almost there, looking for other nurses, what to bring?

Hi,
What a great forum this is!  Thanks to whoever started it.
My husband just started his new, permanent job in Basildon, Essex, UK and I will be joining him in July.  We are relocating from Silver Spring, Maryland with our 1-year-old daughter.  I have always wanted the experience living in another country, and now, I can't even believe it is going to happen! 

As I pack and sort, deciding what to bring and leave, I keep browsing the internet for info about what it's like there (my husband is still too jet lagged, too focused on the driving, and too concentrated on trying to understand 2 Scottish coworkers to give me details:D).

I hope to be working as a nurse as soon as our work permits come through, and I really would like to speak/write to any other nurse -UK- yankees.  My main question is: Should I bring my scrubs?

Thank you!  Krissanne

Welcome from a fellow silver springer! Well, actually I'm from Baltimore but lived with Mom is SS until I moved here.

This is a great site. Do let us know if you have any questions about what to bring!

Welcome aboard!  I used to work in Basildon so I might be able to answer some questions about it (although not all because I didn't live there, only worked there). 

Best of luck with your move!

Another Maryland girl here, but from the other Shore.  Seems we've had a rash of the Maryland lasses lately, but the more the merrier.  Welcome aboard!

Welcome Krissanne!  There are several nurses who post here, I believe, including 'nursemeh', whose posts on nursing and hospital matters have always seemed to me to be very wise and well-informed.  I am sure they will all do their best to help you when they see you have joined.

Just wanted to say hi and also tell you how much I love scrubs!!

I am not a nurse or anything but own a pair of um.... borrowed ones and am now going to have to buy some just to do household stuff in.  They do not stain easily and are comfortable.

Okay that was silly!

Welcome to UKY!

Thanks for your replies!  How interesting that there are so many Marylanders.  'Balmerhon', I love that post name.
Vnicepeeps, if I don't need my scubs, I will pack at least one pair to give to you - what color do you like, one to match your eyes?! (yes, I have that many)
Elle, If you worked in Basildon, where did you live, and how was the commute?  My husband is looking in the surrounding area for places to live.  He said Basildon is kind of run-down - but he doesn't want a long commute.

Thanks again, all, I look forward to posting on this site and getting to know people.

I can't really give you any help with your questions but just wanted to say welcome, krizzanne! 

Elle, If you worked in Basildon, where did you live, and how was the commute?  My husband is looking in the surrounding area for places to live.  He said Basildon is kind of run-down - but he doesn't want a long commute.

I lived in Chadwell Heath, Romford and then Ilford before I finally changed jobs to somewhere closer.  I took the train and while not bad, it was lengthy because of where I lived.  Your husband is right about Basildon and don't blame him for wanting to live outside the area.  How does he intend to commute?  Will he be driving or taking the train? 

My knowledge is limited to commuting by train.  Depends on how far out or in you want to live (as compared with London).  If you want to be closer to London with an easy commute, I would recommend looking in the Upminster area.  Upminster is in Tube zone 6 so you'd be able to get into the city a bit more easily, but one can catch a fast train from Upminster to Basildon on the C2C train and be there in 10 minutes. 

If you don't mind being further out, my ex-boss used to live in Benfleet and it was fairly nice.  I also understand Billericay to be pretty decent and Chelmsford (although Chelmsford for a commute to Basildon isn't that great).  There's also some nice areas in Southend and Westcliff and both are on the same train line as Basildon. 

Best of luck!

Hi and welcome.  As far as your scrubs, you won't need them here!  I was an LPN back home, but since that doesn't transfer here, will be starting my re-training for RN in Sept.  Anyway, uniforms here are different, to say the least,,,a Sister wears a dark blue dress or tunic/trousers and staff nurses wear a lighter blue dress or tunic/trousers.  The only time I've seen scrubs worn has been in theatre and occassionally in A&E.  Also, I've never seen nurses wearing lab jackets either!  I brought several outfits with me when I moved here and have since ended up sending them  to  medical charities.  Anyway,,,good luck in your nursing career.