Full time in Canada 36 or 40 hours/week?

CarmelValley · Feb 1, 2017

Oh wow, this is a pretty dire report - but exactly the kind of real information I was hoping for. PAPER CHARTING - now that's a real blow! Our docs put all their orders in electronically, and all meds are bar coded (very difficult to make a med error!). Yes, we get paid training. And patients can be barred from our hospital for assaulting a nurse. Hmmmm. this needs a major re-think on my part. You have been very helpful!

dayandnight · Feb 1, 2017

Oh wow, this is a pretty dire report - but exactly the kind of real information I was hoping for. PAPER CHARTING - now that's a real blow! Our docs put all their orders in electronically, and all meds are bar coded (very difficult to make a med error!). Yes, we get paid training. And patients can be barred from our hospital for assaulting a nurse. Hmmmm. this needs a major re-think on my part. You have been very helpful!

It really depends on where you go. Some places in BC aside from the Lower Mainland have computer charting, and Abbotsford, which 1.5 hr from Vancouver, just implemented the first hospital wide computer charting as well (not eMAR yet..)

Other than ACLS they do pay you for your training here, it's just that the period is much much shorter than the states. They actually pay for all your training if you specialize, but if you apply to a general medical surgical floor you get the most bare minimum training. I suggest if you want to get the maximum out of your experience, get a job in Canada first then apply for specialty education funding and apply for a specialty position.

You can't have everything. I think every person needs to think about their priorities when moving to a different country. I was not able to save when I was an RN in Seattle, Washington, barely living on earning low wages compared to the high living cost. I did not feel safe living there either. In Canada working is very different. I feel like work could be better but I feel safer. I enjoy the nice scenery here and take advantage of the hiking opportunities they have here. I can also finally SAVE money and plan for a future and a family. Hope that helps with your thoughts on moving

CarmelValley · Feb 1, 2017

Again, very helpful. About specialty, I am going to be taking my CRRN exam (Rehab RN specialty) soon. Do Canadian hospitals accept USA specialty qualifications as far as you know? I have worked on a specialty spinal cord injury acute rehab unit for 12 years.

dayandnight · Feb 1, 2017

In BC as far as I am concerned the areas considered specialties are PACU, ICU, ER, and OR. Through our Union we do not get paid extra for having tele/cardiac training and only those 4 specialty do. I work in medicine acute care so I am not 100% sure about this but I remember reading about this in our union agreements. Dialysis requires separate education but so far I believe those 4 specialty units mentioned above actually get the "Specialty" title and wage. So far none of the hospitals I worked in had actual rehab units in acute care settings and they are mostly considered as outpatient facilities. You could work in neuro unit at the bigger hospitals here. If you are really interested you can read the BCNU agreements found in their website as well as the different health authority websites for more information.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Feb 1, 2017

When someone says full time hours are 36.75 or 37.5, they're taking about paid hours. Meal breaks are not paid although they do constitute part of the work day. Worksites with 8 hour shifts pay for 7.75 hours, taking the overlap in shifts into consideration, and 5/7 is full time. 12 hour shifts are paid as 11.08 or 11.625 hours, depending on the worksite and full time is 20 shifts in six weeks.

Generally speaking, if the employer determines you need specialty education, it will be provided. If it's just something to "pad your resumÃ©" then it's on you. Where I work it has been decided that PICU and PCICU nurses do not require PALS training - because of the cost to provide it for the 140+ staff nurses on our payroll. They offer the course a couple of times a year at the cost of the training manual only, but arranging to be able to attend is up to the person wanting to take it... because it's not "required".

Your CRRN credentials will look great to your employer but you'll have difficulty maintaining your certification because your experiential hours will not count. And your employer may or may not pay you extra for that certification, depending on how the collective agreement is written. Canada has its own certification program through the Canadian Nurses' Association; that certification IS on the list of acceptable top-ups.

You must remember that Canadian health care is a single-payer system and most of the money in the system is for direct patient care. EHRs cost a LOT of money and there has to be a plan in place for not only acquiring one but also for customising, maintaining and administering it. When my system began computer charting 10 years ago, all we had was the ICU chart package. It didn't speak to any of the other systems in use, many of which are still in use despite their obsolescence. Other units had no access to that part of the patient's chart. The printed summary we attached to our transfer documentation ran to 40 or more pages, and other units had no idea where to look for pertinent data. The system we're using now is much better, but we still don't have CPOE, bar-code scanning or any other "frills". And we're using hardware that is falling apart because there's no money in the budget for new. Yes, the taxpaying public would love for the health care system to have all the bells and whistles but when it comes down to it, they don't want to pay to replace something that still works - like paper charting.

As with everything in this world, there are good things and there are bad things. It's up to you to decide which side of the scale you place these things and how much weight you give them.

CarmelValley · Feb 1, 2017

Your reply has been an eye-opener, for sure. I so appreciate all the replies on Allnurses since they are from nurses actually on the job. Priceless. Well, you have given me a glimpse into the Canadian healthcare system. I am originally from England, so understand a national health service very well - many of the same conditions exist in the UK. What draws me to Canada is the ethical treatment of people in general, so I am going to have to figure out a way to do this! I really do thank you for your long and thoughtful reply.

loriangel14, RN · Feb 2, 2017

My employer allots up to $1000 a year for employer education. I took a coronary care course and a peri operative course and both were paid for. I can also apply to the RPNAO for funding as well. I'm in Ontario

jennylee321 · Feb 10, 2017

Yes there is still paper charting around but it's not the norm. Any hospital this is still on paper is probably in the process of their changeover so that shouldn't discourage you. I've had lots of paid training, depends on your hospital and you can also get education funding through some nursing associations.

CarmelValley · Feb 10, 2017

Thanks for that, it's very encouraging!

dishes, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2017

Again, very helpful. About specialty, I am going to be taking my CRRN exam (Rehab RN specialty) soon. Do Canadian hospitals accept USA specialty qualifications as far as you know? I have worked on a specialty spinal cord injury acute rehab unit for 12 years.

Go ahead and get the American Rehab certification as the certification combined with your rehab experience will help your resume standout from competiters. You can take the Canadian rehab certification exam some time after you are working as a Canadian rehab nurse.

Suggest you look at nursing career opportunities through G.F. Strong, as it is the largest rehab centre in BC.

CarmelValley · Feb 11, 2017

Thanks for this. Yes, I have been online and seen GF Strong rehab center. I will do this!