nightowl29

I'm a RN and a WFR. I took the course because of the amount of time I spend in the backcountry. While it might not do much for my resume, on a personal level it was a great decision to take the course despite the cost. I learned some new skills that I would never have any use for working on my unit....but I've already found indispensable away for close health care. Just ask the guy whose shoulder I reduced:) I say go for it, if you have any interest and are able to swing it financially.

Hi TFoy... I'll be honest. I really lucked out as far as financing my education goes. During the four years I went to school in Canada, the average exchange rate was $1USD = $1.5 Canadian. Now it's about $1 USD = .97 Canadian. I had a really good job during the summer months and breaks, so I actually didn't have to get outside assistance besides a little from my family. Looking back I realize how fortunate I was. So I wish I could give you more information on finding financial assistance when going to school as an international student in Canada, but I really don't know. Hopefully the financial aid office at UBC could give you a bit more direction. As far as living arrangements, I lived on campus for my 1st year which was a really great way to meet people, and then I lived in an apartment with friends for the next 3 years which worked out to be a little bit cheaper and worked out really well. Hmmm...I'm trying to think of any other info that might be helpful. It was very easy to get a student visa. At one of the border crossings, I showed them my university admission papers, paid around $100, and they gave me a 4 year student visa in return. I hope this helps a little!

Hi! I'm from the states and went to nursing school in British Columbia. Honestly, it ended up being a fabulous experience. I was accepted into the program first time I applied. One huge bonus to going to school there was being able to start practicums 2nd semester of 1st year...and this was a 4 year program. At the time, it seemed like most programs in the states didn't start practical rotations until your 3rd year, but I'm not sure if this is still the case. One added benefit that I had that you unfortunately won't was the fact that the US dollar was much stronger at the time. Right now the Canadian and US dollar are right about even. That said...I love Canada, I loved going to school in Canada and I felt like I received an exceptional education there. There was no issue in passing the NCLEX and the transition from student nurse to practicing RN went very smoothly. I had no difficulty in registering for the NCLEX or getting licensed in several states...but I don't know if the process has changed. For me, the process was really seamless. Even with the exchange not being as optimal, I'd still really encourage anyone interested in going to school in Canada to check it out. Hope this helps and good luck!

Hey, I'm in the process of transitioning from working as a subacute nurse for 6 yrs to getting my first job on an acute care unit. I have a couple more shifts and then I'll be off of orientation. I'll be honest...I had a lot of fears making this transition. I had people tell me that I was going to be "eaten alive" after spending so many years in subacute nursing and then trying to transition into acute care. From the sounds of it, my previous job had a lot of the same responsibilities as yours. Anyway, yeah, I was a little scared and intimidated. That all said...even though I've only been on the unit for 4 weeks...I'm absolutely loving my new job. The skills I had learned in the subacute setting have served me well, and I'm loving the challenge of increased critical thinking/a different set of patients/expanding my skills set, etc. It also has really helped that everyone on the unit has been so supportive of me. They remind me that even though I expect myself to know everything...that they don't...and that they or someone else is always available for my questions or whatever. Making this transition has really put a spark in my career that I was starting to feel kind of ambivalent about. Hope this helps a little and good luck!