I posted this picture on Facebook, and a friend commented "you live in a fairy land". Looking out from our kitchen window, seeing my daughter scamper about in our generous-by-Norwegian-standards-yard with our neighbor's kids, enjoying our first dinner of the season outdoor under the apple tree, I'd have to agree. I responded, "I know. I see this and think, "I have to do everything in my power to make this work out here. How can I leave this???"
The answer to our appeal on my nursing and midwife license application came in the mail today, and it was not the answer to our prayers. Their final judgment--one we cannot appeal--is that I should enroll myself in nursing school, and try to get credit for some of the classes I took 15 years ago.
We are stunned. Dumbfounded. I was numb. Erik was devastated and perhaps the angriest I've ever seen him before. I was worried he might punch a hole in a wall that he had framed, sheet-rocked, mudded, primed and painted with his own two hands. And then we crumpled in the middle of our living room floor together, and wept.
Oh Emily :( I wish we could help in some way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jillian--we all feel our hands our tied! Nice to have support, though. . .
DeleteI'm so sorry!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was denied authorization I felt that somebody had arbitrarily taken away a part of who I was! I had worked as a nurse for many years and suddenly just because I had moved to Norway I was not a nurse anymore? It was disheartning.
So true. People keep saying "follow your dream" "do something different!" "work at Starbucks", but after working in the health care field for 17+ years, I don't know what else to do! I do welcome the break on some level, but there's that whole licensing ordeal back in the states too. Gotta stay current and active.
DeleteOh Emily,
ReplyDeleteI am just sick to hear this, I cannot fathom how on earth this decision is rational in any way. I don't want to trouble you by asking all sorts of questions, all of which I'm sure you've already thought of & asked. I am just very, very sorry for this setback for you. Norway does have a lot of nice things to offer, but this kind of setback is a big black eye. When we hear about stuff like this, it makes us question if we should really try for the experience of living/working there.
I am hoping for the best for you and that you can find a sense of peace as soon as possible.
All the best,
Suzy
Your questions are welcomed, Suzy, because they provoke thought and maybe touch on something I haven't already considered.
DeleteI think that before one moves here it is impossible to be aware of ALL of the bumps in the road. There will be bumps. It's just a matter of how big and how often and how many. But for some folks it's been relatively smooth sailing. But on the other hand, it is my impression that of every couple that has moved here from the States, be it a Norwegian/American couple, or an American/American couple, one half of the couple sacrifices much more, generally professionally. It may not be important or obvious immediately, but after time that seems to reveal itself. So, consider that. . .
:( ... and a big hug.
ReplyDeleteHug accepted!
DeleteI am so sorry... :-( Big hugs from me too... Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteThank you! As to the hanging in there, as I say to many "what choice do I have?!!" ;)
DeleteTears and hugs sent your way. I am so sorry life takes us on these turns.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet to hear from you Sarah. . . thanks for reading and your support!
Deleteso sorry to hear this...what a setback to your lifestyle and assimilation to living in norway. im going through similar things and i would not wish this upon anyone. keep your head held high and stay motivated... thinking about you right now!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan. I need to get back to your blog and read a bit--have you elaborated there, or keeping things quiet? It is so tough!
DeleteI am crying for you, myself. I'm so sorry to read this. Wish there were any small thing I could do to help :(
ReplyDeleteLittle notes of encouragement like this do wonders! Thanks El. Miss you much.
DeleteTerrible! I can tell you that at least in Oslo there is a lot demand for birth preparation courses, doulas and such in English. Perhaps you can find a business opportunity in this irrational decision.
ReplyDeleteMarissa, Thanks for this bit of information. I've heard this before, so it is something I've been considering more and more.
DeleteUggghhhh! What a totally irrational decision. How frustrating! It just doesn't make sense. It makes me want to cry too. :( I'm giving my laptop a big hug and sending it to you. Your local paper should do a follow up story about how ridiculous this is.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hug! I'm considering contacting the journalist again, but also thinking about an article in a bigger paper. But first, we'll pursue a few other avenues. Don't want to piss off the authorities any more before we get our way!
DeletePlease forgive me if this is a stupid suggestion, but I don't feel I could just click away without mentioning it: Is it possible that the nursing school will give you credit for the old classes?
ReplyDeleteI got a degree in the UK 20 years ago, and I'm fairly sure my local university would give me credit for my old maths classes etc if I wanted to register for a degree.
Just walk into the school with your papers, which you should have a lot of now, say "Fuck SAFH!" and ask the nursing school "How much of this can I get credit for?"
No apologies necessary, Jan. This is the route that we are pursuing now. Luckily we have a contact in a nursing school through Erik's boss, and someone who happens to live in our neighborhood. My worry now is finding the person who is most sympathetic to our case!
DeleteHow frustrating, sorry to read this! I really hope there will be a way for you to work things out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sympathy! Maybe I should just go follow that "work in a yarn store dream"!
DeleteI have an article from Aftenpost about an American trained nurse with an AA degree who was working as a nurse and being paid as a nurse because the nursing supervisor felt that she was well qualified for the job even though SAFH didn't.
ReplyDeleteIf you go into the local hospital and talk to a nursing supervisor you may be able to come to some temporary arrangement while you are sorting out your licensing issues. Norway is different from America in that if a nurse can demonstrate that she has experience is skilled and capable, her nursing supervisor will allow her to function to that level. In the meantime you can be learning Norwegian (you will learn more Norwegian on the job than in the classroom even though it's very difficult at the beginning, I know, I've been there)
Also I can put you in contact with a rådgiver/nurse at UiO who is very helpful and friendly who could perhaps let you know off the record what kind of classes american trained nurses, historically have had to retake.
can you pm me on Facebook and exchange email addresses?
Thanks for the info Dolly. As for that poor American nurse with her AA degree--its' great for her initially, working and getting paid as a nurse, even without the authorization--but what about when she wants to change jobs? She's kind of stuck.
DeleteWould be interested in the name of the rådgiver at UiO. I'll send you a message.
I'm so very sorry to hear this Emily. Wish there was something we could say or do to make it right. Thinking of you and sending big hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Corena! The things we do, chasing these crazy guys halfway around the world!
DeleteEmily, I wish you a lot of stamina and willpower in this difficult siuation!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's taking every ounce of stamina and willpower I have, leaving me a bit weak and vulnerable in other areas of my life. . .
DeleteUnfuckingbelievable!! I'm mad, too, for both of you. Thank goodness this is happening during a beautiful summer week or you'd probably be packing right now. Grrrrr.
ReplyDeleteI'm encouraged by the advice you're getting in the great comments here, though. If it's possible to bypass SAFH and just start working, that would be fantastic! Definitely explore that option, Emily, and get in touch with dollydaydream. Hugs and best wishes to you!!!
Awww thanks, Michele! Unfortunately it's chilly and raining again this week. ARG!
DeleteOnce I find a bit more willpower, I'll start pursuing some of these other options.
Give me a holler if you're heading up to Hamar this summer. . .
Ugh - I just wrote a long comment and it looks like it didn't go through. Sorry if it pops up twice.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, after almost 2 years of reading (and enjoying) your blog, I finally created a Google account so that I could comment. I apologize for not doing it sooner. It wasn't fair of me to feel connected to you, Erik, and Greta by reading the blog, but never giving feedback. Emily you are so strong! Not many people would be able to handle what you've gone through with SAFH and all the language tests. I am so sorry it's been ridiculously difficult for you to pursue your profession that you have great passion for in Norway. It is seriously their loss. I liked one of the other comments suggesting the need for birthing classes and doulas in Norway. Also, your house is incredible! I can't believe the transformation. You and Erik must feel pretty proud of how it turned out. I hope that we can see it in person someday (if only flight prices for a family of 5 would go down.) You are a talented writer - maybe a different profession for you? I have chuckled many times reading your blog. Em, you are a fighter. Stay strong and enjoy the summer! Love, Kathy
Oh Kathy, so so nice to hear from you! Thanks for making your Google account ;) I wish more folks would do that so I could hear from those who are reading!
DeleteHINT HINT READERS
We are gathering willpower and trying to stay focused on the positive things around here, including the house coming more and more to completion. We, too, hope we can see the two or five of you sometime soon. You are welcome 365 days of the year! Miss you all and "klem" to the family.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the Helsepersonellnemd decision, although not surprised...as we have been through the same ordeal this last year. SAFH is not getting it, an A4 government agency with no common sense. In the end it's a loose, loose situation for everybody, and a lot of resources waisted. Time for a change in SAFH.
Hang in there.
Vennlig hilsen og klem,
Lina(now in SLC)
Thanks Lina. We're not surprised either, after Ethan's verdict. I honestly think that SAFH should say somewhere on their website: "if you're from the US, first go to a nursing program and have your degree evaluated" since that's what they are going to tell EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN NURSE. I've been emailing with a mother of a Norwegian/American woman, newly educated (3 years ago) nurse who is trying for authorization, and getting absolutely the same run around. In fact, I think they used Ethan's letter as a template, as they said "you have a degree from the U of Utah" and she didn't!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the warm thoughts!
Hi Emily
ReplyDeleteSomehow this blog post slipped under my radar. I'm so sorry that all this is STILL happening to you.It makes me feel sick.I am keeping it all crossed that everything works out well for you and that Norway comes to its senses soon!
Big hugs xx
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI just ran across your blog looking for Americans living in Norway. I know this is a late post to this entry, but I wanted to say that I'm very sorry about the SAFH's decision :(
I am glad I ran across your blog though because I amactually a nursing student hoping to move to Norway after my graduation in August. I am actually looking to go into labor & delivery and hopefully some day become a CNM. It is disappointing to read about your experience with the SAFH and how they have handled all of this. I'm not even sure it is even worth going to Norway if they don't accept my education I can't practice nursing! Again, I'm really sorry and I hope things look up for you soon!
Well, Gabrielle, I hate to say this to you, but moving to Norway with an American nursing degree is not something I would encourage ANYONE to do. I know of an Norwegian-American young woman who graduated 3 years ago with a BS in Nursing, has worked for 3 years, and was told the same as I was "go back and enroll in a norwegian nursing program". So, new degree, "old" degree. . . doesn't make a difference.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that, Emily. If it matters for anything, you're still my favorite mid-wife (and not even the one that delivered Autumn--but only because I didn't know you, yet). Go Rogue, I say!
ReplyDelete