Canadians Traveling in The U.S.

Sam J. · Feb 13, 2014

Hi All,
I also posted in the international forum, but thought I could maybe get some info here! I just have some questions about traveling in the U.S. on a TN Visa. I'm a Canadian and currently working in the U.S. as a staff nurse, but just signed up with a travel agency and got an assignment in California. I would love to hear from other Canadian nurses traveling in the U.S. and I have a few questions!
Jenn

I know dozens of Canadians that come hither to the SW USA to escape the Winterland of Canada. Without fail, the talk turns to health care, and now they tell me they have to pay $800/month to maintain their Canadian health insurance while they come here to bask in the sun? Also, a couple have told me that despite their paying the USA premium, Canada requires them to return home (and pays for their flights) to receive treatment for a list of conditions, such as surgery to repair a fractured hip?

Curious if you know more about this.

CanuckRN2 · Mar 21, 2014

Hi Jen,

I just received your PM. I'm not able to respond b/c I'm not active enough on the site. But I worked in an ER in Canada for 1.5 years before moving to NYC and applying for jobs. I know that Monte is currently looking for ER nurses who have at least one year of previous experience. Let me know if you are still interested. Obviously you are traveling now, so this may not be helpful. I'm so sorry it took so long to respond.

Rebecca

jenn8500 · Mar 25, 2014

Hi Rebecca,

Thanks so much for responding! I sent you a PM, not sure if you can get it yet. I just signed up with a travel agency and have an assignment starting in April, but it is only for 13 weeks. I am still very interested in Monte, however, I do not have ER experience. I have almost 2 yrs of med/surg experience so not sure if they would consider that!

Jenn

CanuckRN2 · Mar 26, 2014

Hey Jenn,

I did receive your message, I just can't respond. I'd be more than happy to give you the contact info for someone you can reach out to at Monte, I would just prefer to do it in a private forum. If you PM me an email address I will send it out! I'm pretty sure that the experience you have is sufficient. Monte is a great place to work. The ER is pretty crazy. It's apparently the second busiest in the country, but it's an excellent place to learn.

YassKween, BSN · Mar 31, 2014

Hi Jenn, which travel agency did you go with? How long did the process take for you in total (including taking the NCLEX and all the other paper work)? I have 4 years experience working on the floor on a cardiac unit. I am just wondering if they prefer someone working in a specialty like ICU or OR? Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

YassKween, BSN · Mar 31, 2014

To answer Sam's question, Canadians are not covered for health insurance as soon as they leave Canada. They must obtain their own private insurance in the country they are in. They would only be covered if they were able to return to Canada and is still a resident of that province (ie. paying for taxes). I don't know where your Canadian coworkers are getting that from.

jenn8500 · Apr 1, 2014

Hi mabstudent,

I am going with American Mobile. So far they have been really helpful. I actually went to school in the USA so I took the NCLEX right after I graduated and then the visa screen only took about a month once all the documents were in. If you have 4 yrs if cardiac experience you will be gold! I see tons and tons of cardiac telemetry travel assignments! Are you looking into traveling?

YassKween, BSN · Apr 1, 2014

Thanks for the reply Jen! Yeah I am looking into travelling! Just the thought of it is exciting. It seems that American Mobile is the number one choice for most people. I am trying to do my own research on getting a California licence but many of them are saying it is difficult. I am looking to into applying for a Minnesota licence and then work to get a SSN. However if I get endorsed I feel like it would be the same thing as applying directly since they look at everything? Do you or anyone know if there is a difference? The reason I ask because the BON requirements for CA in nursing education has a microbiology course that was not included in my nursing education but we did a full year of A&P. I am just worried that my application would just get rejected.

How is your experience so far? How many assignments have you done?