katie.f.lowe

As long as you know what you don't know and ask questions, you will be okay. Along the way you will find people besides your preceptor to ask for help/advice about a situation. Also, really listen to your preceptor, and have no chip on your shoulder...peoples lives are at stake for real! What I mean is, you can't be too sensitive when you receive criticism; it should all be done for the sake of the pt and sometimes instructions can come out harsh and bossy; that's just what CCU nurses are like, they say what has to be said.

Hello Katie here again. I am discovering that this process is very expensive. Domain have to get my credentials qualified with ANMAC? Or can I get everything together myself and send it to the AHPRA? ANMAC wants $825 to check my credentials. I am feeling so discouraged with all the costs! A visa is $3520! Thanks for any advice

Like anything; it is what you make it. The beauty of being a nurse is that you can change if you become bored or frustrated or just need a change. The thing for me about nursing that I really struggle with is the moral and ethical issues. Mainly resuscitating patients who clinically/ethically/morally should be allowed to die in peace and comfort. In Canada people think it's their right to live whatever indulgent life they choose and then patronize our "free" healthcare...because they believe they've paid into it and are entitled to it. Anyway these are things I have no control over but they still upset me. Nursing has great moments; you are privileged to be part of someone's life when they are at their worst or their best, when a loved one is dying or being born or when they have to make the decision to let someone go. It can be very meaningful and profound. I have worked in many different areas and have ended up in critical care. It is the most ideal way to practice if you want to work in a hospital. Every other unit the nurses are worked to death. Too many patients, not enough hours in the day to do the job properly. Despite the moral and ethical issues I face every day at least I only have a maximum of 2 patients to face them with. Plus the skills and knowledge I have gained through working in critical care will allow me to be in demand and be employed anywhere. I think if you have a decision in the matter and you know yourself you could make the decision to be a nurse. What I mean by that is that I was pushed into nursing by my dad. I was never told to dream and aspire and reach for the stars, I was always told the most important thing to a career choice is employability...and nursing is definitely that. If I could go back I would have nurtured my creative side and maybe gone to university or done something different. I am not encouraging my own child to be a nurse because I know her and I believe she is destined for something creative, that being said if she chooses nursing I would support her. Good luck with your choice. And I think another poster wrote that this is a forum for nurses so you will see a lot of venting here because we do understand each other.

That's awesome! Thanks so much for replying! It's very encouraging. That's great advice too; to take the ILETS test. Apparently, since i have been English speaking all my life, i may not have to take the ILETS. But maybe it is just easier that way?

Hello Everyone I am a Canadian RN. I graduated in 2000 from a 3 year diploma Nursing program. I have a critical care certificate and have been working in critical care since 2004; full time. From what I can gather so far I do need to take the ILETS test. Then I get all my transcripts from my nursing school and my critical care certificate. Then I can apply for an Australian license. In Canada, a Bachelor Degree in Nursing is required for entry into practice; but it is not required for nurses who are already registered with the college of nurses to get a degree to continue to practice. Is it the same is Australia? Will my education be accepted the same as it is in Canada? I think becuase I am working in the capacity of a Registered Nurse and have been since 2000 that it will be good enough. I want to live in Melbourne. Do I apply to a specific state board? Should I apply for a job and hope to get sponsered? What about a nursing agency? Are critical care nurses in demand? Like I said I have 9 years experience. I am an expert critical care nurse. ANy help or advice would be very appreciated. There are so many items to consider and I want to make sure I am doing it right. BTW I am 38 years old and have a 13 yr old child who I have sole custody of and who will be coming with me. Kind Regards from Canada:) Katie