AZ LPN looking into move to Vancouver

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Hi, I'm a US citizen living in Arizona. I'm also an LPN. Currently, I'm considering moving to Vancouver and would like some points on job market and housing. Thank you!

None of that should matter to any of you. All I'm trying to find out about are the LPN jobs/requirements and housing. Thank you.

Replies 1 and two gave you the info. Use google to get the rest of your info.

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Fiona59, I don't know who you are, admin or just another person. But if anyone else wants to comment on MY thread they can. It's not up to you. No-one has made any nasty comments or anything. I preferably would like to hear from more than one person. Tyvm.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Actually, the immigration part of this is important, because LPN isn't on the NAFTA professionals list. That will have an impact on the job market for you, even if it doesn't impede your registration. You'll need some sort of permit to work in Canada.

That being said, Vancouver is a VERY expensive place to live. Unionized LPNs at the top of the pay scale in BC make a little less than $30 an hour., or about $55,000 a year without shift differentials. LPNs working for private employers like Revera make less. Jobs aren't plentiful right now, but who knows how things will look when you've finished the registration process? (BTW, that will take you somewhere north of 6 months by the time all the necessary documents are submitted, NNAS has their say and you've written the Canadian LPN exam.) Finding affordable accommodations won't be easy; you'll probably have to live in the 'burbs and commute to work - the farther out you go the less you'll have to pay in rent. You can expect to spend about half your after-tax income on a place to call home. The Vancouver Province and Sun newspapers, as well as Kijiji can provide you with some basic rent estimates. How do you feel about room mates?

Another factor to consider is building a Canadian credit history. Without that, it'll be hard to have your utilities set up; BC Hydro (electric company) for example will want a credit bureau report or a significant deposit. When my sister moved to Colorado from Alberta they weren't able to open accounts for any of their utilities - not even a phone - without huge deposits, even though their credit rating in Canada was pristine. The more you're prepared before you begin, the smoother the process will be for you.

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Thank you very much! Yes, this is a 'down the roaf' event, I just need to get my bearings asap. You've been very helpful.

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