Possibly Heading Down to the USA to See If the Grass Is Greener

[Near Done Nurse]

Hi everybody,

I am going to be graduating this spring 2004 from a BscN program. I recently went to a jobfair which had hospitals from both Canada and the USA which provided me tons of information but also gave me little hope of remaining in Canada. Every Canadian hospital I spoke with told me that as a new grad I would only be able to be hired on casual or part-time with exception to sick kids in Toronto. Unfortunately money is a big issue having to repay all of my student loans so this isn't good enough.

The story was much different when I spoke to the American recruiters who offered me everything I had hoped for and more. I would appreciate if anybody out there who has previously worked in the USA could tell me about their experiences both positive and negative. And also are these packages some of the hospitals offering for real?

Thanks

[fergus51]

I went through a recruiter and can refer you, if you would like (let me know and I will pm you). She was excellent.

[monie2004]

Hi fergus I sent you a PM

[vashka25]

I just graduated back in the spring of last year....and immediately went to work in Pennsylvania. I did all of my own legwork, calling and talking to human resources personnel, and a few hospitals even flew me down to view the facilities and interview. I ended up taking a full time position in a Cardio Thoracic ICU, and haven't looked back. When I interviewed on individual units I also requested to have an "aside"interview with at least 3 nurses from that particular unit and talk to them about the problems, stressors, and overall flow of their work environment.

Most hospitals like the one I am at will pay of a large portion of your student loans, your relocation, they have provided all of my critical care training, and offer continuing education money...and if you are wise you can talk them out of forcing you to sign a contract....(hospitals are so strapped for nurses that many will waive the contract and take their chances just for a warm body)

I am sure if you are extremely thorough with the way you "interview the hospital", and find one that meets your needs.

The only problem I have encountered in coming down here is that immigration has LOST my paperwork twice now, and I have been without a Social Security Number for over 3 months now....(which down here means I can't open a bank account, no drivers license, etc etc etc) I also had to cancel my flight home for xmas due to this because I do not exist in the immigration database, and until they fix it I can't get back down if I go home for the holidays.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

~Dawn~

[bizzymum919]

The hospital experience depends on the area also. In the Southern states such as Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Florida and North Carolina the conditions are quite nice and they do have you shadow a nurse for a while before they let you fly on your own. They will entice with money because most facilities can afford to due to the Medicare and Medicaid systems.

Places that have a high retirement population will have many places for opportunities for new grads and not just in the geriatric hospitals.

There is a lot of flexibility with schedules and other bonuses so that they can entice nurses from all over. But before you agree on ANYTHING, make sure you get everything in writing.

I live and work in Virginia and I know that the teaching hospitals in the area are really great to work at. They just love new grads.

I hope this helps a bit.

Elaine

:)

[monie2004]

So for all the Canadain nurses who moved how do you handle income tax (child tax, gst) and paying any bills left up here? I have also been told to make sure I keep dual papers? And approx how long does it take for you and your family to get the Green Cards?

[messiebare]

Moving to the states is a really big move, but the chance of a lifetime. I recently made the move to california and have been down here for 9 months. It is the best experience ever. Just a few words of advice 1) research the hospital and the area before you take a job offer 2) recruiters will always make their hospital sound like the best place ever, but try and talk to people that work there. 3) try take a tour of the hospital 4) you are going to get homesick, everyone does, but give it a chance for at least 6 months...if you still hate it by then, move on. 5) NEVER sign a contract. That is the only reason i moved down here is because i didn't have to sign a contract. I can leave when i want and it is amazing. 6) don't get discouraged by all the paper work and all. Just be persistent. Even i am getting scared about the new cgfns visa sreening they are putting us through, but i know we can do it. 7) sometimes it is not all it is cracked up to be........they work you hard down here, with the new ratios it is a bit better, but i still run non stop some days. The patients are definitly sicker down here for the most part. Hope this helps.

[messiebare]

one things about recruiter............i posted my resume on the CNA website stating what i wanted and where i wanted to go and the canadian recruiters contacted me for jobs in the states. They were the best at helping me out in preparing me for the big move and helping me with all the crazy paperwork. They can be a bit pushy at times too, but make sure you stand your ground. Tell them what you want!! I have a few good recruiters if you want PM me. I would be more than happy to share.

[melissa Ellner]

Will you have to understand that in the States there is a Huge nursing shortage!! We need you!

Hospitals are willing to pay because there is not enough Nurses here to fill the position! Hospitals are willing to train and pay for your continuing education just to get you to stay! So Yes America is desperate for good nurses like you!

[bizzymum919]

The nursing shortage is worldwide and the opportunities for relocation and exploration are wide open. I would LOVE to move from Virginia to Canada, but the immigration is a bit hard and I am hearing that they are only accepting BSN's from the US and there is not enough permanent work for new immigrants. I need stability if I am to relocate anywhere with my family.

I would love to relocate back home (UK) where an RN is an RN no matter whether is it diploma, ASN, or BSN.

It also puzzles me that when there is a nursing shortage, some states have waiting lists for entry into their nursing programs and the hospitals are not willing to pay decent wages for nurses.

Some of the scheduling and conditions where some nurses work are terrible and they wonder why so many leave and go elsewhere.

Elaine

:)