jlisle

As an ER nurse, my heart goes out to the women who present to the ER with symptoms of miscarriage. These women often wait long times to be diagnosed and seen in the ER because they are usually physically stable in comparison to other ER patients. They suffer silently in psychological distress because there is often little time to provide emotional support and are often forced to return to the ER on multiple occations i.e. for U/S, D&C's etc. However, unfortuneately there are few other places they can go for to receive these tests and see specialists promptly. I recently learned that in the UK and Australia they have attempted to address this issue by developing "miscarriage clinics" where these women can go to receive care, rather then going to the ER. What a great idea. It makes more efficient use of resources and provides better care to these women. Why haven't we adopted something similar here? I'm interested in your thoughts on whether or not you think the idea of "miscarriage clinics" would work in North America. What barriers do you see to establishing such clinics.

Got my BScN at Ottawa U last year then got hired at the ER where I did my preceptorship . . . so I stayed here. Janet

Hi Rosie, I've writen both my CNRE (Canadian) and the NCLEX (US). I would not recommend studying from any NCLEX guide as the US nursing board exam is very different than the Canadian exam. It tends to focus more on anatomy/physiology and pharmacology whereas the Canadian exam I found to have a lot of psychosocial questions. There are good guides for the Canadian exam too. The CNRE guide put out by the CNA I found the best (which you already used I think). Mosby also has a good guide (though the questions a little more factual based than the actual exam). The Canadian exam now also has short answer questions and I believe that the CNA guide is the only one that addresses those types of questions. Good luck to you, Janet

It was memmorial hospital. Do you know much about the hospital??

Hi, I'm a Canadian Nurse. I graduated last year and would be happy to help with any questions you have about lisencing in Canada. I'm not sure if the CNA (Canadian Nurses Association) will accept your US nursing liscense without you writing the Canadian Nursing exam but if you contact them they will be able to help you (just google their website). You then must apply for a lisence for the province you want to work in. (i.e. in Ontario the College of Nurses of Ontario). However, if you have proof of graduating froman accredited nursing program you can apply for a temporary lisence to work even before you pass you RN exam. This lisence is good for 6-8 months. I should warn you that jobs in Canada aren't the same as the US. Here you really have to sell yourself to the agencies whereas in the US its seems to be more about them selling their hospital to you. (I'm applying to move to the US and travel nurse for a while right now so this is just my perception). Also, because of our pubically funded healthcare system there isn't as much money. Relocation pay, sign on bonus etc are seldom hear dof and you must pay all your own lisencing fees. A new grad startes at $21.70 (CDN) per hour in Ontario. It is also difficult to get FT work as hospitals do not want to pay health benefits and pension. PT work is more readily available though if these things are not a big concern to you. Canada is a beautiful country though. I love it here but as far as job opportunities go I think they are better in the US. I plan on going down there for a bit, travelling and making some money then moving back here. If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM. I'd be glad to help however I can, Janet

I agree. If your not happy in your work it effects how you do your job. In the same token, as a new grad it's nice to start out in an environment that your familiar with. No need to worry about getting to know your staff, hospital policy, procedure, ward routine etc. I don't know about you but as a new grad I was worried enough about how I was going to manage without the comfort zone of calling myself a "student" and my preceptor. I started work in the ER where I did my preceptorship and it worked out very well for me. Made it a little easier transition from student to RN I think. But ultimately it's up to you. Maybe you like change more than I do. Good luck to you! Janet

I was hired as a new grad into ED last april and I don't regret my decision at all. Yes I realize that M/S experience may have helped me gain a broader knowlege base before starting into the ED but if your hospital offers the right orientation and CE courses (ACLS, PALS, ENPC, TNCC etc.) then you'll be fine. This also gives them (in the ED) the chance to mold you the way they want . . . before you pick up "bad habits". Just know your limits . . . if something new comes up that your not experienced in don"t be afraid to ask for help. Others are usu more then willing to offer a hand and you can learn so much from the more experienced nurses. Besides, you'll be a much better nurse if your doing something that you enjoy. Good luck!

Hi, I've been an RN for almost a year now and have worked in Emerg since I graduated last June. I have recently passed my NCLEX and am thinking of moving to the States. I've had job offers from Emerg rooms in Modesto CA and Austin Texas. Any advice on the pros and cons of either?? I'm 24 and single. I grew up in a small town but then moved to the big city (Ottawa Ontario) so I know both big city and small town life. I haven't been a nurse that long so I want to work somewhere with strong continuing education programs and orientation for new nurses . . plus I'll be far away from home so a warm and welcoming atmosphere would also be great. I'm also a runner so safe and nice running trailos would be an added bonous. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thnx, Janet