Canadian RN relocating to Texas

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Hello all,

I am a Canadian RN entering my 5th year into the nursing profession. I currently work in an busy ED . I have passed my NCLEX, completed my CGFNS (and have my certificate). I am now looking into relocating to the states for more opportunities. My initial first choice was Cali (for obvious reasons: sun and $). But Cali is difficult to obtain a nursing license (due to educational requirements and long processing times). So I thought to try either Texas or Florida. I am really having a hard time deciding which would be a better option.

My goals are to work for a Magnet teaching hospital, save money and enjoy the city I will be living in. Texas (in particular Dallas and Houston - I hear are very spread out cities and can be hard to meet new people if your on your own). Florida is inexpensive, beautiful weather but with lower wages. I have never visited either state.

Any feedback would be great, I know its a broad question. Any insight on hourly wages of speciality RN with 4 years experience in a major Dallas or Houston city hospital (or in Florida).

Any insights would be great!!!

Thanks all!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm in the Dallas metro area. RNs with four years of experience would be offered in the low to mid $30s per hour at most of the local hospital systems.

I understand that Canada has strong nursing unions. Be mindful that both Texas and Florida are without nursing unions.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Howdy!

Have you already contacted the Tx BON to explore the licensing process? I have worked with lots of wonderful Canadian nurses in the Houston area... we love y'all!!! Currently, Houston metro area is offering highest nurse salary ranges in the state. If you are CEN certified, it will really add value to your resume. Houston & Dallas are pretty much BSN-only in hospitals these days, especially for Magnet facilities.

If at all possible, I strongly encourage you to actually visit Houston before making a commitment to move here. Although I absolutely don't want to live anywhere else, there are lots of Houston 'immigrants' who find that they don't like it at all. We're sub-tropical with coastal-flat terrain, so climate and geography may be off-putting for you. We're the most culturally diverse city in the US (according too the 2010 census data). "Teaching" hospitals (those that host medical education programs) are in the Texas Medical Center - which entails a hefty an somewhat inconvenient commute for most people. But there are a ton of tertiary-level facilities in all areas of the metro area, so you may be spoiled for choice.

Wishing you the absolute best on your relocation.

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Dear LaurieMakingA'way,

I have been reading your threads and seen that you have made the move to become an RN in Texas.I am currently a UK nurse with 1 year experience in an acute setting CCU.I would love to move to Texas within a years time but I am a bit getting mixed messages reading all the threads in this forum.

I am UK trained (Adult Nursing) and qualified last year.Is there a recruitment agency you could recommend me or hospital where UK nurses are sought after.I am aware of the current political climate in the US but I do not want to give up my dream of immigrating to the US in the future.I have sent off my transcript to CGFNS and hope the BON in Texas will accept my transcript as sufficient.Fingers crossed.

The reason why I am writing you is that I have read from a previous thread that you knew about some places in Texas that were looking for UK nurses.I hope to hear from you soon and hope for your support in this matter.

Thank you xxx

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