RN from Germany

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

Hey everybody.

My name is Denise. I moved to Colorado Springs last December with my hubby who is in the Air Force. I was working in Germany as a nurse since 2005. After I got here I took the NCLEX and now I am a licensed RN here in Colorado. I put out a ton of online applications with the two local hospitals here and some in Denver. 95% of them came back telling me I don't meet the requierements or I don't have enough experience. I was working in the ER the last 3 years in Germany, took a BLS class on my expence after I got here cause I saw most of the applications have this as a requierement. I'm a little demotivated and don't really know what further to do. I want nothing more than to work.

Any sugestions?

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I can only say employers are biased because your experience was not in the US. I imagine a broken leg looks the same no matter what language it gets broken in. Anyway, I would try to make some personal contacts. Have your hubby ask around for other AF wives who might be nurses. Have you done this? I'm in the ANG but don't know anyone in Colorado Springs, all my contacts are in Wyoming. I'll try to remember to ask around next drill if anyone knows nurses in your area.

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That is so nice of you, thank you. Well during my study time I could not find any significant differences anatomy wise when it comes to Americans in comparison to us Germans but who knows, maybe I missed something ;)

My hubbs is already asking around and telling everybody if they know somebody who knows somebody....

It's gonna be ok. I probably just need a little more patience. I don't really care in what departement the job would be, the only place I try to stay away from are senior living facilities.

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Unfortunately, this is a really bad time to be looking for employment, in nursing or any other occupation. Lots of experienced RNs are having trouble finding jobs these days. With the economy the way it is, employers are cutting costs and "tightening their belts," and nurses are even getting laid off in some places. Sorry I don't have anything more cheerful and encouraging to offer :), but at least (I doubt that) it's anything personal about you or your background.

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Specializes in A variety.

It took me a TON of applications to finally get an interview, I was so frustrated too. I started off with Maxim staffing agency to just work for a bit and then finally started getting some interviews with local hospitals, eventually getting a job. Keep trying, it's definitely not easy, but be persistent.

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I was thinking to check out staffing agencys. I was just concerned cause I'm coming from a different hospital system in germany so I don't know if I'm really the right one to just put somewhere. Does anybody know if they give you some kind of orientation with those staffing agencys?

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Specializes in A variety.

I usually received a day at each location. It wasn't bad, and I usually went to the same facilities frequently so then I felt more comfortable the more I was there. Personally I prefer to be at one place, but it gave me a job for awhile and it may have helped my resume. My husband is military too, I hate the application process and having to do it so frequently :(

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no kidding. And I don't really like those online applications. In Germany you can send your actual papers or even drop them off personally. It is more of a personal thing than here.

But I guess I will be looking into staffing agencies and seeif that is the solution.

Thanks

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I was thinking to check out staffing agencys. I was just concerned cause I'm coming from a different hospital system in germany so I don't know if I'm really the right one to just put somewhere. Does anybody know if they give you some kind of orientation with those staffing agencys?

Staffing agencies typically provide minimal orientation in general, and "agency" nurses get minimal orientation in any particular facility. Employers/facilities are paying big bucks to the agencies, and they are expecting to get a seasoned "pro" who is ready to "hit the ground running" and do the job with little or no supervision/assistance.

If you are concerned about the transition from German-style nursing to American-style nursing, one possibility is to take an RN "refresher course." These are intended for licensed nurses who have been out of nursing for an extended interval or need to "brush up" their skills and knowledge for some other reason. That would help you get some orientation and experience to American-style nursing and hospitals. If you want to look into that, you could check with the BON -- they should have a list of approved refresher courses.

Having recently completed a refresher course might also help you with finding employment (reassuring potential employers that you have some familiarity with US healthcare environments and practices).

Best wishes!!

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Elkpark has it right, I don't think agency is a good bet for you. I once got 4 hours of orientation on a busy floor. When hospitals call an agency they want an RN that can do the job without any hand holding. If you want to stay in ER I would work on getting your Certified Emergency Nurse from ENA. That would make you stand out.

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