Hey all you wonderful nurses who have made the journey across the pond, or are nearly there bar the flights! I thought it might be fun/interesting/helpful if you could post something along the lines of "One thing I wish I'd done/known when going to the USA....."
It could be funny/informative or both & could encompass learning to live in the USA or work or the immigration process: whatever you think..........
You never know, it might end up as the best sticky on the site
Of course I can start it off (although I don't actually qualify as I'm not there, or even nearly yet) by saying "I wish I'd known how long it was going to take!":)
where I was like a permanent vacation anyway, plenty of beaches and the wonderful turquoise water that was 90 degrees, so it didnt seem like I worked 18 months straight without time off. have been able to have plenty off time since then and have even been back to the uk for 6 weeks.
I wish that I had known that we would eat out more and gain weight.........something that I didnt need !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My eldest has taken Spanish at school - I'm trying to learn along with him. the younger ones have had the "BBC Muzzy" for years but because they're learning French at school it's becoming a bit confusing for them!
Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.
thats the thing about working 3 shifts a week plenty of days off
hurrah for days off, i am looking forward to using them to visit and explore places that so many people on here have told me exist in AZ
We do self scheduling here which for the most part works. I work 3 x 12 hour night shifts and at least once a schedule (4 weeks) I give myself 6 nights off (I could have 8 nights off if I wanted) and i can do this without taking holiday time (although I am using this for when they call me off)
As long as I have 6 nights off together once a month that is ok - I havent had a vacation as such since I got here 11 months ago...although I was off for 8 nights when my Brother visitied in August...I dont feel deprived yet!!! LOL
My eldest has taken Spanish at school - I'm trying to learn along with him. the younger ones have had the "BBC Muzzy" for years but because they're learning French at school it's becoming a bit confusing for them!
I have to admit in desperation I've sometimes tried my schoolgirl French on people! and yes sometimes the words are similar enough that it gets me understood. My oldest is learning French in school so he's no help to me trying to learn Spanish
the biggest shock to us was the lack of work for the husbands. he was offered plenty of work at $5 and $6 an hour. so because we were in the carribean we discussed and decided for him not to work while we were there apart from the occasional painting and house sitting jobs, it wasnt financially viable for him to work and for us to buy another car and to insure it.
even here in the states we are wary of committing to the hours that they want him to work still for low wages or not for full time hours. he worked with adults with learning disabilities in the uk, but over here you need a college degree in special needs education before they would consider it, and he doesnt have that.
he had plenty of inservice and training on the job but none of that is recognised over here. so we exist on one wage.
the overtime for me is good, but i dont get much as they give ot to their regular staff first. but i could earn a weeks wage for him in one shift.
weird - i worked teaching autistic adults - i was the staff nurse on as that was required but the other woman that worked with me did not have a college degree. wonder why wherever you are they expect a degree in special needs - do they not have assisstants wherever you live. but then i am sure they arent paid that much either so probably wouldnt matter.
madwife2002, BSN, RN
26 Articles; 4,777 Posts
Well you get none when you come here with OGP not until the end unless you want to take some and work longer til the end of your contract.