LaurieMakingA'way

Hi there, I feel your frustration! I was in the same boat as you a year ago. I am a Canadian RN living and working in Texas. My goal was originally to work in California but I didn't have a SSN and you do need a SSN to apply for Cali license - there is no way of getting around it. After I passed the NCLEX, I got a job offer at a hospital in Texas in which I got a SSN. After a couple months of working I applied for my Cali license. I waited 6 months to get my license in the mail! Ensure you read all the instructions and provide everything in detail when you send your application. Your going to have to take a detour and work in another state first then make your way up to Cali. But don't worry if it's what you really want go after it! Hope this helps

Hi all, So I am in a predicament that I know SEVERAL other nurses (my nurse friends included) can relate to. So I am going on my 6th year of nursing, the last 4 have been in ER and prior to take I was a med-surg RN. I also have done per diem and clinical instructing for a college institution. I am a Canadian RN currently living in Texas. I recently quit my full time job (I got another part time at a freestanding ER which is much better) because the working conditions were deplorable. For example, I often would go 12 hours with only a 15 minute break, and when I did end up taking my full break I would come back to new patients, several orders and no help. Lets just say this department wasn't into team nursing. Anyway I'm feeling stuck. I have been dissatisfied with many of my nursing jobs. I have been spending lots of time researching different avenues of nursing that I may be interested in. No I am not interested in hospice/home health, not into informatics, don't particularly want to be an NP but I wouldn't mind going back to school to get my Masters. I am interested in the general umbrella of health and wellness. My ideal job would be working as a RN in a non hospital settings where I provide wellness coaching and public health services mixed in. I am aware of health coaching courses you can do, but there doesn't seem to be a market for health and wellness nurses. And if there are jobs they are severely underpaid. I am quite frustrated because with all my research I feel like I am not finding the answer I am looking for. I created a blog last year to share my experiences as a Canadian RN moving to Texas which I am very happy with, I was also thinking of nurse blogging. Is anyone out there feeling the same like me? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi There! I totally sympathize with your anxiety about making a new move! It can be scary and the uncertainties can keep you up at night. [COLOR=#000000]I moved to Houston a couple of months ago and I work for one of the major health care systems in Houston. If you are thinking of moving to Houston there are tonnes of jobs for speciality areas for experienced nurses specifically. I came from Canada so it is a big adjustment for me to be working and living here. But I would say overall my experiences have been positive.[/COLOR] Cheers, Laurie

Hi Lou1991. How is your process moving along? I moved to Houston a couple of months ago and I work for one of the major health care systems in Houston. If you are thinking of moving to Houston there are tonnes of jobs for speciality areas for experienced nurses specifically. I am also an ER RN, and I see job postings for ER positions frequently. you can message me privately if you want more info. Cheers, Laurie

Hi JuLeSx7d7, I moved to Houston a couple of months ago and I work for one of the major health care systems in Houston. If you are thinking of moving to Houston there are tonnes of jobs for speciality areas for experienced nurses specifically. I am also an ER RN, and I see job postings for ER positions frequently. Cheers, Laurie

Hi Sun2525, I moved to Houston a couple of months ago and I work for one of the major health care systems in Houston. I moved from Canada but from what I gather experienced RNs can make between 34-50USD/hr (but thats variable depending on your years of experience and the hospital you are working at). Cheers! Laurie

Hey all RN's and future RN's, Happiest new year to all of you! I am a Canadian RN from Ontario who has recently moved to Texas and I am now working full time at a major health system in Houston. It's a great opportunity that has inspired me to start a new blog called Lauriemakingaway.blog I wanted to share my perspective as a young urban Canadian female moving from Canada to the USA with you all. As we all know making the move can be intimidating, stressful and outright overwhelming! And during my transition all nurses.com has been a great resource for me. I have gotten so much help from you all so I wanted to give back! Come alongside my journey as I navigate this new experience and share my insights along the way. Learn from my mistakes and hopefully get encouragement from my experiences. Feel free to follow my blog at Makingaway.blog. I will post regularly as I have so much to share! I have been in Texas for a couple months now and it has taken me for a spin! Happy New Year and all the best for your travel adventures! LaurieMakingA'Way

I am moving to houston to work at MH, may I ask what hospital you work for?

Thanks for your response. Yeah, I am aware its not in the best of areas. Do you know anything about the culture of the er department (like to nurses enjoy working on that unit), staff morale? etc. Thanks so much!

Hello All! So I am a Canadian RN who just received a job offer for memorial hermann - southwest hospital in Houston, Texas in their emergency department! I am very excited and wanted some insight on opinions about the southwest hospital and specifically the ER department. I am coming with 5 years of nursing experience (3 of those years in emerg). Your insights are welcomed! Thanks all :)

Hello, they rejected your license? Did you not take OB in university/college at all. Did you already have a job offer?

Thanks for the response. Thats unfortunate to hear about the unfavourable work conditions. Do you think this is a general concensus when working in the state of Florida? Are there Magnet teaching hospital that have better nurse satisfaction? Thanks!

Thanks for your response. Are you or have you worked as an RN in Florida? What have been your experience there if you have? Your insight would be helpful. I have read numerous forum but they really just speak to the low pay and not over working conditions.

Hello all, I am a Canadian RN entering my 5th year into the nursing profession. I currently work in an busy ED . I have passed my NCLEX, completed my CGFNS (and have my certificate). I am now looking into relocating to the states for more opportunities. My initial first choice was Cali (for obvious reasons: sun and $). But Cali is difficult to obtain a nursing license (due to educational requirements and long processing times). So I thought to try either Texas or Florida. I am really having a hard time deciding which would be a better option. My goals are to work for a Magnet teaching hospital, save money and enjoy the city I will be living in. Texas (in particular Dallas and Houston - I hear are very spread out cities and can be hard to meet new people if your on your own). Florida is inexpensive, beautiful weather but with lower wages. I have never visited either state. Any feedback would be great, I know its a broad question. Any insight on hourly wages of speciality RN with 4 years experience in a major Dallas or Houston city hospital (or in Florida). Any insights would be great!!! Thanks all!

Hello all, I am a Canadian RN entering my 5th year into the nursing profession. I currently work in an busy ED . I have passed my NCLEX, completed my CGFNS (and have my certificate). I am now looking into relocating to the states for more opportunities. My initial first choice was Cali (for obvious reasons: sun and $). But Cali is difficult to obtain a nursing license (due to educational requirements and long processing times). So I thought to try either Texas or Florida. I am really having a hard time deciding which would be a better option. My goals are to work for a Magnet teaching hospital, save money and enjoy the city I will be living in. Texas (in particular Dallas and Houston - I hear are very spread out cities and can be hard to meet new people if your on your own). Florida is inexpensive, beautiful weather but with lower wages. I have never visited either state. Any feedback would be great, I know its a broad question. Any insight on hourly wages of speciality RN with 4 years experience in a major Dallas or Houston city hospital (or in Florida). Any insights would be great!!! Thanks all!