Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

RE: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

therainyj — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:21:51 GMT

I'm sorry. I didn't want you to be stuck with the misery I've been through.

Locuming in the UK is probably the best way to juggle nursing with frequent travel.

I hope things work out for you. Please send me a private message if you want to talk more x

RE: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

Bonnie Balke — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 14:40:36 GMT

Thanks for reply.

This seems such a shame! I have a job in uk so maybe i will just have to commute :(

RE: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

therainyj — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 14:29:58 GMT

Hi Bonnie,

I don't want to deter you but I'm being realistic - you will not be able to work as a veterinary nurse here. I never managed to find a position in practice, I have been here for 2 years now and am unemployed. I have just been offered a job in a different country and move in a few weeks.

There are no nursing agencies for English speakers. There is a lot of competition for English speaking jobs, including call centers and waitressing.

Honestly, if you're sure you want to move, be prepared to give up your career. And unless your partner can support you, I definitely wouldn't recommend moving here until you have some kind of job lined up.

Good luck x

RE: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

Bonnie Balke — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 14:20:57 GMT

how is your job hunt in the netherlands going?

my bf is also dutch and i am planning to move over asap.

Do you have any recruitment agencies i could use?

Many thanks

bonnie

Re: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

therainyj — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:47:39 GMT

Yeah I'm in the process of going through the Rosetta Stone Dutch course on my laptop...Dutch is even harder to pronounce than German!!

Zoe you're right - they knew I couldn't speak the language and it's a real shame I went through the entire interview process and trial day just to fail because of the original problem. At least I was told it's not because of poor nursing skills!

Considering taking a couple of months off to do an intensive course here in the Netherlands to help my cause. My job is easier to relocate than my partner's job so looks like ultimately I'll be moving here for good...as soon as I learn the language, which could take some time!

Hope you all had a great New Year

Re: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

Zoe Davies RVN — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 11:38:17 GMT

a real shame for you esp as am sure they knew you didn't speak the language.

you going to learn it?

Re: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

therainyj — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 08:25:23 GMT

Hi guys,

Big thanks for the help and advice posted here, really cheered me up when I was nervous!!

Unfortunately, although shortlisted to the top 4, I was not offered the position because I do not speak the language. They said they would reconsider in 6 months if I manage to learn Dutch to a conversational level.

For anyone interested - their standards there were very high and I was blown away by their pain relief protocol (including ketamine CRIs for all ops!).

Here's hoping Rosetta Stone can help for now... curse my boyfriend for being Dutch :P

Hope you all had a great Christmas, and all the best for the new year :)

Re: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

Lee484 — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:08:24 GMT

I saw the post title and crossed my fingers!! Yay interview:) So proud of you!!

Well, you know my opinion on orthopaedics ;) but here's what I've seen in my (limited) experience from doing the rounds, and as you know, it'll be different everywhere and I'm sure someone will be able to give you more detailed help, but...

Premed - Calmivet and methadone with Vetofol to induce (although I prefer Alfaxan).

IV Ab's - either Augmentin or Zinacef, I make to 100mg/ml, I've found that different vets use different doses though. My current vet also gives Metacam and synulox, and top ups of Methadone as needed.

Just my two cents, sorry its so basic but hopefully it helps a little.

:D xx

Re: Orthopaedic nursing...in the Netherlands!

Steph Smith BSc(hons) RVN — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:25:17 GMT

Hiya,

First off, congrats on getting your interview!

And secondly, I don't know anything about orthopaedic referral nursing - BUT I do know something about the Netherlands so I thought I'd share :)

My sister is dutch by birth and grew up in Den Helder before moving to Amsterdam about 10 years ago. She is a human nurse, with pet owner experience. We always have "nursing chat", comparing human nursing to vet nursing, and comparing what veterinary treatments/advice she has received and how it compares to general vet practice here etc.

As a working environment, the Netherlands is a very welcoming place to those from overseas and most people speak or at least have a basic understanding of English. However, when it comes to medical terminology, I wrongly assumed our latin-derived terms were used across Europe. So you may have a bit of a further block in the language barrier at first. Most dutch-speaking people are so keen to practice their English however that I am sure most staff will oblige you in helping in this area purely for their own pratice! Clients may be more of a problem, with the older generation and rural practices in particular, who generally speak less English.

Now I don't know about orthopaedic care in particular, but Veterinary practice in general over there is going along the same lines in the UK as in it's trying to step up, CPD is important, new theories are important, and holistic individualised care incorporating behavioural medicine are important. The veterinary university at Utrecht is a very good university with an internationally recognised reputation.

Anyways, what I wanted to say was good luck with your interview, and I am sure the staff there will be very pleased to help you refresh your skills and help you to build your Dutch vocabulary.

Doei doei,

Steph