Jobs in Toronto and Canada in general

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Hello,

I ran into a couple visiting here in the states that were from Toronto and I asked them about nursing jobs in Toronto and Canada in general. They said that Canada needed nurses? Is this true? If so, since I am an American how would it work? I assume I would have to apply for a visa and whatnot. Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

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The profession of nursing is in a terrible state currently. There is always a " need" for nurses, however the political and bureaucratic interference seems to take precedence over care needs. I live in the province of Alberta...and our governing health agent has made such cut-backs that we are approaching critical levels. The nurse/pt rational is a disgrace, wait times for essential care is deplorable and the general stress on care givers is at an all time high. Meanwhile, the PR geniuses continue to paint the picture to the public, that nurses are in demand and being hired at ridiculous rates....NOT TRUE! FTE and PTE rotations are being limited to an almost non-existent state...yet, they continue to claim that they are in need of more full time nurses. There are several positions posted on the AHS ( Alberta Health Services) web site....and I apply for everything! Then later, I receive an email notification that the position has been cancelled...??! What this accomplishes? I don't know.

I took a 12 month LOA from my position to go overseas as a nurse with the International Red Cross...only to return home to my unit being closed, over 300 lay-offs, budget cuts and no opportunities on the immediate horizon. I am currently working in the private sector for a lovely family....and I am very fortunate to have found this position.

In my opinion, I would not make the move or go through the expense of VISA applications, etc at this time. There are too many smoke screens here and we are all smothering to death!!

However, I wish you well!

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There are jobs in the far north but they aren't for new nurses or nurses unfamiliar with population up there. The major cities are saturated with nurses.

Read some of the threads on here about how our new grads can't find the first job. How part time nurses can't find full time jobs.

Oh, and do you realize the vast majority of Canadian nurses are union members. So many americans have problems with this.

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Specializes in AC, LTC, Community, Northern Nursing.

We have lts of nurses what we need are ft jobs for all the students...

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People who don't work in or follow health care trends tend not to know what's going on. Most Canadians think that the "nursing shortage" means that that demand for nurses is greater than supply of nurses. It really means that there aren't 'enough' nurses because provincial health care providers don't want to hire them.

Quebec is currently making it easier for internationally educated nurses to immigrate there -- that's the only province that I've heard is recruiting. It's very, very difficult to get a job in Toronto, even for experienced Canadian nurses.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Canada does need nurses, but the government does not want to pay for health care. Throughout the country, nurses have been laid off or reduced to casual since 2007. AB and BC are in terrible states at the moment.

You would probably find a job working a rural town in Northern Canada somewhere. The cities are saturated with new and experienced nurses across the country. New grads often take 6 months to a year to find work anywhere, and then it's part time.

It's a shame what this government is doing. They would rather cut back and try to force more nurses to work overtime than invest in our future. Year after year, it just gets worse.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I see. Well I appreciate all of your feedback! I am just looking at all of my options. Regarding unions, I think they are different up in Canada than they are here. By that I mean they probably actually care for the workers, whereas here it is all politics and greed. But let me ask you all something: How is universal care up there? I have heard mixed things. Are wait times longer? Do Canadians travel here to the US for some procedures? It is hard to believe anything you read in the American media nowadays.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Qubec....that is the province that is heavily French-Canadian right?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I see. Well I appreciate all of your feedback! I am just looking at all of my options. Regarding unions, I think they are different up in Canada than they are here. By that I mean they probably actually care for the workers, whereas here it is all politics and greed. But let me ask you all something: How is universal care up there? I have heard mixed things. Are wait times longer? Do Canadians travel here to the US for some procedures? It is hard to believe anything you read in the American media nowadays.

I think a lot varies from province to province. Unions here I find are better than the unions I was with in the UK in regards nurses. I know I am better paid here in Canada than I was in the UK despite my many years of experience. Care I find very similar to the UK and although many think it is free it is like the UK and comes out of our taxes as well as paying into extra healthcare benefit plans

Qubec....that is the province that is heavily French-Canadian right?

Correct

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There are wait times for non emergency procedures. If it is urgent you go to the front of the line generally. A friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and she had surgery in two days. Another friend had to wait 3 months for non urgent knee surgery.

To work in Quebec you have to pass a French language exam.

I work in a unionized workplace and I am glad that I do. They ensure we are treated fairly.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I see. Man I'm not sure how I would do with a foreign language test. I'm sure it can be done though. As for the universal healthcare I am not one of the many Americans who thinks that it is free. My one doctor is from Canada and she said its a combo of gov't and private healthcare, seems like the best of both worlds. Well this is depressing news, I was kinda looking forward to nursing in Canada. Perhaps after I get some experience it can happen.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As an American Citizen you are lucky that you can use the NAFTA treaty which tends to make it easier finding employers. Meeting provincial College of RN's requirements can be quiet time consuming. You may want to look at other provinces and see what job situations are like. careerbeacon.com would give you some indication on what job situation is like and a starting point for applying for jobs. Most if not all employers will require a pass or eligibility in CRNE

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