I am a pharmacist but damn you are doing a beautiful job in telling your story. I have subscribed.
barbiee: I'm so grateful for this thread, it was long overdue but before I say anything if you are not abroad yet and want to know how you can immigrate as a nurse then follow the link above to the other thread where you can be guided in this process. With that being said, I will go ahead and share my little experience in diaspora. As some of you may already know I was on route to USA through the cgfns process but had to stop halfway due to situations beyond my control. During my time off I decided to look into the UK which turned out to be a good idea because few months after I started the process I landed here. I highly recommend this route if you are tired of waiting in Nigeria, you can go to the uk and work while you pursue your American, Canadian or Australian dream. The last time I checked there is a big difference between 10 pounds and 10 naira.
1. I had no issues with immigration, Nursing is on the shortage occupation list so it was easy. my visa was granted within 15 working days without having a visa interview. my employer paid for my visa and flights.
2. I landed in Manchester UK in April and what hit me first was not the fancy airport or buildings, nah it was the cold. My teeth were clattering and I was trying so hard not to appear shaky. it was supposed to be spring but it didnt feel like spring to me though. The cold was real but what was more real was the wind. Everyone kept saying I'm lucky i arrived this period because it was warm and I was like well maybe its warm to you but definitely not to me.
3,4. Working here is different from how we do it back home in Nigeria, we have to explain everything to the patient and get consent before carrying out any procedure. Handwashing nkor? I now carry hand lotion in my pocket because of it, another culture shock is addressing my boss with his or her name. No more sir or ma, they dont even like it when you say mr or mrs in front of their name, secondly I only noticed this when I got here, Nigerians say the word sorry a lot even when it's not necessary and up till today I'm still guilty of this. When someone gets hurt the first thing that comes out of my mouth is sorry and he/she will be like oh it's not your fault thirdly, there is no doctor yelling at you here because that is verbal abuse, everyone does what they are expected to do and not pass their job to someone else. Lastly, you are accountable for all your decisions and actions.
5. Work, make money, further education, travel etc
6. To all Aspiring Nurses, make hay while the sun shines, NMC uk has made the process of immigrating to uk easier and faster, do not waste your opportunities, stop wishing and start acting on those dreams. There is no better time to start this process than now. Ps. I'm still going to pursue my usa registration but until that time comes, let me jejely enjoy my pounds. More stories and pictures coming soon.
