UK nurse waiting for 10 years for USA

Nurses General Nursing

Published

HI,

Nurse here from the UK been a member since 2001. I am back! looking for someone on similar situations as mine. Passed NCLEX 2008, IELTS and applied for visa screen, however, retrogression happened then. So, I was stuck here in the UK, hoping one-day opportunities will happen again. Luckily, late last year, USA open their doors for nurses. A friend of my recommended me to OGP and signed a contract with them, took ielts once again and passed. So, my long lost dream has been lifted. I am again anxious and obviously asking myself "Am I doing the right decision here?" "Will life better in America?". Looking for answers and someone to motivate and enlighten please. Thank you.

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There are way too many variables in life to take a guess at that question. You could get murdered your first week here or find true love and the job of your wildest dreams. It will be an adventure, so I guess the important question to ask yourself is do you love adventure?

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Specializes in ICU.

This is a big question, but it's also one that is not easy to answer. Will life be better? Possibly. Will it be different? Absolutely. A large part of this answer lies in what type of place you come from and where in the US you will be going. The US is very large and diverse, which in a way is a good thing because it will allow you to find an area that fits in with the things you value and enjoy. The nursing aspect of things will be both similar and very different at the same time. Our healthcare system is very complex and is really lacking in some areas, but I wouldn't let that dissuade you. I think it would be a good adventure honestly.

Perhaps if you offer more details about where you're from and where you're going we'll be able to help more.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Where are you coming to? What area are you looking to work in? What age group are you in? What are you looking for in the USA that lacks in England?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Where are you coming to? What area are you looking to work in? What age group are you in? What are you looking for in the USA that lacks in England?

This really encapsulates everything...as a nurse in the US, I've never even contemplated practicing nursing in another country. So...?

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HI, you are right! but I hope all is well. I love adventure, but of course, there are things you can't help but think about too. Thanks for the comment.

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Thanks for the input. I appreciate that! originally from the Philippines. Priority dates will be based on the country I had my nursing degree from, so it is going to be a long wait again. I hope not this time. I don't know yet which states I am going to but hopefully, a place that I would like and enjoy. I know for sure nursing where ever you go is tiring but fulfilling. There would be differences obviously, coming from free healthcare country would be a shock for to say the least pay medical insurance.

I kept on thinking if I don't try I might regret it not going for it?

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I don't know yet. OGP will find employer just yet till I got my priority dates??? Well, age group 40-45 years old. This American Dream!( i suppose some would like to say) always in my mind since I joined nursing way back school. UK is a beautiful country, lots of places to see and do. However, the main thing is the financial aspects and how NHS is ran by the country (which they are trying to ut down any expenses ). Economy is tight. Nurse salaries are frozen (Senior Band 5= gets only £28,450 per year?but expenses are getting more expensive. Hope that give you a bit of idea why nurses here thought of leaving nursing.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Thanks for the input. I appreciate that! originally from the Philippines. Priority dates will be based on the country I had my nursing degree from

PD is actually based on place of birth.

Hopefully you have obtained UK citizenship so if you don't like it going back to the UK is an option? Well worth trying but moving with an agency does make it harder on knowing where you will end up

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

Hello and welcome. I am from England too and came over with OGP 15 years ago. It's a long drawn out process but I'm living proof it works. Just be aware that OGP will only place you where they have a contract and so your first choice of state might not be available. Also, their going rate is very low, but eventually you'll be able to spread out on your own and get a higher wage. It's certainly an adventure here and I hope you find a place you enjoy being. I was 35 when I came here and I couldn't' imagine going through it all now at this older age. The USA is a huge culture shock and nothing like nursing in England. It's just something you'll have to experience and learn as you go. It's much more rigid and structured and you have little to no autonomy. Gone are the days when I could admit a patient to the ICU and start insulin, propofol and IVF without an order based on my own nursing judgment. On the whole I'm glad I came and I hope you will be too. Good luck!

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Everywhere I have worked here on the West Coast of the USA, at least half (or more) of the nurses were Filipino. You won't be lonely! Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Well, this is exciting and I hope you will keep us up on your progress, michaRN!

Welcome back to AN.com and I wish all the best for you!

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