Matt511

Alright, I am attempting to navigate this process. I'm at a cross roads (at the first step already) at getting the CGFSN forms filled out by my University, they said all they can do is send my transcripts to them, as they don't fill out third party forms. I called CGFSN and they said no that's not good enough they need some information about hours spent at certain courses/experience. Has anyone just got their official transcripts sent to CGFSN and not their specific forms? I have BScN from the University of Victoria in Canada, it's a reputable program. Trying to correlate different agencies to play by each others rules is going to be near impossible I think, my charm only works so much.

OR man. It's like woodshop class of nursing. Power tools, stress, very methodical and structured. You follow a ton of rules and they usually are what they are, they aren't open for much interpretation. Always new instruments and techniques to keep you learning and the field interesting.

Rather than create a new thread I just want to add to this one, as I feel I am on the same boat somewhat. I'm looking to relocate, I understand I have to do the VISA screen through CGFNS; I'm getting the paper work for that ready at the moment. My question is, I am going to Scottsdale next week to visit family, is there anything I can or should do while in the state? I'd hate to be there, have an opportunity to get something done and not do it. I'm not in a huge rush as I am taking the perioperative course in Canada, and it won't be done until the fall of 2012. I have heard the whole process of obtaining a license can take a while though.

I'm an RN working on the mental health unit. Naive RN's will say something about RPN's, but then they are the first one to moan about having to deal with a pt that has psych issues, and say that patient should be moved to the psych unit. It ****** me off to no end that people still think there is such a difference between mental health and physical health. You'd be hard pressed to find mentally ill people with out medical issues, and medically sick people with out mental health issues. Now personally I am happy that I am an RN, it offers a bit more opportunity in terms of places to work. As an RPN, from my knowledge your stuck to psych and long term care. Nuts to what old school RN's think.

Saskatchewan, Canada. 32.68/hr base, first step in the pay scale. Top here is like 43ish I think. Double pay for OT. Looks like more than it is after a third of it is deducted in taxes and whatever else.

I don't think anyone will be able to answer that as I think it would be site or manager specific. I know exactly what you are debating yourself about. I can only tell you it did not limit me at all. If you are in psych for a while you could look at taking some courses. People think psych is unrelated to other nursing areas, in reality it is impossible to escape psychiatric issues in any area. You will have a unique skill set such as dealing with anxiety, depression etc. And when a psych patient comes into post partim you will be comfortable while everyone else is shaking in their boots.

I went from new grad right into psych. I had thought I wanted to go into a more of a med/surg area as to keep my "medical skills sharp" and then move into the OR. What I've found, is that the most important things to work on as a new grad is confidence, competence and organization. Psych will offer opportunities to work on all these. You don't suddenly forget all you're medical type skills, due to your knowledge, if you are an RN and there are RPN's on the team you may be consulted more than you think. Once you go back to postpartum or w/e you go you might have to do some reviewing and practice but with some dedication you'll be fine.

The problem with scrubs is that even if they say unisex, they are primarily made with women in mind. With that said when women size up its not usually because their legs are growing, it's because their waists are. Is there anyone you know with even basic sewing skills?