Need some advice

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2009

A couple of issues.

I do not know of a completely online RN program as virtually all of them must have clinical hours involved, otherwise they they will not be accredited/able to sit for the NCLEX. While, there may be programs like Excelsior, they are not universally accepted here in the USA, and probably would not be acceptable out of the country, plus you still have to do practical exams and I believe that you have to have some prior medical experience/classes.

The other issue is working outside of the USA. My understanding is that there are strict limitations on nurses moving/educated from outside of the EU, to try and work inside the EU. Many places even in Europe have hiring freezes/have plenty of underemployed nurses within their own nation, and thus are limiting work permits....just as the USA does when nurses try to immigrate here. And fellow EU nurses will get preference in hiring, just as NAFTA members do here in the USA. You would probably need to be fluent in the language of where you will work. And you may find that you education is not "equivalent" to that of the country, and you have to makeup courses and/or practice hours.

Your best source for information on immigration issues would be the International forum or the appropriate licensing authority in whichever nation that you will be working in.

The other issue is how serious is this woman about you and how long will she be overseas?

mkriebs · Aug 30, 2009

Good advice, pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

As for her, she seems very serious as well, and would be overseas anywhere from 1-3 years. It all depends if she jsut goes for her Masters or if she goes for her Phd. Now, on her side of the story, she is an Art Hx major and doing her studies abroad is an excellent opportunity for her career wise. Schooling tends to be cheaper over there (not sure about what living expenses would be comparatively), the degree process is shorter, and a degree from Europe is much more accredited in the US than a degree from the US... apparently. Of course I am not limiting her, as that would be extremely selfish of myself, and would likely push her away. So I am trying to be supportive, all the while praying something doesn't work so she stays in the States.

Again, thanks for the advice. Somehow practical experience didn't cross my mind when i was thinking this through the first time...

Matt

AragornSkywalker · Aug 30, 2009

She's going to Europe - despite knowing you probably cant - to pursue excellent career opportunities as an Art History major? Wah?

Sorry bud, but I think your efforts in maintaining that relationship is futile. She doesnt seem to be willing to be making the sacrifices you are making, and shes pursuing a pretty useless major.

I would just stay in the states, stick with your plan (obviously minus her), and find someone else. The last thing I would do is whip out a ring.

caliotter3 · Aug 30, 2009

It is nice that she is in a position that she can go overseas to pursue a degree in art history but I don't see any place in this grand plan for you. If the relationship can be maintained while she is in school, then fine. But you are probably better off setting your sights on something closer to home, (read "attainable"). If all else fails, concentrate on your own career goals here at home. You will stumble and fall over lots of eligible ladies along the way. Good luck.

ItsTheDude · Aug 30, 2009

what skywalker said, for every male n nursing there are NINE females, u can figure it out from there.

mkriebs · Aug 30, 2009

I appreciate all the advice. As for the people saying dump her... I will consider that when the time comes. She still has to decide how and ultimately IF she is going to go through with this. I mean, I could bear through a year with her overseas. But if she decides to go for he Phd there, I will most definitely consider the alternatives.

I would hate to prematurely dump her and have her change her mind about going over there.

Again, thanks for the advice... now I guess we just hope something happens where she stays here.

groovy jeff, RN · Aug 31, 2009

At 22 why not go to Europe for a few years and hang out?? Go over & work at doing anything to support yourself and have some fun. When you get back, go back to school.

The pitfall in the above is when you get back, make sure to go to school. At 23 I put going to NS off for a year and now at 54 I just graduated.

Another thing to consider is that the economies of Europe are far more "behind the eight ball" than our own. Unemployment among the young is running anywhere from 12% to 23%; might be hard to make a living over there.

Lots to consider; glad I am not in your shoes....................

Good luck & stay groovy!

AragornSkywalker · Sep 1, 2009

Actually if you can go to europe, that would be pretty cool.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2009

true, but a lesson learned the hard way: NO woman is worth placing your own life on hold or sacrificing everything you want for them. My finance is the love of my life, the woman I have been waiting for for years, nobody else in this world has my heart....

BUT if she said she wanted to go to school in antartica..."well, it's been real, but we'll make it work....you'll have to come back every few weekends...."

milan18400 · Sep 9, 2009

Well, has she asked and tried to make it so that you could go with her? maybe she needs some time away to think about what she wants in life/the relationship. Maybe she wants to see if you two belong together by seeing if she's still madly in love with you when you're not together.

Good luck.

AragornSkywalker · Sep 9, 2009

If she needs to go to Europe to test her feel-o-meter, then your relationship is dead already.