Possibly Heading Down to the USA to See If the Grass Is Greener

Sick kids is not the only place hiring new grads full time. People on our unit can't get casual! If you do decide to go to the US, be WARY! A lot of places offer a ton of money because they are such holes that's the only way they can get anyone to work for them. Insist on seeing a hospital in person before taking a job. I think this is especially important if you are going to a bigger city. It's been my experience that urban hospitals in the US are a lot different than in Canada. Remember too that recruiters are often not completely honest. I did go to the US as a new nurse and found myself in a BAD job. I quit and changed hospitals to a much better job within a few months. The US definitely has more job opportunities and better pay, but less unionized workplaces can mean nurses don't always have anyone to help if there are problems with management. If you interview with a US hospital make sure to ask about ratios, floating, mandatory OT, on call, etc. before you take a job. I don't regret my time in the US and will probably go back eventually, but I think it's best to go into it with your eyes wide open.

I moved to the USA 6 years ago and have had an outstanding experience. I also know that hospitals in Nova Scotia are hiring new grads if you feel like staying in Canada. PM me if you need more information.

I also spent time in the US before moving back 2 years ago. Over the 12 years I was there I worked in 8 different hospitals in different parts of the country. I do agree that there is some benefits to unionization, less surprises. I suggest you find a good agency that specializes in placing Canadian nurses in US hospitals.

And yes some of those offers sound too good to be true but there is money to be made. I was origianlly enticed to the US by a hospital offering substantial bonuses to work nights and/or weekends. I worked my butt off but made lots of money, however this very famous hospital was not where I would have wanted to go if I had been ill. For example, at the time they were only just starting to develop a procedure manual! I was appaled, people did what they felt to be right with no consideration to evidence etc. Very different from what I was used to at home.

On the other hand I also worked at some excellent facilities. I think going to the US is a great learning experience but expect some surprises along the way and remember, Canada will always welcome you home.

FYI I also know of some full time opportunities in Southern Ontario outside of Toronto if you are interested.

As a new grad I was offered TFT only in Canada. I was given full time days, working only 3 12 hour shifts a week with full time benefits. It was an amazing job. Team building and nurse retention was at an all time high. I was able to switch hospital within the corporation and not lose seniority. I was able to pick the days I wanted to work. As I gained experience I even joined a temp agency in the US. I worked in the US for 9 years. I was afraid after 9/11 and came back to nursing in Canada. BIG MISTAKE. I am not appreciated. I am over worked. I cannot have any time off in the summer because i have only 2 years seniority. Scheduling is very inflexable because of the union.
Starting December 15th 2003 I am going back to work in the USA!
FULL TIME DAYS 0730-1600
NO WEEKENDS
NO HOLIDAYS
NO CALL

Would you be willing to share with us where you are working (hospital, location, department). I keep seeing stories like yours. And I wonder what the flip side of the coin is.

lalaxton
You posted that there are full time positions in southern Ontario outside Toronto. May I be so bold as to ask you where? I am originally from south west of Toronto and am looking to relocate back near my family. I have been looking on line at various health region job postings and see mostly small part time or casual positions available. Any direction would be very appreciated

epg_pei

WINDSOR REGIONAL HOSPITAL
METROPOLITAN CAMPUS
EMERGENCY

I graduated from a Canadian school but never actually worked as an RN in Canada. I immediately took a position in Detroit. It was OK but didn't feel that I got the mentoring I should have. Later I moved to a mid Michigan hospital and was much happier there. I have since left the hospital scene altogether. The one positive thing of working in the US is that there are many more opportunities available to RN's other than hospital nursing.
Of course the nursing shortage is more acute in the US than in Canada so if you take a position here you'll probably work harder - physically and mentally. The money is good, especially once converted to Canadian funds. Although I do enjoy my current job and remain in Michigan ... it is not home. All my family is back in Canada and I do miss the closeness.
That's my spiel.