primrose201

yeah, I am aware of that thanks.

Thanks a lot for the help! I didn't find these links before..how did I miss that?

Hi, I live in the south, PACA region. I have since got 3 interviews by applying directly to the hospitals, so hope this will turn out well.

Yes, my French is I would say a high standrd and I am an EU member (UK). I have 6 years nursing experience and have worked in another EU country with no problem, but that was before the crisis started...I have understood that probably what you say is the case, but will keep trying.

Hi there again, Anybody know any tips on job hunting here in France? I have tried the following: Pole emploi Agencies Direct contact with hospitals/clinics Is there something I am missing? Made many applications but had only a handful of interviews, unsuccessful. Also, anybody know of interview techniques that the French admire? Is there something specific that they look for in France (apart from the obvious language skills)? Anything they don't like? Just want some feedback to see how I can improve my chances... Thanks

Hello pyocianik, Looks like I was misinformed by the agencies I signed up with, since I got that info from them...anyway, I am not looking to work in theatres so it doesn't matter for me personally. It was just a warning to others, but thanks for clearing that one up. I will keep trying. I don't live in Paris, and there are no English speaking clinics in my area, but hopefully I will find something soon. The retirement homes are surprisingly high standard here, and pay well too. This is not what I was expecting to do but it seems to be the only thing available. Do you happen to know of any good ways to find work in hospitals/clinics. I tried a few times to apply directly to them, but nothing came of that. Perhaps I am not doing something correctly. I usually go through pole-emploi where I believe most jobs are posted. Also joined many agencies. Anyway, if you have any useful advice it would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi everybody This is longwinded, but please take the time to read. I want to pass on my experiences to help anybody wishing to work as a nurse in France. Have read a forum thread about working as a nurse in France and just wanted to update and inform anybody thinking about moving to France to work in this profession. This is purely meant to help people think carefully before making a big decision to come here, as in my experience, things are not so easy...hopefully this will change though! 1) Getting your qualification recognised: It's true that you need to go to the ARS (Agence Regionale de Santé) in your area to get the ball rolling for getting the equivalent of your qualification. Go to the website and download the application form for salaried (salarié) worker, even if you are not employed yet. This process is quite easy (for EU members, don't know about others) although takes some time. All certificates not in French need to be translated, and make sure that the translation dates no more than 3 months...can't understand why as the qualification does not change, but this is one idiosyncracy about the system in France. 2) You MUST speak French to a very good standard. To get issued the ADELI number (which qualifies you to work) you will go through an oral french exam. This wasn't too hard for me, but you must be able to communicate well. They told me I was ok but need to brush up on the medical terminology. Forget it if you don't know French, even if you don't plan to work in France, everyday life will be hard. The next step is to register with the Tableau de l'Ordre des Infirmiers and then you are ready. 3) Once all the paperwork is done, in my personal experience, finding work is harder than expected (for myself, anyway). I have years of experience, and have worked in a variety of areas. I do have one area of special experience, but that doesn't seem to count for much here. Also if you are a Theatre nurse, be aware that here you need a special qualification to work in this area (IBODE). This takes 9 months training to get. It holds no water if you have got theatres experience if you don't hold this qualification, but I believe that they are now thinking of changing this and accepting nurses with relevant experience without it..but not entirely sure. Also, having also been a patient, I noticed that all the nurses were French. I have applied to work in clinics and hospitals to no avail. Have been searching for work for about 4-5 months and made numerous applications (mainly to retirement homes) with only 2 interviews (unsuccessful). I am very surprised and it is the first time in my professional life that I have had difficulties finding a job. I always got the job before, even when I lived in a country where I did not know the language fluently...I learnt it well after some time at work. I am hoping that it is down to the slow pace at which things work here, and not because of other reasons. Will wait and see.... But if you are expecting (or needing) work fast here, don't. It is easier if you are single, you can work as an intérimaire (for agencies), since having children also makes it hard, when you employ a nanny you need a contract stating exact hours of work and days etc... Anyway, that is all. France is a beautiful country with much to offer, but sometimes things are complicated. Good luck. If anybody has any questions, fire away.