How to work in ICU in Canada?

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I'm a pre-nusing student in the States, looking to get into a US nursing school, possible choices are ADN, 2nd degree BSN program, direct-entry MSN programs.

I'm still looking at different fields in nursing. ICU especially appeals to me. I'm wondering what's requirements to work in ICU in Canada, preferly in Toronto. I understand I need a BSN in Ontario. Do ICU there hire new graduates? If not, what area do they prefer graduates to start with, med-surg?

If I could get into a direct-entry MSN in adult critical care program in the states, will the credentials be recognized in Canada? or is it unnecessary? If unnecessary, I would like to work in ICU for a couple of years and go back to States to purse MSN later.

Thanks for any help. I'm a Canaidan landed immigrant being in States for many years, I'm not familiar with Canadian health system and want to know more.

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Specializes in Cardiac & Vascular Surg.
I'm a pre-nusing student in the States, looking to get into a US nursing school, possible choices are ADN, 2nd degree BSN program, direct-entry MSN programs.

I'm still looking at different fields in nursing. ICU especially appeals to me. I'm wondering what's requirements to work in ICU in Canada, preferly in Toronto. I understand I need a BSN in Ontario. Do ICU there hire new graduates? If not, what area do they prefer graduates to start with, med-surg?

If I could get into a direct-entry MSN in adult critical care program in the states, will the credentials be recognized in Canada? or is it unnecessary? If unnecessary, I would like to work in ICU for a couple of years and go back to States to purse MSN later.

Thanks for any help. I'm a Canaidan landed immigrant being in States for many years, I'm not familiar with Canadian health system and want to know more.

For most of the ICU's in Toronto they will require you to have your Critical Care Training. Some will hire nurses that do not have the specific Critical Care course and put them through it but you are then obligated by contract to that hospital for usually a minimum of 1 year.

I do not know of any facility that hires new grads most want you to have some experience.

I know the hospital I am at (which is the biggest center in Toronto) they do prefer you to have experience related to the type of ICU your are looking to apply to. Example: CVICU they like you to have worked on the Cardiac Post Op floor for approx 2 years, CRCU they like you to have a medical surgical background. NICU (Neuro) they like you to have worked on the Neuro floor.....I think you get what I am saying.

By MSN are you referring to a Master's of Nursing? Speaking for most nurses around me, if we had a Master's there is NO way we would be working bedside.

I find most nurses that have more than their BScN are not looking to do floor nursing, they are looking for managment, teaching and so on.

Yes in Canada you have to have a minimum of a Bachelor's to obtain licensure to practice in any of the provinces.

Hope I have helped to answer some of your questions, feel free to ask me anymore specfics if you have them, or for clarification if I have not been clear enough.

Cheers,

A

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.
Yes in Canada you have to have a minimum of a Bachelor's to obtain licensure to practice in any of the provinces.

Not true. In Alberta and Manitoba for sure, at present, there are still diploma programs running. In fact, Manitoba had eliminated theirs by 1997 then reinstated them in 2001 due to the inability of the universities to even meet the attrition rate, never mind the growing shortage. Degree entry to practice is coming eventually, but it's not an absolute yet.

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For most of the ICU's in Toronto they will require you to have your Critical Care Training. Some will hire nurses that do not have the specific Critical Care course and put them through it but you are then obligated by contract to that hospital for usually a minimum of 1 year.

I do not know of any facility that hires new grads most want you to have some experience.

I know the hospital I am at (which is the biggest center in Toronto) they do prefer you to have experience related to the type of ICU your are looking to apply to. Example: CVICU they like you to have worked on the Cardiac Post Op floor for approx 2 years, CRCU they like you to have a medical surgical background. NICU (Neuro) they like you to have worked on the Neuro floor.....I think you get what I am saying.

By MSN are you referring to a Master's of Nursing? Speaking for most nurses around me, if we had a Master's there is NO way we would be working bedside.

I find most nurses that have more than their BScN are not looking to do floor nursing, they are looking for managment, teaching and so on.

Yes in Canada you have to have a minimum of a Bachelor's to obtain licensure to practice in any of the provinces.

Hope I have helped to answer some of your questions, feel free to ask me anymore specfics if you have them, or for clarification if I have not been clear enough.

Cheers,

A

Hi Ally,

Yes, I saw there are critical care certificate for RNs in canada. I don't see anything like that in the States. Also, about MSN, there are nurse practioners in the US that do actual patient care, of course, with all the fightings from doctors and physician assistants for practicing scope. I guess Canada is different and their doctors hold their fields tight very well.

Your information are very helpful and gave me a good picture about getting into ICU in Canada. Thanks a lot.

Cheers.

m

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Not true. In Alberta and Manitoba for sure, at present, there are still diploma programs running. In fact, Manitoba had eliminated theirs by 1997 then reinstated them in 2001 due to the inability of the universities to even meet the attrition rate, never mind the growing shortage. Degree entry to practice is coming eventually, but it's not an absolute yet.

Good to know

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Specializes in CCU.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think that the province of Quebec you do not need the BSN to work in ICU's but... you have to pass the French test, blablabla.

I am filing to have my US nursing education "recognized" by Quebec, lots of paperwork, you need your grades from High School to colleges... letter from your employer, your former school, the Board of Education.

I am already dizzy!!!

Good luck to you!:specs:

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