? about HealthCare and Insurance

Laura, Welcome to Texas Y'all! We love our Canadian nurses.... I've always thought that ya'll are a lot like us Texans - but probably with fewer guns - LOL. Where will you be living?

I guess it's pretty scary whenever you make such a big change - but especially when you feel like you'll be in a riskier environment.

Most hospitals normally provide a 'menu' of healthcare benefits, ranging from high-deductible, low-cost plans for healthy young people to more expensive, but lower out-of-pocket expense for us older folks. It is common for the premium cost for employees to be mostly covered by the employer, but you will have to pay more for family coverage. That cost could vary widely, depending on what level of coverage you choose.

Individual malpractice insurance is not covered by employers. If you want this coverage, you will need to purchase it yourself.

As for union "protection" -- hmm. I guess it's true that we are all "at will" employees which means that we can be terminated at any time but so can our supervisors. Every nurse is accountable for his/her own actions and our communications with supervisors/managers is more direct... no union representative to serve as a 'spokesperson'. But I see that as a positive characteristic. I don't think that assertiveness would ever jeopardize your job unless you are disrespectful to your supervisor or coworkers; that probably won't be tolerated because it is destructive to everyone. If you are a conscientious clinician, adhere to established policies and standards - you won't have any problems.

Relax, have fun & give all those heavy winter clothes to charity before you move - you won't need them here.