After eleven years as a midwife in Lithuania, Sandra decided it was time to try something new. That decision eventually brought her to Vågan in the Lofoten Islands.
She initially came to Norway to work as a temporary midwife. After six months in Vågan, she has had the chance to experience both what it is like to work as a midwife in Norway and what everyday life in Lofoten is really like.
Now she has decided to stay, and this autumn she will transition into a permanent position in Vågan municipality.
“Taking the first steps is always difficult. But once you do, you might discover that this is where your future is,” Sandra says.
One year of focused Norwegian language training
Sandra had already started learning Norwegian on her own in 2018. This gave her a foundation, but she felt that her progress accelerated once she began structured language training.
“I started learning the language by myself, but I made the most progress after I began language training through Dignus Medical.”
She then spent a year working systematically on her Norwegian.
For healthcare professionals, learning a language involves much more than being able to have an everyday conversation. As a midwife, Sandra needs to understand women in very different situations, communicate clearly when things move quickly and work closely with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
Language training was therefore an important part of preparing for the transition into working life in Norway.
From Lithuania to life as a midwife in Lofoten
When the opportunity in Vågan came up, Sandra had never been to Lofoten before.
She already knew Norway from previous visits, including Bergen, but the landscape she encountered in the north was something else entirely.
“I was amazed. The mountains, islands, beaches and ocean here simply take my breath away.”
As it turned out, Lofoten also suited the life she wanted outside work.
Sandra enjoys spending her free time fishing, hiking, taking photographs and doing crafts.
“I love fishing, so this is paradise for me. I also love exploring nature and taking photos.”
A more independent role as a midwife
With eleven years in the profession, Sandra brought considerable experience with her into Norwegian maternity care.
She finds many aspects of the healthcare system familiar from Lithuania, but one difference has stood out in particular: midwives in Norway have a more independent role.
“We have many of the same systems in Lithuania, but midwives have more autonomy in Norway. The midwives here are very skilled and independent, and I find that really impressive.”
For Sandra, becoming part of a new professional environment has also meant experiencing different ways of working and exchanging perspectives with new colleagues.
“I look forward to meeting and working with different healthcare professionals and sharing experiences with each other.”
Six months turned into a permanent position
Moving to another country without knowing exactly how you will settle in is a big decision.
For Sandra, the first six months working as a temporary midwife gave her the opportunity to find out.
She had time to get to know the workplace, her colleagues and the local community. And after experiencing everyday life in Lofoten for herself, she has decided to stay.
This autumn, Sandra will transition from a temporary role to a permanent position in Vågan municipality.
“Don’t be afraid. Just try.”
Sandra knows that one of the biggest hurdles often comes before you have even left home.
Learning a new language, getting the necessary documentation in place and moving to a country with a different language and working culture all require time and motivation.
Her advice to other midwives considering working in Norway is simple:
“Don’t be afraid. Just try! You can always go back home if it doesn’t work out. Taking the first steps is always difficult, but once you do, you might discover that this is where your future is.”
For Sandra, having support throughout the process made taking those steps easier.
“The way Dignus Medical supported me before and throughout the process made the transition much easier than if I had tried to do everything on my own.”