new york or canada?

Be_Moore · May 12, 2009

Each is going to have it's own system of advantages and disadvantages. In Canada (especially Montreal) having a proficient knowledge of French would greatly benefit you...and lack thereof would possibly hinder you. Beyond the language barrier, it would seem that nursing in Canada is much more competitive than in the US. I have known many nurses who have come from Canada to work because in America, the pay is higher. On top of this, getting your "desired" job is a bit easier to do in America.

But realistically, base your decision on which place you would rather live. Would you rather live in New York or in Montreal? Because if you love your job, but hate where you live...or vice versa...you are going to be miserable! Pick where you want to live first, and then look for jobs there.

kaye09 · May 12, 2009

Oh thanks Be Moore. Your advice is a great help.

lamazeteacher · May 13, 2009

I went to nursing school in Montreal (many, many years ago), before the "language law" went into effect. That law means that all business forms (including lab reqs, nurses' notes, progress notes, etc.) must be in French and you'd need to write in French. There are "landuage police" there to be sure the law is enforced!

In the winter, it is bitterly cold for weeks at a time. I don't think your climate prepares you for that. I grew up in Toronto, where the winter is less severe, and I would spend those coldest weeks in Montreal without going outside. I lived in Nurses' Residence and there was a tunnel from that building to the hospital, where we ate in the cafeteria. That was at the Jewish General Hospital.

New York is a very expensive city, where you'd have to live a distance away from where you work. So much of your free time would be getting back and forth to work. It is also a dangerous place, and the subway underground isn't safe at night, so you'd need to take the bus, which is a lot slower.

Wherever you choose to go, you'll spend more of your time with friends from work, than with your relatives - unless you decide to be a caregiver in Montreal, where you'd be isolated and more like a servant than a nurse.

If you could see yourself in Canada, it would be better to be in Toronto, where there is no language law, and less tension from the French, who really don't want to be part of Canada. Everyone speaks English, and there's a large Phillipino community there. The subways are safe, clean, and make it easy to get around the city. Theatre and restaurants are as plentiful and wonderful there as in New York, and the museums and art galleries are fabulous.

kaye09 · May 13, 2009

Wow thanks for that info lamazeteacher. :yeah:

I've read something about the Jewish General Hospital. 2 nurses have lost their licenses because they failed in a written French test though they are proficient with. I really like to work in Canada rather than New York but that French test gave me second thoughts if I will pursue working in Canada.

The reason why I prefer Montreal is because my aunt is there and she can assist me going there. But maybe in the near future when I am already adjusted with the new environment I will try my luck in Toronto since you really gave me a good background about it.

And by the way, with no offense it is Filipino not Philipino.

loricatus · May 13, 2009

I do not know anything about working in Montreal, Canada. But if you are talking about New York City, New York, you would be working like a dog with high nurse to patient ratios. If it is upstate New York, you do not make as much money as in New York City; nor, would have the same intensity of work; but, could be nearer Canada and your Aunt.

If I were you, I would study French and then go to Canada. If that doesn't work out, then I would consider New York and would be more marketable knowing an added language :nuke:

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 13, 2009

Moved to the International forum

Working in NY with retrogression is going to take you several years. Not sure why you want to consider caregiver for Canada when you could get sorted with work on your part for RN in Canada. There are several threads discussing this in this forum and depending on your transcripts you may have to do some form of assessment.

Couple of threads to get you started

https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/faq-substantially-equivalent-387308.html

https://allnurses.com/canadian-nurses/internationally-educated-nurses-323075.html

https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/filipino-migrate-canada-220413.html

https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/how-become-rn-321784.html

penny77 · May 13, 2009

Hi,

Just wanted to give you some hope.. My mom is a filipino nurse and she managed to pass the french exam (her french is not that great)! you can do it! maybe while u are a caregiver here, you can take french classes on the side.. I also believe that nursing jobs have not been really affected in Montreal. There are still many job opportunities and hospitals interviewing.

GOOD LUCK!

kaye09 · May 13, 2009

Thanks for the replies guys.

Penny77 you really gave me hope. Can you please tell me the steps done by your mom to be able to get there?

mauiboy · May 13, 2009

what i would suggest is to get nursing experience first before thinking of going anywhere.....whether its canada,new york or timbuktu...prospective employers will be looking for relevant work experience....

penny77 · May 13, 2009

Thanks for the replies guys.
Penny77 you really gave me hope. Can you please tell me the steps done by your mom to be able to get there?

My mom came here in the late 70's with one of her friends... at the time it wasn't necessary for her to pass another board exam (she only took the one in the phils) she had to take a french test. I will ask her for more details when she's home! I just know that she tells me how difficult the french was for her, but she still managed to pass on her first try! It is a hard language to learn.. I won't lie! but there are many people who come from abroad. Australia, the US who don't speak french and they eventually learn.

When you come here, you will have to take the Quebec nursing exam plus a french test. I'm not sure.. but there might be a test that you can take within Canada but outside Quebec.. maybe in Ontario? If you pass that exam, you might be able to work in Quebec as well.. I'm not so sure about that because some rules have been changing lately. The main difference betwee these two exams is the format. The quebec exam is made of 2 parts, one is practical and one is written. In the practical, you have actors who will simulate a situation (ex: patient will have angina.. what do you do?) and an evaluator will be present to see how you respond. The second part is 3 hours of written short answer questions. The other exam that you can take to be licensed outside of quebec is purely multiple choice.

You can read this arcticle here -- > http://www.montrealgazette.com/Health/Nursing+grads+pick+choose/1578788/story.html

It was printed not long ago in the newspaper.. and will give you an idea of how nurses are in demand here.

I didn't answer ur question fully, but if you have any specifics just let me know :)

kaye09 · May 14, 2009

Thanks a lot Penny77. Now I'm trying to learn the basics of French through online and yeah it is hard. But I'm enjoying it (for now I guess) like the way I enjoy studying mandarin way back in college.