I love nursing in Canada because...

fergus51 · Jan 17, 2006

And here I am wearing my windbreaker to work! Guess we make 'em tougher up here! I think I'd miss the change of seasons too much if I lived in California, though I hate shovelling snow off our 80 foot driveway! I could never give up walking the dog along the river in the fall, or the spring either for that matter.

We do have seasons (you can definitely tell it's winter right now!), they just aren't as pronounced. I used to think it was funny when people were whining that it was cold when it was in the 50s, but I've obviously been acclimatized to California or something because it feels cold to me too now:chuckle

DADENTY · Jan 17, 2006

If you are not already an RN you need to get your BScN which takes 4 years. I think even if you are an RPN you still have to take the 4 year course. I am not 100% sure about my last statement but I mention it because in my first year class there are RPN's starting right at the bottom with the rest of us.
Canada's warmest province is Florida, after that it is southwestern BC right on the coast. I have read that places on Vancouver Island are the sunniest in Canada. But in the summer it is probably not the hottest, the weather there is moderated by the Pacific.
I cannot quote salaries since I am just a student in first year, bit I think they may be comprable to the USA if cost of living is factored in, unless you live in southern Ont.

Canada doesnt have a province called Flordia? In Alberta entery to practice is still a diploma. Degree optional. In the Eastern provinces, Ont, PEI, NFLD entery to practice is BN or BSCN

Lizzypooh · Jan 26, 2006

A LVN can go back to school one more year to get his/her RN. I have heard that in Canada you are required more school for equivalent positions, I just did not know how much truth there was to it . At any rate an LVN's starting wages can be 15.00-17.00 USD per hour. How is the salary there do you know ? Also what is Canada's warmest province ?

Here, RPNs go to school for 2 years, and RNs go for 4 years. And around here rpns start at around 18 dollars an hour (Canadian). And i'm not sure which province is the overall warmest.. possibly BC, their winters aren't as cold; but here in southern ontario it can get to be 35 degrees celcius in the summer :)

Now, i have a question for you... in the states, who gives out the meds? LVNs or RNs?

Paulette RN · Jan 28, 2006

I've never had to ask a patient that either. It isn't the role of the RN. I have to say that although I do miss Canada, I haven't regretted my decision to work in the US for a second.

Sorry, I did not mean that literally . I also have friends who have taken up nursing in the US. The hospitals they have worked for have been great about educational opportunities and such, certainly sounds like much more than we offer here in Canada. How long have you been in the states and what area are you working in now?

Doesn't take long to get acclimatized to a warmer climate...oh what I would not give to be outdoors without the regalia of winterwear right now....

markjrn · Jan 28, 2006

Is it ok to say that I don't love nursing in Canada?

I just returned to the US once again, after spending a while working back home, and I'm relieved to be here.

fergus51 · Jan 28, 2006

Hi Paulette,

I've been here 2 years this time around. I also lived there for about 2 years as a new grad.

Mark, I feel bad for you. You must have worked in some not so nice places.

markjrn · Jan 28, 2006

I worked in SK. Not good. Everyone there was leaving for Alberta.

fergus51 · Jan 28, 2006

Yeah, that's never appealed to me. I think there is such a HUGE variety of places in Canada (and the US).

Robin McNaueal, RN · Feb 3, 2006

Both can give out meds: RNs & LVNs.

Sarah, RNBScN · Feb 4, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by fergus51

I've done both... I love nursing in Canada because:

1. Money is not an issue for our patients, ever. I never feel pressured to deliver the cheapest care possible.

2. Unions. Thank God for unions.

3. Decent ratios and decent pay (see #3 for why).

4. Less emphasis on "customer" servive. Patients are still patients here (or clients, but NOT customers).

5. I still feel like ethical patient care is the goal and more important than other concerns.

====================================================

All health disciplines are respected and recognized; team; hollistic approach in Ontario.

zaleah · Feb 6, 2006

I have worked in the states and in Canada, Canada is better because

1) client's are patients (they come to us for help0

2) they are allowed to seek a second opinion

3)the money

4)ONLY ONE GUNSHOT WOUND A WEEK (IN TORONTO, HAVING A BIG, BAD GANG PROBLEM RIGHT NOW)

5)SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN DRUNK DRIVING, WE TOOK RESPONSBILITY FOR IT AND ARE TRYING TO FIX IT. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTED NOW!!!!!

Gennaver, MSN · Feb 8, 2006

We do have seasons (you can definitely tell it's winter right now!), they just aren't as pronounced. I used to think it was funny when people were whining that it was cold when it was in the 50s, but I've obviously been acclimatized to California or something because it feels cold to me too now:chuckle

Fergus,

Even though I am from Chicago I have heard -several- friends and associates relate this type of information to me. What they say is that once they moved to the south or the west that they were never able to tolerate the cold from the north quite the same.

Although one of them said that he had no problem returning from the Southwest and adjusting to the cold again, the first time, then he moved South for work again (TX, AZ and CA) and when he returned he realized that he didn't know how easy he had it before because he was no longer able to tolerate our regular weather!

I am the opposite I guess, I am really, really looking forward to moving north. It hasn't been cold enough here for me to wear my sorel's or ski pants in years! Its downright hot, to me.

Gen

p.s. hopefully you will re-adjust back to the cooler weather with ease like the guy I know did the first time he returned.