Endo.J

Where are you located at the moment... our family out there are a little north of Austin and it sees their weather has been quite similar. Lots of storms but never fully blown Tornadoes.

Have to admit I find these discussions really interesting as if my daughter becomes a citizen I might look into moving over, it seems the job is similar enough to not be scary! Do you mind me asking if you have been in the field long? I've been doing this 12 years now and couldn't imagine moving fields again.

It's great to read this as I was wondering what the differences to the UK were. Most patients in the UK are done with conscious sedation, Colonoscopies with Midzolam and Fentanyl, one of our regulars opt for nothing or Nitrous oxide usually because they want to drive home later! We rarely use Propofol, they are booked on specific lists and this is the only time we have an anaesthetist. OGD's or EGD's are done either with Lidocaine throat spray alone or Lidocaine and Midazolam. Again Propofol only on specific lists. In the room is the MD and either 2 RN's 1 for patient care and the other as the MD assistant (all equipment and samples and labelling etc is done by the nurse assisting). Another member of staff run decon but some units have external decon. We also rotate into admissions (and some of us are trained to consent) and into recovery and discharge. Our procedures are are classified by "units" specified by the Doctors when booking and do up to 22 units per room per day. We also have nurse endoscopists who do less numbers. My unit also does diagnostic Cystoscopies and we have visiting urologists for those list. Are all your patients "out" as the doses seem similar and ours are often awake and chatting to us?

I called an agency the other day who said that Cgfns requires the documents from the uni to say that you have 40 hours education and 80 clinical in Mental Health, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and early years, Adult surgery and Adult medicine. Does that cover everything or is there more? Also wondered if you had your documents from the university or were they sent straight to Cgfns? Hope all is going well and that you are enjoying your new life.

I think the statement about European Healthcare is a bit too broad sweeping. I had a dreadful experience in Spain (uncaring and not a hint of dignity) but I wouldn't expect that statement to reflect on the healthcare of all European countries. As a Brit I have read this thread from beginning to end and have found it informative if at times inaccurate. My daughter is married to a Texan and they are moving over next year, she is 12 weeks pregnant, the pregnancy was planned so that she can give birth here before they have to leave with his job. I think she worries it might be a very clinical experience in the US. As far as I can see there are pros and cons wherever you go. I do think it's an incredible presumption that healthcare is free in any country. The NHS now bills foreigners without cover but trying to get the money back is a nightmare. I can understand why you wonder if that bill ever got paid in Canada!

Thank you so much for your reply. I have 25 years experience ranging through neurosurgery, general surgery, medicine, ICU, ER and Endoscopy. Thank you for the tip about Seton, inside information is always useful.

I am so happy for you. I know what you mean by the Uni's not giving enough info, they 're already saying their not sure what specifics they have. With the whole process, out of curiosity, from beginning to end how long did it take?

I am just wondering if any of you (particularly management or older nurses) think that age is a barrier when finding work? My daughter married a Texan and is moving back to the Austin area next year, we are seriously thinking about following. I know I can use and agency and I think I know the most of the process involved but if I am in my 50's when this goes ahead will I still be marketable? Thanks in advance

Must admit that I hope you keep checking in once you get settled, sorted and start your new job. It would be interesting to know how things unfold for you. Also dreading getting my transcripts assessed because one of my university/schools of nursing haven't been too helpful. But seriously I will use your tenacity as a model when I start jumping my hurdles!

Congratulations!!!! which city are you going to? All the best with your new life!

Old life ICU - Emergency patient ventilated, riddled with headlice no-one had treated, overnight treatment smell of clean hair no lice, crying Mum who had arrived night before after not seeing daughter for months and dismayed at state of daughter, next day grateful mum more at peace with a daughter that was more recognizable. Simple nursing that bought a mother peace. Suctioning, rattle to no rattle, satisfying++. Weaning and waking with success. Current Life: Removing suspected cancerous polyps with the clinician and finding out later that you got the lot before it spread. Giving the "all clear" after follow-up (5 year program) under the direction of a consultant because he knows you care.

Just a brief comment from a UK nurse, suspected cancer patients can be seen within 2-5 weeks in the UK, if a cancer is suspected this escalates to a 2 week wait system, where all tests are aimed to be carried out in 2 weeks and then discussed at a multi disciplinary team meeting. Then they will be seen by an oncologist to discuss potential treatment options, within 62 days treatment should have commenced. Maximum 31 days after they first meet the oncologist which was by average within 31 days of referral. Hence the 62 day figure. My husband had a suspicious mole two weeks ago he was referred and seen by a specialist within a week and was all clear. Average nurses pay at £34000 is $44000 not $26000??? Our cancer survival is lower, sadly. Healthcare is a growing concern everywhere, I've been reading this trying to understand more!

ICunursey Just wondered if you can give me the name of your agency as you are heading to Texas they might be worth looking into. Also notice on some of your other posts that you say "we" just want to get to the states. Does that mean you have a spouse going? and if so will they also have the right to work or have they had to apply separately? I've tried looking this up and failed to find the information. Thanks

So is your agency sourcing a permanent position for you, and how long are you bound to them/that job?

Thanks. I'll scroll back to see if you mentioned who you used. I already tried a mock/previous NCLEX on nurse plus and passed, I know that I need to do more prep... it might have been luck. I'm ex Neurosurgery then ICU, banked A&E and have been Endoscopy for the last 12 years. Also haven't looked up the Jurisprudence yet. My hubby's options for his career seem to be Dallas or Houston, though our daughter is more likely to be just north of Austin.