e.j_rn_to_be

1.What country are you from? Somewhere in South America... 2.How long have you been in the U.S.? 10 yrs 3.Did you face any additional challenges in obtaining your license? Nope, went to a Nursing program within the USA. Also, I had my documentation up-to-date, so no hassle there. I felt that going back to school and starting from the basics (eg: basic math, basic English and writing, etc) vs waiting for my transcripts to be approved/translated would be the best option to me (I did not have a Nursing major prior to moving to America, so this was my personal choice)... I also worked as an aide at a hospital for years, prior and during Nursing school... that experience not only helped me w/ the practical skills but also with the medical terminology, as well as to understand how the hospital setting works. 4.Have you faced any challenges gaining employment due to your cultural differences and what? Not at my current job. I applied and got hired once at a Long Term Care Facility and a particular charge RN at the LTC place made a couple of hurtful comments to me regarding my foreign status after I was hired and working... so, as life goes, it wasn't meant to be for me at that facility. Since then, I worked at two different facilities, where I was welcomed and received many kudos regarding my work ethic, team working skills and pt care satisfaction. 5.Have you faced any challenges working with coworkers do to your cultural differences and what? See previous. I do believe that I face more challenges for being a New Grad Nurse over my cultural differences. 6.Have you faced any challenges caring for patients due to your cultural differences and what? No (at least not yet). 7.How has your cultural differences helped you as a nurse with employment or patient care? I often hear from managers or interviewers how impressed they are regarding my skills, achievements and work experience . I consider myself an extrovert, and I often ask questions to other nurses or others within the team when I cannot find the answers myself. I am working on building my confidence (especially when calling the docs)... Overall, I am just thankful and happy to be where I am. I love being a Nurse, I am also fortunate to have a great support system at home and at my current job. I do have good days and bad days at work... learning is an ongoing process.

Oregon. Beautiful scenery and outdoors/hiking fun (although it rains a lot), affordable housing (even in Portland, Salem or Eugene areas), and, most times you actually might be able to DRIVE to work. Currently, I am paying $1400 for a 4 acre +gorgeous home w/ river access ... but, good luck if you are a New Grad... there are a few positions for New Grads in Oregon currently... Pay rate: $27-30+ bucks/hr for a New Grad nurse, depending on the geographic area, specialty and corporation.

.... love, love, love your article Ruby Vee! I started on nocs 5-6 weeks ago, and I remember coming over to All Nurses website for some insight and run into your article. Oh, so true about night shifts and such a positive outlook on it! Thank you! I applied many of your insight as well as the other noc shift workers insights as well; staying hydrated, exercising and eating real meals have been helping me understand my body and its circadian rhythm patterns. Hugs!

... I started on nocs (1900-0700) about 5-6 weeks ago... still adjusting to it.... So, I have been on a low carb/low fat diet for 3 months now; really watching my sugar and carb intake. I used to have zero energy when I was in school and realized that it was all due to the excess intake of sugar, sodas, bread and such plus ZERO exercise. My coping w/ nocs is supported by: 64 oz minimum of H2O/day, carb watching/control, vitamins (especially calcium and Vit D), zumba and light cardio workouts before work (min of 45 minutes). When I come home after work, I will take a hot shower and eat some breakfast (scrambled eggs, a hot cereal, shake or fruit). Now, this is what works for me (the workout before work thing)... some of my RN peers do workout after work: some will swim, do yoga, pilates, spinning... I am usually "pooped" after a 12 hr noc shift. Best wishes, EJ.