RNSunny

Hello everyone I will be starting work as a band 5 RN in a dementia ward in the UK. I have had home care work experience but not in an acute care (dementia rehab) setting, and so moving into a hospital setting would be quite daunting for me in terms of 'working within the ward system' sort of thing. I am wondering if anyone could please provide guidance or helpful ideas about your day in similar ward including AM, PM and/or night; who to speak to when there is a problem with the patient; what is expected from a band 5 staff nurse; and everything you would like a new nurse in the ward need to know. Cheers, RnSunny

Hello, I suspect that you are now in the UK doing the ONP..maybe focus on your ONP programme first-hand as you cannot work as an RN without the license to practice as a qualified nurse in the country. One ONP student I knew went out there and found a temporary job in one of the hospitals in London while completing her ONP until she qualified as a nurse in the UK (NMC registered). Have you applied through an agency recruitment? Maybe asked them if they could assist you in finding a temporary work, but that depends on the type of UK visa issued to you or whether you need a work permit is another thing. Would be nice to let us know how you are progressing. Cheers!

IELTs seem to be very easy for the native English speakers. However, from personal experience, I've met few examinees who were native English speaking and not passed the IELTS first and second time while there were non-english speaking who get a high mark at the first seating. In the writing section, it was more of writing organisations, methinks, rather than whether one was from an English speaking background or not. I'd say that for native English speakers, a score of 8 in writing is very good enough with first seating, and, I would say that a score of 8 and below in speaking would be something like "ugggh"!

Hi all, I have just completed the ONP and sent a form to the NMC a few days ago. Anyone out there with experiences in regards to waiting time for registration fee form and the actual release of PIN? I am planning to travel and want to plan well coz I dont want to miss that final? letter from the NMC. Cheers, Sunny

Hi, Just like other suggestions in this site relating to IELTS or other requirements, you need to contact the Nursing Board of that particular jurisdiction to have your querries answered and get the proper information. Good day

Hi, can't you go to that university where you did your degree and get someone in authority to sign off the documents, so that you don't have to wait a long time? Anyway, from what i know, the NMC will send you a letter to say that there are forms pending that need follow up by the applicant. As you may be aware of, the NMC gives 6 months time to complete the requirements and if you think you are near that 6 months and the requirements are not completed as expected, then probably you could write to the NMC and request for an extension. From what I understand, they give just ONE extension to complete the applications. Cross fingers for whatever you do. Sunny

From experience, the NMC will accept every application by merits. What I mean is that, application requirements may vary in different countries and states. For example, in Canada, requirements for nursing registration in BC can differ from those required by nursing Colleges (or registration bodies) in other jurisdictions such as Quebec, Ontario or Newfoundland. If in doubt, however, you could ask the NMC. Let us know through this forum how you are getting on with your application. :redbeathe be persevering!

I suppose you mean, the second application pack. I suppose you could send the other documents to NMC while the other forms will be sent to them by the University where you had your degree, the registering body in your home country and the employers where you actually worked as a RN. Hope this helps.

Hello all, Hmm...just wondering if that was a made up conversation? It is sort of strange that a medical student would say like that in an obvious manner, unless you both were throwing jokes at each other. I remember the times, when I was on clinicals as a student nurse, that the medstudents seem to have found new friends in Nurses. I see them asking questions if they have done the things right. There was no time to exchange hard feelings between nurse and students. Anyway, if that conversation really occured to you, then I would say it is not the kind of attitude that was expected of the med student, even if s/he had a completely bad day in the office. However, if that kind of thing ever happened to me, I would certainly report him to his supervisor.

Hi Silverdragon102 and KatieP86, Many thanks... yes, I have asked some nursing agencies and one hospital. I also emailed some organisation in the area where I live that says 'looking for volunteers'. No response yet at this time. Hope to hear from anyone very soon.

Hello everyone Currently I am in the UK. I have asked for a registration package from NMC and awaiting for response. Well, at the moment I couldn't do anything but wait, but I am not the type who likes to be on my bum. I dont mind volunteering within a healthcare setting to keep me sane and active :) if anyone will take me on board. What could you suggest? Good to hear from everyone.

Hi to all IENs Could I please ask, do you really need to get a job offer before travelling to Canada? I just dont get the idea of travelling only for the CRNE exam. I have read many threads about the CRNE but not many people mention about having a job offer. It would be much helpful for other IENs if we could hear from those who already had 'been there, done that' kind of experience. We would be very happy to hear from you fellas. Cheers

Good to be back to the site again after few days. You are right Listry and I noticed that in aged care, resistance to change is incredible...and yes, i could see what you mean coz it is actually observed. Sometimes, it is sad to think that staff attitude towards positive changes is near to nil. Thank you for sharing your opinions. Anyway, i am surviving the first year of nursing the elderly. I am into a new mission this year and being here now has helped me a lot with nursing profession. Cheers everyone and all the best.

Thank you fellas for sharing your opinions and experiences. I noticed that some caregivers who have been in the organisation for 10 Yrs++ are the ones showing such 'nasty' attitudes to others, and 3 new caregivers for the last few months that i was there had resigned because of these 'nastiness'. But yes, i have learned not to let these kind of people play their cards on me...true enough from what others always say, to "watch your back". I began doing that and being assertive at every opportunity. cheers all!

Thank you Grace for a prompt response. I really felt bad but I took the comments from my boss positively. And yes i agree, as a first year RN I have loads of things or 'issues' that i need to understand and look at it positively to reassess and evaluate my communication skills improve myself. I felt disappointed that other RNs in my workplace would manipulate others for their own interest. We have a policy for staff complaint but looked like anything goes to the manager straight away. I came from Australia to NZ and I worked as an AIN in a reputable aged care facility and for the 3 years that I have been there, any issues were resolved fairly by staff themselves first before asking someone of a better position to mediate. I agree with you.. never to get involved or listen to unhealthy conversation. My husband comforts me saying that I am still in the storming side of management...it will take time before I moved on to the next. I felt good that someone is there. Thanks to allnurses.com.