Any cross-border nurses here?(Canadians working in US)

World International

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Hi all,

I am a Canadian NP that just received a job offer for a town across the border in the USA. The job is a step up from what I have here in Canada (plus a substantial pay raise!). What are the things I need to consider before jumping into their arms and saying "yes! yes! yes!!"

I've received caution about their health care benefits (ie, dental, vision, etc) that I might not be eligible since I don't live there? Is there anything to that?

Also, are taxes difficult/expensive?

Any advice or tidbits of info you can give are appreciated!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International Nursing forum

definately taxes to consider, also are you travelling daily or moving? What visa? If TN you will need a detailed employment letter as well as visa screen certificate from CGFNS

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I will be commuting. I'm not so much worried about the border/visa stuff as I know it's just a necessary evil, and that border guards can bully/harass TN status holders.

i am more wondering about what people have encountered re: taxes, IRS, etc. more of the financial side of things. I would hate to accept the job only to find out I am making less what what I would have because of paying tax in two countries. Also, what's the deal with maternity leave in the US? Does it exist?

Any anecdotal info is appreciated.

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I don't know if any of the cross border nurses post on AN, but according to the CNO 2016 membership statistics report, there were 1,400 RNs who had concurrent Ontario and Michigan licenses, I imagine many of them live in the Windsor area and work in the Detroit area and commute to work. A Detroit area accountant who specializes in income tax services may be able to provide you with accurate advice regarding taxes.

Maternity leave for American nurses is 12 weeks of unpaid leave. My understanding, from reading threads on AN, is that before taking mat leave, nurses accrue personal time off (vacation time) and use it while on mat leave and some are forced to return to work before the 12 weeks of unpaid leave are up, because they do not have enough accrued time off and cannot afford to live without an income. I may be misinterpreting American maternity leave practices, but I'm sure they are nowhere near Canada's 1 year paid time off.

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