Sippy RN

I have heard that the emirates have lowered the contract for nurses from 3 years to 2 years. And, you can go the UAE with a tourist visa, take the nursing exam and if you pass, you may get offered a job. This from a friend of mine.. so please verify with other sources. I do agree that you MUST get clinical experience in the Philippines if you can.. I also know that in some areas, nurses have to "volunteer" (yep, not get paid) just so that they get the experience they need in order to work overseas. Crazy.

Here's a great advise, make sure you have at least 3-4 references. If you've been in nursing for a few years, make sure your references are from nurses you've reported to... IE: charge nurse, etc.. In our industry nowadays, there's a lot of moving around (maybe based on my travel nursing experience) I make sure that I get at least 1 reference from each of my assignmet. Include name, title and 2 contact numbers. This should help especially if you don't want potential employers to contact current employers. Hope this helps.

A good agency should require at least 2 years of experience... if not more. The best advise is to get the hospital base experience, no matter what.

In my experience it is a bit more challenging for a new grad to work in PICU based on the higher acuity of the unit. I definitely would do some research on hospitals in your area. I personally think we need more PICU and NICU.. heck pediatric nurses out here. So kuddos to you!

Hi, I'm new to the site too.. Tough situation to be in, but I am sure something can work out. I definitely would contact your local hospitals first. My suggestion is to go for a smaller general hospitals rather than a large facility.. A community hospital is ideal so that the pace will be a bit slower and the orientation will be more thorough. Although it may be tempting to go through a nursing agency, (they will quote higher pay, flexible schedules, etc).. the expectation of a per diem RN or a travel RN is quite high and hospitals will expect you to hit the ground running as a per diem or travel RN. Also, doctors' offices may be a good route to take as well... check out your own doctors or peditrician's office... beware however, it is harder to land a hospital job if your most recent experience is not hospital base.. I hope this helps.