Working in Canada as an American Nurse

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi, I'm curious to know if it's possible for an American nurse to work in Canada, and if that's possible, how difficult is it, and what are the requirements to do so?

I think my CNA instructor works as a nurse in both Canada and the U.S.. I'm not sure if she is originally from here or Canada, but she said that she got a job offer that she "couldn't refuse" so she travels to and back from work. It sounds like she is from the U.S., because she says "we" when referring to Americans, and "them" when referring to Canadians, but that might not mean anything.

Anywho, I'm not in nursing school yet and I still have a long ways to go, of course, but my husband and I are wanting to live along the Canadian boarder in this particular town, however, the big, neighboring city that's in the U.S. and next to our town, doesn't have a lot of nursing jobs that pay well, especially considering that the cost-of-living in that city is high and most positions I've seen (online) either pay the national average, or below. The city in Canada pays a bit more than that, plus I like the idea of more job opportunities, as well.

Just toying with the idea. Would love advice! Thank you in advance~ :up:

0 Votes
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Check the exchange rate. Convert Canadian dollars to USD to make a true comparison of pay scales. Also, if you live in one country and work in another, to whom to you pay income tax?

Otherwise, you need a permit to work in Canada and a license in the province in which you're planning to work. If a hospital is particularly hard up for nurses they might sponsor you for a work permit (please check with Immigration Canada). If you graduated from an accredited school of nursing and passed the NCLEX, you are eligible to work in Canada provided you jump through the additional licensing hoops (just like moving to another state).

0 Votes
Check the exchange rate. Convert Canadian dollars to USD to make a true comparison of pay scales. Also, if you live in one country and work in another, to whom to you pay income tax?

I had not considered that. That changes things up a bit. Still, learning about how this works would help with having opportunities in general. Thank you for your advice~

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment