My life in Ireland and US...still learning but worth it!

I don't know how to start with this but let me tell you about myself first. I am a Filipino nurse who have 7 years working experience in the Philippines at CVOR and 2 years in Ireland at main OR. I am now here in the US, starting a new life as a nurse and a newbie wife.

My life in Ireland and US...still learning but worth it!

I want to share my experiences in terms of language differences. We, Filipinos, speak and could easily understand american accent and language. I thought when I was in Ireland, it would be easy for me the fact that they also speak English. But not that fast...

On my first day at the operating room (they call it General Theatre), I was greeted by a bunch of Irish nurses. They were very warm but they talk so fast and seems like they mumble. And the accent, OMG!!!

The nurse manager toured me and at the end of it I remembered her asking me "Are you happy?" I thought why?

Don't I look very happy?

Then I realized what she wanted to tell me is if I was okay on what she had said. Then one time, we were having an operation and I was circulating.

A senior nurse approached me and asked me "Did you have a cuppa?"

I told myself again, is that a new word? I asked her what cuppa means and she said if I had a break (cup of tea). With regards to my patients, there was one who told me "I am sick." I just thought , that's the reason why she's in the hospital or is she angry?

Little did I know that she was nauseated. Another one was "I'm sore." I know "sore" is just a mild pain but theirs, whatever pain it is means sore.

There was also one time when I was doing something and there was an Irish nurse who just said "You're lovely!"

I thought she was telling me that I'm pretty but to my dismay she was impressed on what I'm doing.

Anyway for me, Irish people are the nicest, ever! I was taught to always say "Thank you very much indeed" or "please" when asking. They always say "sorry" instead of "excuse me". In our country, we can greet people like "Hello sweetie" or "Hi dude" esp if I forgot their name.

There in Ireland, I have to memorize each of them because it's like saying their name after a greeting is being courteous and respectful. Usually, everytime they greet, they would ask "How's the weather?"and I would say "Not too bad" (but its always raining and very cold).

They are very helpful also and will always open the door for you. The best experience I had was everytime me and my Filipino friends go to Mc Donalds, most of the Irish kids will watch us eating. Its like they were thinking where in the world we came from?

I was able to adjust in just a short time. Luckily, my Irish colleagues were very supportive and when it comes to their accent, I always rephrase on whatever they said to me so to be safe esp when working. I didn't had a hard time. Sadly, I have to leave them. I was petitioned by my husband who is a Flipino born but an American Citizen. I miss my friends, my colleagues, my 7 weeks vacation leave with pay(hu hu!) in Ireland but being here in the US is also the best. I don't have to deal that much with the language barrier.

I am proud to be a Filipino and will always come back home. I had a good time there in Ireland and I'm having a good time here in the US now. All I can say is IRISH ARE BRILLIANT just like AMERICANS ARE AWESOME!

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caycay

About caycay

Cardiothoracic OR nurse

26 Posts

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Well done, caycay. :)

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Specializes in trauma, ortho, burns, plastic surgery.

Cay Cay you are a doll... I smiled along reading your text... is different huh? LOOOOL... I am sure that they loved you! Hugs!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Just shows how different English can be, even on mainland UK each county/area will have their own meaning for words. Nice post

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Specializes in Stepdown progressive care.

Aww. I had the pleasure of visiting Ireland when I graduated from nursing school and I loved it there. They were so very nice and accomodating. I've always wondered what it would be like to work there.

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Specializes in CVOR, General OR.

Hi BGgirl!

It was so fun working there! They have good benefits like 5-7 weeks vacation leave with pay/ year , parental leave, unlimited sick leave (as long as you have Dr's certificate) , 6 mos maternity leave with pay (you can request for additional 6 months with no pay but your position is secured) and Universal Health care. The downside is you cannot get 2 jobs because you will pay higher taxes from the government. If you're a laid back person, you will love the place. I was from Sligo. The scenic views like Mt. Benbulben and Mt Maeve gave me some peace of mind whenever I peak at the window from our hospital. I miss those views and the sheeps :) And one thing,,, you can have lots of cuppa teas there (5 or more for an 8 hour shift). It's a wonderland!

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Specializes in Stepdown progressive care.

Thanks so much for the info. It's only a dream of mine to work there but very interesting how they operate compared to here. I miss how absolutely green it is there. Can't wait to travel again. :)

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That is so true even in the US we have different ways of saying things.

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I myself soon to move to Australia, I got some hints from you in terms of English spoken outside of the USA.:) Thanks.

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Specializes in psyche, dialysis, community health.

Brilliant caycay!

dig

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Specializes in OR.

hi caycay! i just had so much fun reading your long thread.. i was really laughing out loud and my husband was just staring me.. very well said caycay! salute to all FILIPINOS esp. nurses...:yeah:

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Have you adjusted to working here? I have to say that the population is going to be a shocker.

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