and will share the blessings of what went right.
I has been a tough struggle, the last two months was a nightmare...for those who remember me, I was a very passionate and a persevering person but the last 2 months in the US somehow challenge and change that. The great american dream is not that great anymore, but I will definitely make another try. " It's either I'll find a way or I'll make one. Lessons learned and Im sharing it with everyone and specially to my "kababayan"
1. Coming or migrating to America is not a "bed of roses". I know this is a cliche but Im giving this another meaning. Im not even touching the whole immigration process (I-140 to interview - visa). Im talking about actually living in the US. Even if you're succesful in your career here, it doesn't mean that you will be happy. So before you finally make your decision in going here, think about it a million times!Not just the financial aspect but EVERYTHING! Schooling of your kids, what kind of environment you want your kids to grow up, type of relationship that you want to have, with your family, neighbors and stuff. IT'S LONELY HERE!
2. US is not everything, but I know financial independence matters! Carefully think about your objectives in coming to america! These decision points are the only one that you will hold on to.
3. Disneyland and Empire State building is just another infrastructure! Hollywood is just another city and most of americans call it "Holly-weird" You'll find it out for your self!
4. There are more nice building and malls in Makati than in Los Angeles! :chuckle
5. I am taking back what I said before, look for the best employment agency if you can afford it, don't get any, get hired directly! And be careful with those agencies promising you heaven and earth...there's no good agency out there, your just choosing between lesser evil! Susan is right, get hired directly
6. If you foolishly decided to get an agency, better document all the items not included in your contract and other terms and conditions during your employment. Think about the "worst case scenarios". There's a saying the beggars cannot be choosers, but for god's sake we are not beggars, we're nurses!
7. I know its expensive, but I totally advise those who want to come here in the US...pass your NCLEX first! You'll have more option that way! For your husband and wife whose not a nurse, please tell them that it is not easy getting a job here, especially if you don't have a US local experience! But how can you get a local experience if they will not hire you in the first place!
8. For those Husband and wife whose earning already P25,000 and above in the philippines, think twice before you quit your job and readily join your Nurse spouse in the US...It's not easy getting a job here. Yes you can earn $7 dollars an hour and if you convert that to Phillipine peso it's a lot of money...only if your living in the philippines. Your earning dollars here but your also spending US dollars too! 1 big mac meal here will cost you 250.00 pesos! Follow to join is much better, settle your self first!
9. Staying with a relative is not that great! If your used to living independently in the Phils and you thought that "I have cousin or aunt living somewhere in the US so definitely I can survive", THINK AGAIN! Our relatives in the US also works and you'll be surprised if you find them also just making ends meets. You cannot go anywhere in CA if you don't have car!
10. Practice Nursing in the Philippines and get all the skills and info you can grab, you'll need it here!
11. Before you get that loan in the Philippines thinking that you can earn money easily here, think AGAIN!
12. I hate to be preachy, but you will never survive and will be depressed and frustrated without God!
Enough of the lessons and I am not being cynical, I m just giving you a sneek peek or what if scenarios!
As for me, Im out of my hybernation. Im trying to get out of my agency, Im trying to pass NCLEX, Im teaching my child how to cope up in school and explain the difference in cultures, Im trying to find a job... but Im not afraid because I have my God backing me up and winking at me. Telling me that everything will be all right.
Im currently here in CA and please don't ask why.....=)
Hi Suzanne! Hi PresC, Hael, Shaider, Silverdragon, Nurse Dependent, My good friends in India... Im back, and this time me and my God will make things right!
God bless!

Hi Dhel !

I am curious about the cultural differences between the Philipines and The U.S.- Please tell me more !

I am an LVN in California, and there are LOTS of philipina nurses here !

You are right that we are paid well, but the cost of living is sky high.

dhel28 · Jan 25, 2006

Hi Dhel !
I am curious about the cultural differences between the Philipines and The U.S.- Please tell me more !
I am an LVN in California, and there are LOTS of philipina nurses here !
You are right that we are paid well, but the cost of living is sky high.

Filipinos tends to be touchy and likes expressing themselves with a lot of gentle, innocent touch. My son find the differences in culture the hard way when he was given a "behavior card" by his teacher that said "respect others". I know my son too well so I know he means well, so I have to explain to him that he cannot "touch" anymore. Also, when kids talk to adults in the Philippines, traditionally, children are "not allowed" to look or stare directly to another person's eye. Unfortunately, the teacher did'nt even bother to ask why and directly concluded that he has a "language problem". I thought my son to speak english since he was a baby and we are blessed enough to send him to an exclusive school so I know my son can understand and speak ENGLISH!:angryfire

I did not allowed my son to attend their field trip in LA, I have to teach and orient him first on "how to behave" during a field trip.:rotfl:

I'll post again the cultural differences from time to time, there's a lot.:)

suzanne4, RN · Jan 25, 2006

Welcome Back................I should say "home."

I missed you.

Nurse Dependent · Jan 25, 2006

dhel:

it is so nice to hear from you, my friend!

i'm very glad to hear that you're now back on track.

your advise is so valuable to me and my family.

especially for someone like me who is a non-nurse and will most certainly be leaving a "promising career" in broadcasting here in our country. been doing my assignment here of making sure that when i get there, i can hit the ground running by at least snaring a job with our SF office. i sure can imagine the horrors of trying to start a career in the US with no credible US credentials to show.

i agree with some of your points, that's why before my wifey signed up with the agency, she made sure that she has an active say in the whole process.

so as an additional (unsolicited) advise to would-be immigrant nurses, (and if you can't get out of the agency route) -- don't just accept the offer based purely on their terms. don't just grab the assignment for the sake of getting the green card. research on the place where you and your family will stay. we've heard of sad stories and lots of regrets because some nurses just BLINDLY SAID YES TO AN EMPLOYMENT OFFER without having to consider the factors you've just shared with us.

another reason why we're so hoping to get the visa by march-april, and probably fly by may-june, it gives our daughter ample time for enculturation. so that she'd be more prepared to adjust to the cultural intricacies before schooling starts by september.

i'm so glad you're back.

individuals like you make this community very important to us who are sharing in the same dream. thanks for sharing the nightmares as well so that we'll know what to look out for.

hope to hear more stories from you, my friend.

good luck!

:)

denzel · Jan 25, 2006

hi dhel,

im sorry to hear about what happened to you here in the US. im just wondering why some agencies back there in the phil are so rude....

but its not true to some of the fil- nurse and some agencies... as for us here... we are all doing fine... my wife is assigened in the medical ICU. and the staff are all great... the hospital gave us a three month housing for free and its all fully furnished... they also gave us relocation allowance and a signing bonus... so we it was a big help for us starters... and we passed through an agency there in the phil...

my advice to all nurses... read your contract well and the hospital you are going to... and pass first all the the exams needed...

so far i like it here... maybe its not as big as california... but it is worth living here... people are nice...and peaceful.... settle for a smaller city and im sure your going to have great life here in the US...

TO DHEL...

just finished your contract... take it easy and move on... God bless you...

Nurse Dependent · Jan 25, 2006

denzel:

congratulations to you and your family!

nice to see you around here, my friend!

dhel28 · Jan 25, 2006

hi dhel,
im sorry to hear about what happened to you here in the US. im just wondering why some agencies back there in the phil are so rude....
but its not true to some of the fil- nurse and some agencies... as for us here... we are all doing fine... my wife is assigened in the medical ICU. and the staff are all great... the hospital gave us a three month housing for free and its all fully furnished... they also gave us relocation allowance and a signing bonus... so we it was a big help for us starters... and we passed through an agency there in the phil...
my advice to all nurses... read your contract well and the hospital you are going to... and pass first all the the exams needed...
so far i like it here... maybe its not as big as california... but it is worth living here... people are nice...and peaceful.... settle for a smaller city and im sure your going to have great life here in the US...
TO DHEL...
just finished your contract... take it easy and move on... God bless you...

I am really happy for you and it's good to hear that some agencies are leaving up to our expectations.

Unlike you, there is no relocation or any allowance given to help us to start. There were signing bonus given but unfortunately it was not given to us. There is an accomodation for three months for free but apartments in the low income areas in the Philippines are better off. Imagine nine people living in a apartment wit a make shift rooms with one bathroom. No appliances, we bought our own bed sheets and comforters to top it all no heater! You cannot live in NY, peak of winter with no heaters! Electrical connection is bad, so bad that one time when I left the apartment, my bed sheet caught fire becasue of bad electrical connection and the fire dept have to rush in. Only in the movies you can see that.

My house mates who are NCLEX passers even before they came here have still no work becasue our agency have not yet placed them. It has been 3 months. When they followed up with the agency and told them that their savings is running out because they do not have work, was told to ask money from the Philippines!

I cannot wait for 3 years even if I want to, my family will starve and I'll be crazy to stay.

I am really happy for you and envy you, I hope I signed with your agency. Can you tell me what is your agency? Just PM me if your not comfortable posting it.

God Bless!

nursemelani · Jan 25, 2006

"

Filipinos tends to be touchy and likes expressing themselves with a lot of gentle, innocent touch. My son find the differences in culture the hard way when he was given a "behavior card" by his teacher that said "respect others". I know my son too well so I know he means well, so I have to explain to him that he cannot "touch" anymore. Also, when kids talk to adults in the Philippines, traditionally, children are "not allowed" to look or stare directly to another person's eye. Unfortunately, the teacher did'nt even bother to ask why and directly concluded that he has a "language problem". I thought my son to speak english since he was a baby and we are blessed enough to send him to an exclusive school so I know my son can understand and speak ENGLISH!:angryfire
I did not allowed my son to attend their field trip in LA, I have to teach and orient him first on "how to behave" during a field trip.:rotfl: "
That is sad that your son got a "behavior card" for touching ! I have noticed that many cultures are more touchy-feely than us North Americans. I used to have a friend from Tiawan who would always link her arm through mine when we were out together. I have a friend from Nicaragua who sits next to me and touches my thigh when she is talking to me. If an American friend touched me that way, I would think she was "making a move" on me.

weetziebat · Jan 25, 2006

Dhel,

Thank you for sharing the not-so-great side of the US. Too often people just think of this country as somewhere they will live like movie stars, making lots of money, and many times do not believe folks who tell them otherwise.

My dh is from Pakistan. When he wanted us to come back to the US, he didn't listen to me about it not being a paradise. Now, six years later he has not even been able to save enough money to go home on a vacation. His family all think he is living in luxury. You really can't explain it enough.

As many good things as this country has (and it has many) it is still not the end of the rainbow, by any means. Think it through well.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jan 25, 2006

Dhel

Great to hear from you but am sorry that the experience hasn't gone well for you. I am no longer going to the US as husband worried among many things that he won't get work. Luckily I still have a job but was shocked at how much I have to pay for cancelling so going to ask for a run down on the fees and check what I am paying for.

I really hope things pick up for you and good luck on taking the NCLEX. I will still be popping on here :)

nina9404 · Jan 25, 2006

Hi Everybody! After a long self imposed exile im now back with a vengeance! Trying to straighten out what went wrong and will share the blessings of what went right.
I has been a tough struggle, the last two months was a nightmare...for those who remember me, I was a very passionate and a persevering person but the last 2 months in the US somehow challenge and change that. The great american dream is not that great anymore, but I will definitely make another try. " It's either I'll find a way or I'll make one. Lessons learned and Im sharing it with everyone and specially to my "kababayan"
1. Coming or migrating to America is not a "bed of roses". I know this is a cliche but Im giving this another meaning. Im not even touching the whole immigration process (I-140 to interview - visa). Im talking about actually living in the US. Even if you're succesful in your career here, it doesn't mean that you will be happy. So before you finally make your decision in going here, think about it a million times!Not just the financial aspect but EVERYTHING! Schooling of your kids, what kind of environment you want your kids to grow up, type of relationship that you want to have, with your family, neighbors and stuff. IT'S LONELY HERE!
2. US is not everything, but I know financial independence matters! Carefully think about your objectives in coming to america! These decision points are the only one that you will hold on to.
3. Disneyland and Empire State building is just another infrastructure! Hollywood is just another city and most of americans call it "Holly-weird" You'll find it out for your self!
4. There are more nice building and malls in Makati than in Los Angeles! :chuckle
5. I am taking back what I said before, look for the best employment agency if you can afford it, don't get any, get hired directly! And be careful with those agencies promising you heaven and earth...there's no good agency out there, your just choosing between lesser evil! Susan is right, get hired directly
6. If you foolishly decided to get an agency, better document all the items not included in your contract and other terms and conditions during your employment. Think about the "worst case scenarios". There's a saying the beggars cannot be choosers, but for god's sake we are not beggars, we're nurses!
7. I know its expensive, but I totally advise those who want to come here in the US...pass your NCLEX first! You'll have more option that way! For your husband and wife whose not a nurse, please tell them that it is not easy getting a job here, especially if you don't have a US local experience! But how can you get a local experience if they will not hire you in the first place!
8. For those Husband and wife whose earning already P25,000 and above in the philippines, think twice before you quit your job and readily join your Nurse spouse in the US...It's not easy getting a job here. Yes you can earn $7 dollars an hour and if you convert that to Phillipine peso it's a lot of money...only if your living in the philippines. Your earning dollars here but your also spending US dollars too! 1 big mac meal here will cost you 250.00 pesos! Follow to join is much better, settle your self first!
9. Staying with a relative is not that great! If your used to living independently in the Phils and you thought that "I have cousin or aunt living somewhere in the US so definitely I can survive", THINK AGAIN! Our relatives in the US also works and you'll be surprised if you find them also just making ends meets. You cannot go anywhere in CA if you don't have car!
10. Practice Nursing in the Philippines and get all the skills and info you can grab, you'll need it here!
11. Before you get that loan in the Philippines thinking that you can earn money easily here, think AGAIN!
12. I hate to be preachy, but you will never survive and will be depressed and frustrated without God!
Enough of the lessons and I am not being cynical, I m just giving you a sneek peek or what if scenarios!
As for me, Im out of my hybernation. Im trying to get out of my agency, Im trying to pass NCLEX, Im teaching my child how to cope up in school and explain the difference in cultures, Im trying to find a job... but Im not afraid because I have my God backing me up and winking at me. Telling me that everything will be all right.
Im currently here in CA and please don't ask why.....=)
Hi Suzanne! Hi PresC, Hael, Shaider, Silverdragon, Nurse Dependent, My good friends in India... Im back, and this time me and my God will make things right!
God bless!

Hi Dhel!

Am glad to know that you are back. Although we exchanged but a couple of PM's, I valued and benefitted from your posts.

It's good to have you back and I am looking forward to reading more of your posts/comments.