Maria, 31, practised for five years as a nurse in Barcelona before deciding to move to France. She tells us about her integration journey, the challenges she faced and how Suxens supported her along the way.
The turning point: why France?
"I had heard about better working conditions and more attractive salaries for nurses in France. But what really convinced me was the community of Spanish nurses already settled in Paris who encouraged me to make the move. Seeing that others had succeeded gave me the confidence I needed."
The first steps: navigating the administrative maze
"At first I felt completely lost. French administrative procedures are complex, and even though my French was decent, the administrative jargon was a real barrier. I felt like I was trying to assemble a puzzle without the picture on the box. That's when a Romanian nurse friend told me about Suxens."
The Suxens support: a dedicated contact
"What struck me was having a dedicated contact who knew exactly my situation and the specifics of a Spanish file. They helped me compile my diploma recognition file, explained each step in detail and warned me about typical processing times. I never felt alone in the process."
The community: more than a service
"I also really valued access to the Suxens community. Being able to exchange with other European healthcare workers who had lived the same experience, sharing practical advice on housing, banking, life in France… it goes well beyond simple administrative support."
Finding a position in one week
"Six months after submitting my file, I received my practice authorisation. Suxens then connected me with three institutions actively recruiting in the Paris region. I had interviews the following week. The fact that the recruiters already knew Suxens really smoothed things over."
Today: thriving in a new chapter
"Today I work at a clinic in the Paris region and I'm really happy there. Integration into the team went very smoothly. My advice to all European healthcare workers who are thinking about it: go for it, and get support from people who know the ropes. It saved me months of unnecessary stress."