Education - General Points

Starting a new life as a US nurse is an exciting prospect. In a perfect world your children should share in the dream that you have for your new life together in the USA. Remember however that your children will have firm friendships and support structures at their current school and the prospect of leaving these behind will be a daunting prospect. They may become reluctant to even contemplate idea of moving.

A positive approach can work wonders. Right at the beginning they should be closely involved in the decision and the practical steps that have to be taken towards their parents new career as a US Nurse. Naturally, younger children will find it easier to buy-in to the new idea than a teenager where the peer group is more tangible and the relationships more deep rooted.

Fortunately, in the USA the school system is very proactive in the involvement of parents. When compared with UK schools they appear to communicate better with the local community. The internet is an important tool and often there are pupils forums which your children could even access from the UK before your US nurse career has even begun.

Good planning is the key to success with the US education system and you should start researching the scholastic opportunities as much as a year before departure. The better schools will have places taken quite early and may have a waiting list. Contacting the head teacher of the school early in the process is advisable. If possible, time your US nurse career move so that it coincides with the new term. It is always easier for a child to join a school at the beginning of a term, or preferably a new academic year, than it is to join it mid term. Note that school semesters are different than in the UK

Your nursing background will make you naturally inquisitive about the curriculum your child will follow. If possible, request reports from each of the departments of your child's current UK school. This will allow the US school to adapt the curriculum to suite your childs' needs. This can be especially important in the first ‘transitionary’ term. Make sure that you keep copies of these as they may be useful in the future. Who knows, you may move on to a new US nurse job in a different city.

Try to arrive at your new town during a holiday period. This will allow you to visit the school and hopefully a member of staff will be able to show you and your child around the school. Learn about the schools extra-curricular activities - these will sometimes help your child settle in and make friend more quickly.

Above all, keep a positive dialogue going with your child and be alert to any concerns that are voiced. Most children adapt and need to do so at their own pace. Be careful in your choice of school and make sure that they can maximize their academic prospects.