joey1967

Hi All, I am an RN in Alberta and want to relocate back to Victoria by Feb 08. I am looking for the status on working conditions/jobs. Job board seems to be ok, is there alot of casual work? What about safety, anyone know of safety issues, i.e. nurse to patient ratios, acuity. I work in mental health, would like to stay in this area. I have a wide range of experience, from geriatrics, to youth. Any info would be great. Also interested in wages, I am going to step 3 here, I understand that step increments are transferable from Alberta to BC and visa versa, meaning I wont' have to start out at the bottom of pay grid. Anyone have info on overtime? alot of OT here in Alberta, wondering if same in BC. Thanks in advance, please email me privately if you want :)

This latest contract "offering" is INSULTING. I too was at the meeting on the 11th but unfortunately could not stay to hear how we move forward and get our voices heard. Staff on my unit are also worried that the Union will cave, I hope otherwise. I know that there is a media ban in place, maybe this was not a good idea??? Unfortunately, I feel that public support is wavering with nurses, it seems that complaints to CARNA are at an all time high. The abuse on medical units from pts and their families is also increasing....What can we do to fix this - we are victims like the pts we care for, stuck in a terrible system, the public needs to get on board with this and also pressure the province to take these negotiations seriously. On my already short staffed unit, we have lost one FTE to Sask. This nurse with 10+ years of experience did exactly what was mentioned, took a nice bonus, sold their house, now will live with money in the bank and without the stress of a population surge out of control. The mayors of our larger urban centers should also be pressuring the province to get with it and get real about the situation. And the downside - this problem is only going to get worse, as this population ages, as more people relocate, as more young people have babies...And these "new additions" of hospitals furiously being built, which will "ease" the crisis...I laugh. How long can the Health Regions ignore the real truth...new units will open, but beds will be closed because of staffing shortages. A costly ineffective soloution IMHO. Nurses will not be able to relocate because this contract does not even match the increase of living in Alberta, especially Calgary, where the COL is 3 times the national average...When you are paying 8 dollars for a pint of Hagendaz, you know things are out of control! :) I do not know what UNA's position is as far as striking - I know we cannot legally strike, but can we do anything else??? Do we stop filling in the shifts for sick calls and empty lines???? Can someone fill me in?

I just saw the latest offer to UNA - and I must say, shame on the province. :angryfire We need to compensate nurses fairly for the tough job we are currently faced with, especially here in Calgary, where going to work is like going to the frontline of a war. We have a had plenty of media attention drawing all eyes to the fact that we are in a HEALTH CARE CRISIS. What will it take for the province to get this message??? The cost of living is becoming unaffordable for many single nurses that I work with, housing is a challenge, gas, food, etc., not much left over after all the bills are paid. Heads up new nurses thinking of relocating here - you will have to work full time if you don't have a parnter and want to go it alone. Some health regions are using overtime as recruitment strategy!!! HUH, and WHOSE risk??? Overtime is a double edged sword, working 16 hours a day, and shortshifting, are not SAFE options to keep enough units staffed. People get tired, make mistakes, get run down, sick. Not to mention the mental toll you face when physically and mentally exhausted. I encourage all UNA members to look at the newest offering and make their voices heard!!!

Hi, Should have mentioned - The 80 patients could mean ANY shift, no gaurantee there will even be 2 LPN's on, who do the same thing, i.e. meds, accept they do not take orders from Dr's. The manager said I would have to leave my floor and then go to another unit to do the meds as well. Nothing changes, I still have all the responsibility, and not just managing, doing meds, treatments, dr's call and staffing, I just do it for two units. It sounds bad, anyhow....

Hi, Thanks, I totally Agree. I am sort of bummed because the facility is about 6 blocks from my house. I did a google and found a few complaints with the union about working conditions and staffing levels, and this was just in May, and nothing has been done to resolve the problem since then ,because the manager said "they are still working on staffing levels". So basically, I think doing 32-40 is ok, one unit is subacute, there are a couple of locked wards for dementia and three words for the more stable, cognitively intact people.The manager was leaning towards the fact that they have very hard time staffing on weekends, which means I'd be between 2 units and that freaks me out. She said the LPN's do pretty much the same as RN's but they are short LPN's as well. Anyway, have to let her know today - I could do casual which basically means I have no committment under union contract, I could try picking up a shift here and there to see how it goes. If it is really bad then I just don't pick up anymore shifts. Hate to do this though, always looks crappy on the resume. Thanks :)

Hi All, New to this forum. I need some input ASAP. Was offered a job today in LTC. I am an RN - will be responsible for 32-40 patients with two LPN's to *manage* whatever this means, as I feel LPN's don't need to be managed, they are trained health care professionals. Additionally, if an RN does not show up for a another unit (there are 7 units in total), I will also be responsible for the patient load on this unit as well, including the meds, calls to MD's, staffing - potentially I could have 80 patients. Things are super tight at this facility and they are in crisis ie. severe nursing shortage, manager very upfront about this problem right now and says they are trying to do everything in their power to change this but it is tough (nursing shortage everywhere) Duties include: Meds, Treatments, Call MD's, and Staffing, no personal care as there are 5-6 attendants per floor per shift. I am new to LTC, and coming from acute, this seems too unreasonable, however, not sure what the average ratio is in LTC. Can someone give some input into this. The facility is new and is very nice, however, I've come to learn to know that this means diddley squat when it comes to workload. I want my patients to be safe under my care, this doesn't sit well with me. Anywhoooooo....?????? Thanks, JJ

Hi, As of Jan 2006, BC was to offer signing bonuses for new nurses that exceeded $1000 and were available to most new nurses relocating to BC with a position. I've done a search on the internet and cannot find any any information on this, other than the bonus that was given to those nurses in BC as of March 2006. Additionally, does anyone know if casual employees in BC are entitled to benefits, of, anykind??? Thanks, jo

Had to throw my two cents in here, I would agree, the Canadian health care system is in crisis. I have only been an RN for a year, and have spent the first part of the year working in the hospital where I got burnt out and witnessed first hand bed shortages, patients waiting in halls and out in Ambulance bays for hours on end for a bed, way too early discharges, staff shortages, you name it. It could not be any worse. The last part of the year I’ve worked in the Community - now I see what happens first hand to those discharged early because a hospital bed is needed. Many go home sick, without support, and without Dr’s to properly follow up. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have had to call EMT to take a client back to the hospital. Everything from serious infections to CHF, you name it. I had a 100 year old woman sent home from ER via a TAXI cab at 1 AM in the morning, no family support. The ER dr said he needed the space and couldn’t keep her there until 7 AM. I’ve had client’s in mental health crisis only to call support services to find out that there is a 3 month wait list - The stories I could tell are endless. I often feel helpless as a nurse. It is a serious situation where I am, in Calgary, we have a serious population boom, but not the infrastructure to support this influx of people - not enough Doctors, Nurses, etc., Waitlists are long. Surgeons have had to cancel surgeries at due to nursing shortages this summer. From a personal end of the spectrum, I have Canadian family members who have paid to go to Mayo Clinic instead of wait almost a year to see a specialist in Ontario. I do agree that if you are in an accident or are in serious condition you get ASAP. I also agree that we have medical interventions often that are questionable, for example, on one unit I was on, we had a 96 year old woman being operated on for a Bladder Suspension due to incontinence!! All because her children would rather not move her from her current nursing home into a nursing facility that would take care of an indwelling catheter. I’ve seen the same for 92 year old man in urology operated on because of dribbling……These are not unusual cases either. I am not sure what health is like in the States, but I do believe that if you are wealthy enough, you can get the best care ASAP….

Hi, I see this, great for those living close to TO...unfortunately I am going to be living 21 hours from TO via car and only 4 hours to Minnesota where I would write, hence the reason I need to write in Minnesota...I guess it will be more paper work but the price is actually cheaper for me to write in the States with the licensing fees for Minn in comparison with having to travel to TO via car, or airplane and then overnight it a hotel. Any ideas on how long it is taking for Minn to get out there paperwork once it is received???? Anyone out there?

Hi All, Well, I put my move to the USA on hold, and now that I'm moving out of province to move to USA eventually, I've lost ALL info on my computer on steps to write NCLEX!!! I did find the download for Visa Screen and Minnesota License. Now here is my question - I am going to be living in ONtario for summer and am 4 hrs from the Minnesota Border. I am going to write the NCLEX during this time, but don't know when cause it is only a 4 hour drive to testing site, I want it to be flexible. Now, do I absolutley need to have my Minnesota License Application BEFORE I book to write (I will need to get working on this pronto if this is the case) or can I just book through Pearson Vue and then go down to write, pay the fees, and once get results apply for Minn. License...I am not sure where I am going to work, but am taking a relative down to the Mayo Clinic in Rochestor, Minnesota in July and am going to check out the hospital while down there and do some networking if I like it... Thanks for the Help in Advance.

Hi Diva - Moving can be such a pain - I've done it coast to coast a couple of times in my life in Canada and know what being without a car is like. Maybe you could rent for a couple of weeks? Sometimes the cost of getting shipped faster is actually the same price as getting a rental? I hope the hospital you are going to work at is going to reimburse you (maybe they could for the rental?). Costs do add up - and it is sort of gamble if you really don't know much about the area you are moving to. I hope it all works out for you - keep the faith JJ

Hi, Thanks - I figured as much as I've looked into this a million times but was thinking "oh maybe something has changed" LOL!! As you can see I have the mental block with NCLEX. Oh well, so much for wishful thinking. Also thanks for the heads up on the hospital- I'll look into the other colour scheme ... Thanks Again -

Hi All, A quick question - I was on the Univeristy of North Carolina's nursing recruitment website, and for Canadian Nurses, they are indicating that the NCLEX is NOT required. Link is below. Direct quote, " The North Carolina Board of Nursing currently does not require Canadian RNs to write the NCLEX-RN. The North Carolina Board of Nursing currently endorses the Canadian Licensure process for Registered Nurses." This must be an error????? I take it the website has NOT been updated? Can someone verify this. I've emailed the recruiter but I just thought I'd throw this out there to those who have the knowledge. As well, anyone know or heard of this hosptial, the recruitment ad in the magazine says they have 130 Canadian nurses working for them, all very satisfied. http://www.unchealthcare.org/site/Nursing/nurseleadership/nurseatunch/canada

Thanks Fergus - This is the kind of stuff I need to get educated about - I would have had NO idea...considering my age I don't think an HMO would be the best bet, I mean I am very healthy but I see women on my unit all time, in the same physical condition and same age, who have unexpected health issues, like cancer, etc., I would not want to be in this position without proper health care coverage. While I'm thinking of it, would you be able to tell me how insurance works to protect one's nursing license while working in the USA. I am thinking I would like to move into L & D or post maternal care but understand that this is an area that is heavily sued in the States. Any advice or information on liability insurance???

Wow -Thanks for this great info. I am actually pushing 40 (nursing is a second career for me) so I won't be rooming or living in a dorm, hence the concern for affordable housing. I am also looking at working in Northern California or half way between somewhere (i.e. San Fran and LA) as opposed to Central (I think LA is central?). So this may limit my options. I see that some Canadian Hospitals are offering great training but unfoturnately they will not pay for relocation costs, nor the cost of interviews (to fly out to a city) which is unfortuante because I've had alot of interest from places I would consider moving to, but will not do so out of pocket. I could consider other States that have great incentives like SC or NC, I haven't ruled anything out but CA seems to have the best offers overall. Thanks again.

Thanks :). I am fairly new to the profession, I'll have one year under my belt by the time I relocate. I do want to change specialities and am looking at a specific area. One hospital indicated that they had great training programs, but I started to push to get this in writing and they backed off. So I am a little leary. There is no point in me leaving here, if I don't get the training and advancement that I want. A full time job is great, but the training is just as important. The cost of the wage for some hospitals seems low in comparison with the cost of living, but the income is lower than Canada, by far (this is if I am understanding the IRS website correctly). My plan would be to go down for 3-5 years and get more training then come back. I am curious, I read posts of Canadians on here who are now making 100,000+ a year in their speciality and am wondering if this is inflated, or if it is really possible to make this???? This seems incredible considering the top of the pay here is about 68,000 or so a year.

Hi All, Well after receiving some really helpful posts from all you working in the USA, I've decided that California seems to be the best bet for me as far as relocating. Even with the high rate of tax, the quality of life seems to be worth it. I am working with various hospitals and really do not know how much "bargaining" power I have. Questions that I am asking each hospital recruiter - Is health care insurance provided, do I pay, or do they pay? Educational allowances, training opportunities, what are they will to provide? Rate of pay (sticky one) seems to be lower at some hosipitals so I've asked the lower rated payers, how pay scales work and how long increments take (because the cost of living is so high). And of course, bonuses, relocation allowances (everyone seems to have the same offer, but I am wondering, do they ever compete i.e. hospitals, as far as bonuses go?) I'm looking at relocating in about 4-5 months, as the paper work will take this long and I will continue to work and get more experience and skills. Anyway, if you all could let me know how to "bargain" and what to ask, if I've missed anything, please message me privately if you'd like, or just post public. Your help and experience is invaluable to me:nurse:

Hi, I just called P.Vue - Can't write NCLEX in Canada have to go to US (. Oh well....

Really??? Here I was thinking I'd have to go to Billings, Montana, I'm in Calgary! I'll have to call them ASAP and find out what my options are...Thanks for this, maybe I'll be off to the states quicker than I thought :) Good luck!

Hi, I'm in Alberta...I was wondering where you are writing the NCLEX i.e. which city in the States. I'm not originally from here and am not sure where the closest location is for me? You can PM if you want with the info... Thanks!

Hi All, I received a job description from a small hospital on Vancouver Island, in BC, and saw that "written nursing care plan" was part of nursing duties. I have never done a written care plan - The University I attended in Alberta did away with formal care plans about 5 or 6 years ago. We are given different medical scenarios and asked to prepare a presentation with what nursing "measures" would be implemented to provide proper care, which I believe, is the same thing. In Alberta, we have computerized systems in the hosptials , and the majority of orders, including care measures, are in our patients summaries/printouts. I'm curious to know, how many of you out there who graduated within the last few years, were taught to do written care plans? I have talked to other nurses from BC and the Yukon Territories, who said care plans were part of their nursing program...not sure about the rest of Canada? Jo, RN, BN, BA

Hi, Thanks Sweet Pea, it is Santa Barbara - the rent is high there, if I accept an offer I want to make sure I am not living in a closet and that I will have enough to live off of, as well as put something into savings;( I won't be travel nursing, so I wouldn't have to pay Can taxes as well...I laughed when the Recruiter mentioned "living with a roommate", I'm 38 and feel well past the need to have a roommate. I guess it is one way to save money, but not the route I'd choose to go. :) Fergus - Thanks. I use to live in Ontario and in comparison to the rest of Canada, they have a fairly high tax rate ...I thought taxes were suppose to be "low" in the USA... Thanks again, Jo

Hi, Could someone tell me how personal taxes work in CA - I have an offer from a hospital, the pay is 27.50 American starting with a 4 hr shift diff...The cost of living is high, and I don't think the salary is enough to save anything, plus, the hosptial really low balled the rental rate, it was laughable to what rentals really cost. Maybe this is a fair wage if there isn't too much tax, in Canada we are taxed to death...??? If I am from Canada and work in CA, will I have to pay both taxation rates????? How does medical coverage work, is this normally provided??? Jo

Hi, I am from Victoria (transplanted to Alberta but thinking of moving back). Victoria is beautiful, but very expensive rent wise...Vancouver, beautiful, but very expensive rent wise....I am not sure if you have pets, but if you do, getting a rental can be even harder since they have all kinds of restrictions on pets and rentals in British Columbia. Outer limits of Vancouver are nice, and the rent is reasonable (Fraser Valley, Richmond, Burnaby) Kamploops is small...I am curious to know if you have secured employment because this might affect your decision. I've recently been dealing with the Fraser Valley Health Region, and they only have casual work for new employees - in most areas. They state that most internal candidates get the full and part time lines and that newbies need to start out in casual, which IMO, is a bunch of Bunk. I've also heard from VI and they have already offered me one permanent full time in med/surg, so the job situation is a bit different there, but then again, you are looking at shelling out alot of money for rent every month. Kelowna is great and they are hiring for full time as well, but rent is also pricey (a friend of mine just moved from there)...Try to get online and check out as many Chamber of Commerce websites as you can with regards to the various cities in BC (get a map and start researching). Additionally, there is alot of work if you would like to go to a more "remote" area of BC, very beautiful, very laid back places are always hiring. If you want more information on living in BC, message me privately. Good Luck

I was just going over the cost of what it will cost me to move to the US - to write the NCLEX it will cost me over 1000.00 as I live no where near a testing center and will have to fly to one the cities listed - driving is out of the question, the closest destination is a day and half worth of driving one way and it is winter to boot...Then there is the Visa Screen and the cost of getting my university transcript - holy cow....This is adding up and I don't even have a firmed up job offer yet with a promise to back pay these expenses...can someone tell me an easier way around this?? Thanks, Jo, RN, BN, BA