after reading this forum, it encouraged me to sign up on here. i find it very interesting as i am also on the same page as most of you are.
first let me tell you my story.
im a Philippines and US-RN. now living in Switzerland (luzern).i submitted my documents to RC last Feb,2014 after 4months i received a letter from them and their decision was that i only need B2 level of German to work as a nurse. right now, im still on my way to learning german. currently im starting level B2. but personally, i feel my german is still on A2level, nevertheless i go to school to improve it. i didnt have any struggles with RC in regards to my credential check,i just had to make sure that i submitted everything they need (except the language certificate) and wait patiently. however, reading this forum made me think about the "compensation measures"; from the letter i receive from RC it didnt mention such thing, just B2 language required. now my question is, if i passed the B2 language and submit it to RC will they give me another decision or that's it?
and also, im trying to look for nursing programs/ refreshment course here in Luzern or near Luzern so i can refresh my nursing skills,if there is such program here.
I am also looking for any advice! I note that some of the information is 7 years old so I was wondering if someone could update me. Firstly I'm a UK nurse, I'm currently working in Australia (although not for very long) and my boyfriend is French but lives in Geneva.
Now I understand that I need to get my qualifications checked by Red Cross and before they can grant me registration I have to speak French to a certain level (again understandable).
However, on our return to Switzerland I intend on taking an intensive course as I am attempting to learn French here but without being able to practice it's very difficult (me and my boyfriend are not currently in the same part of Oz so I can't practice properly). My main question is can I do any form of nursing - be it a nursing assistant, working in a private hospital/clinic which caters for English speaking clients while I study?
I doubt it because I doubt there are any private hospitals/clinics that cater only to English speakers. The best thing is to get your language skills up to scratch first and then look for a job. Another possibility would be to work as a nanny here while you’re still learning, that would give you an income which you’d need to stay here long term.
Be aware that the Swiss don’t really see bf/gf relationships in the same way as in other parts of the world. You won’t be assessed as a couple, but as two separate people who must be able to support themselves while they live here. So they’re going to assess you on your savings/income without input from your bf’s financial situation. Only if he applies for a concubine permit for you (assuming Geneva has this permit, not all cantons do) - where he would be financially responsible for you for 5 years - could you be recognised as a couple - unless you’re married or engaged and soon to be married.
Hi CastAway, right now im done with my Anerkennung, and finishing up B2 course and hopefully take the B2 exam early next year. i am applying to some hospitals right now but dont have any luck yet. and you?
anyone here who is a US- License Nurse? what was the final decision of Red cross about your bachelor degree? Im asking these because I am also a US-license Nurse at the same time Registered Nurse in the Philippines (im originally from the Philippines) and the final decision i got was Höhere Fachschulen (HF) which is not really equivalent to a bachelor degree here. From what i have researched, the equivalent of a bachelor degree is Fachhochschulen (FH). I would like to change the decision from HF to FH, do you think its possible? can anyone enlighten me between the difference of these two?
to be honest thats a silly question, Why study and learn in Switzerland n English when you will have to speak in that target language when working. Its better to start re-wiring your brain into one of the target languages and then go from there.
My understanding is that there no LEGAL requirement or obligation to be registered nurse in Switzerland. So in theory/practice you can work as a nurse Pflegefachperson without registering with the Red Cross. This is true in Hospital / Spitex etc.
Forgot to add .....
The problem is that if you have no recognition / speak no German ... then that’s likely to mean lower salary or ... an excuse to be employed as a Nurse Assistant. Also remember that however hard you try to learn German, Swiss German is a different kettle of fish. So its one of those situations .... where there is a will, there is a way.
Hi to all. I am a registered nurse from Quebec interested to work in Lausanne. I will be applying soon through recruiting agency but before I do so I would like to understand certain things. I sorted out issue with credentials recognition, cost of living and few other essential details. I am still quiet curious about salary-experience ratio. Let's say in Canada I am at the top echelon with 12 years of experience - will it affect prospective pay in Switzerland or I will have to start all over again from the bottom? Also, is higher education level usually recognised there? Should nurse complete master's degree will it affect remuneration? I do understand that most possible response will be - you need to talk and discuss with employer but I was thinking maybe there is someone "real life" information. Thank you in advance
hi Cast Away.. Im a filipina nurse, im married to a french and living now in france. Can you please give me more informations how to get recognition the diploma? I dont have my B2 french certificate but i fairly know french. Should i get my french B2 before submitting the requirements to RC or can i start with RC then submit B2 after? Can you please help me know the requirements needed to submit?.
Hi! Iam a registered filipina nurse in the Philippines and im currently here in switzerland. I would like to know what are the needed steps i need to make to be able to get a nursing job or even caregiver job here in switzerland. Im now taking my german lessons and planning to take my b2 exam hopefully. Thanks!
Check with the Swiss Red Cross, not sure if qualifications in English are accepted. I would think so, but not entirely certain.
You are:
Health and social care assistant, Paramedic, Podiatry assistant, Community health assistant, Nutritionist, Operating room technician, Occupational therapist, Dental hygienist, Nurse, Medical masseur, Orthoptist, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist, Midwife, Ambulance technician, Biomedical analyst, Radiologic technologist.
Contact :
Swiss Red Cross (SRC)
Contact point for recognition of foreign qualifications
Postfach
CH-3084 Wabern
T +41 0900 733 276 (Mo-Fr, 08.00 am - 12.00 am) Swiss Red Cross
I am new here and from Canada... I am wondering if anyone from North America or other non-EU places has had luck with their degrees being recognized. I figured with a BScN I would have no problem but read earlier in this thread someone from the US had to pay 6000CHF for a course to have their diploma recognized Any other Canadian nurses out there who HAVE NOT had this happen??? Seems a bit outrageous to me.
Secondly... I am wondering what the job market is like for nurses without a lot of experience. I have 2 years of hospital experience from my education but only a couple months as a Registered Nurse.
Hi, as long as I know nurses from Quebec get recruited via agency without issues and their BSN is being recognized as it is. Do you have Canadian BSN-BN?
That is exciting to hear! Yes I have a Canadian BScN; I was able to do it in 2 years as I already had an HBSc (honours bachelor of science) from another Canadian university. That is why I am a bit worried! Hopefully if I submit documents from both schools it goes okay.
If you looking into moving to French part there is agency that recruits nurses for CHUV, they might be a good source of information eurocareconsulting.com. good luck!
I hope that your degree will be ok because they most probably will check if program covered essential nursing cources, including enough hours in mental health, and , maybe, geriatric care. I think it's reassuring that both degrees are Canadian because curriculums here more or less similarly taylored.