Settling In
One of the biggest concerns for most people when they move to a new country is whether or not they'll ever 'fit in'. The notion of being a ‘stranger in a strange land’ can be a daunting one. As you begin your US nursing career here are a few helpful hints that we hope will ease your step into the US way of life.
Locals talk like this
One of the biggest barriers when moving abroad is the worry of language barriers causing problems. As am international nurse your English will of course be quite fluent. Nonetheless it is always a good idea to consciously learn the local idioms and humour (although the latter may be a little difficult in the first instance) When you can communicate with the locals fluently it is one of he early significant steps that show that you are becmong a real part of the society. Many of us have a strong accent that even other English speakers may struggle with but before long you' will be unconsciously using local sayings as if you had been living there for years. Arriving at your US nursing job you may find yourself saying 'have a nice day' and calling women 'ma'am'.
Above all, as a US nurse you will find that society will have a deep respect for your chosen profession and will be extremely forgiving of any linguistic errors. The Americans are a welcoming people.
Counting Dollars
Newcomers to the US find themselves checking their money continually. Would you do tis with pounds, dhirams or Euros. Probably not, as you have grown up with these currencies. Locals naturally know the colour and shape of all the denominations of the US dollar. To really understand the ‘feel’ of the money, it really works to with money in your home. Get used to the feel, shape and colour of the individual denominations and you'll soon be shopping like a pro. People will think you've been in the country for years. The same technique applies using the various types of credit and debit card that you can get in your new country. Get used to the banking there, understand the difference between a savings, credit, or checking account. This comes in handy as not knowing which account your card is for makes you look like a newcomer. If you want to know whether you've really acclimatised, you'll know the difference between cards and money without even having to think about it.
Learn your immediate surroundings
Quite early in your US nursing career it s advisable to gently tour your local area. It will build your confidence when you instantly know where things are when people speak to you. Learning the colloquial names for places is also very important as other locals will appreciate that you're adapting to their way of life. Not only does it help to show you're settled, but when you're off travelling your local area, you may discover some places you never knew existing, opening up your social life even further. When the day arrives that you don't have to travel around with a map at the ready or your sat nav switched on, you'll know you're becoming more settled in your new home and that it's on it's way to actually feeling like a 'home' rather than just a new environment.
How do your new colleagues/neighbours think
Once you're mixing with the locals and understanding their customs and ways of life, you're definitely closer to being a local. Americans are friendly so try and accept social invitations. Even though the US hospital will bring you into contact with many other US nurses, this will get you ‘away from work’ and will serve as a great way of making friends.
