[freetofly]

I am just wondering how the working conditions in Canada compare to the US? I have seriously been considering moving there for some time. I am mainly interested in giving my daughter a better life which I don't think will be possible down here in the US.. I have a BSN and currently I work nights on a medical overflow/cardiac floor. Our patient load is 1-5 or 7. Most of our patients are COPD, GI bleeds, PTCA, pre open hearts.. we get a pretty good mix. Most nights are difficult to manage but I am fortunate to work with a good group of people! Is there also a shortage?

[janfrn]

Working conditions vary from province to province, health region to health region, hospital to hospital and unit to unit. It's very hard to pin those kinds of variables down. There are things that impact working conditions, such as availability of equipment and supplies, availability of ancilliary staff, access to parking, decent food and security that also vary from place to place. Our unit runs out of blankets before midnight some nights, but where my friend works they always have what they need. Our unit will put patients in the storage room; her unit closes when they don't have enough staff to accept an admission. We both work for the same health region but in different hospitals.

There definitely is a shortage. Some say our province is short more than 600 full time equivalents; others argue the number is much higher.

You should do some research into the area of the country you think you might want to live and work in then ask your question again.

[freetofly]

Thanks Jan.. that sounds about the same as here.. I know my question is vague. I probably wouldn't be able to relocate for a while. Do you know if there are any recruitment programs where they might help with relocation costs and housing? I know my current hospital does this for Phillipino nurses.

[janfrn]

Umm... you do realise that Canada is a HUGE country? We as a country have the second largest land-mass in the world, but it contains a population slightly lower than that of California. To try and answer that effectively and correctly is going to be difficult without knowing where you're thinking of looking. Each province is actively recruiting nurses from anywhere and everywhere. Each health region within each province (of those that have gone to a regional provision model) has their own strategies and programs in place. The region I work for has a recruitment package that includes relocation assistance, temproary housing and a liaison with the College of Registered Nurses to help with the licensing process. There are others across the country, but as I say, without knowing what part of the country you're thinking about, it's hard to tell you about them or how to find out more.

[natalyia]

Hello freetofly!

Yes, I am a Canadian nurse, and was a travel nurse in the US for 4 years. Are you looking for a Canadian travel nursing company/agency, or are you looking for just a staff nurse position somewhere in Canada? I have a wealth of information on this subject, as I have conducted extensive independent research over the last few years on this very topic. Feel free to contact me! I will most likely have the answer for you!

[freetofly]

Thanks for your help! I realize that Canada is a huge place. I have wanted to move there for a long time and more recently my boyfriend is also interested in moving. I do not know much about the different regions. I would probably try traveling first but I need more experience as I only have about 4 months in a hospital right now.

[natalyia]

Send me a PM with specific questions, i.e. where you want to go, what your specialty is, etc. Also, keep in mind that you will not be able to work as a travel nurse until you have worked at least 1 year. Actually, I wouldn't suggest anyone travel with less than 2 years exp. but that's just me. Anyway, since you just got out of school, I would suggest you take the Canadian nursing exam in the meantime, as you will not be able to work here unless you have it. Anyhow, as I said, PM me with any other questions you may have and I will be happy to help you!

[ricquet]

Hi, i would be more than interested in you sharing some of your knowledge on travel nursing in canada.

Thanks

[ricquet]

I hope to start working in alberta soon, just wondering are there any nurses out there who are working in alberta or have worked in alberta. I would like to know about patient ratios, living in edmonton on a nurses salary etc,

I would be more than grateful for any information given. Thanks

[natalyia]

Hello Ricquet!

I do have a wealth of information for you, as I have worked in Alberta. What is your specialty? Are you looking to do travel nursing in Alberta? How many years experience do you have? The nurse to patient ratios depend greatly on your specialty. Send me a PM with specific questions and I would be happy to help you any way I can!