Hello!

[Mrs Tiggs]

Hi Everyone

Have only just found this forum as I stumbled around Google trying to find any useful info on working in Canada as an RN! Have already found some really useful info but thought I would sign up and get to know a few people :)

I am Lesley and I currently live and work in the UK. My husband and I have contemplated the idea of moving to Canada for a number of years and we have finally decided that this year is the year to get the whole thing moving and shift our butts!

I am an ICU nurse and have been qualified for 10 years now (7 of those working in adult ICU) and we are looking to relocate to Alberta in particular Edmonton. Just wondering really about vacancies and salaries etc (although I have read that the average wage is approx $26 for a nurse) My other big question and worry is the entrance exam. Has anyone had any experience in this and will I need to study absolutely all specialities? (am hoping no is the answer as I am just an adult RN and have never ever done paeds or maternity - eeek!)

Any help, advice or pointers would be really appreciated.

Thanks Lesley xx

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Hi and welcome

It will all depend on the Provine and whether you meet their requirements and only way to find out is going through the process. It is general trained but may have the hours on your transcripts. There are a few UK nurses going to Canada and there are post in the International forum on the CRNE, plus a poster from the UK who has come across shortage of hours. Suggest a good read and good luck

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

As someone who works in Edmonton let me assure you that there are scads of vacancies in ICUs all over the city. As of April 1 of this year, graduate nurses (those who have not passed the CRNE yet) are paid $28.18 an hour straight time with shift differentials of $2.50 an hour for evening hours, $4.25 for night hours and $2.75 an hour for weekends. Once the nurse has her registration in hand her hourly basic rate of pay goes to $30.80. If you can document the number of hours you have worked as an RN in a manner that is acceptable to your employer, you will be placed on the pay scale on the rung that equates to your years of work experience as a full tim equivalent. So if you've worked all 10 of the years you've been qualified at a full time position and can prove it, you would go to $40.43 an hour immediately upon receiving your registration. Plus differentials of course. If the employer makes a change to your schedule without giving you 14 days notice of the change, you will be paid double time. I had just such a change made to my schedule and my gross earnings for today were $982 for a 12 hour shift.

[Mrs Tiggs]

Many thanks for your replies. I may well be back with more questions at a later date!

I have worked part time (24 hours per week) since I returned from maternity leave in Aug 2005

I worked full time prior to that since qualifying in 1998 so fingers crossed some of my years in service will be recognised. $40 per hour would be lovely! (as would a $982 shift!!!) Given I've just finished the day from hell and have barely had time to eat I probably wouldn't mind if I brought home that much money.

Thanks again xx