dvsbec

I work for AHS - a directive came out today from the powers that be that states there is no more money, so a hiring freeze is in place across the province. Any vacancies that come up have to be approved by the Senior Directors/VPs before they're allowed to be posted, so that alone could take weeks or months. As for the workforce transformation, in my facility, no jobs were lost or eliminated. The intent was to create full time lines (optimize the workforce), however all part time positions that already exist were created from some of those full time lines. To the OP - it is very hard to get an entry level position in the city. I'm not telling you how to live your life, however, you should be open to the possibilities of either working in an area such as LTC to gain experience, or look at smaller centres that find it hard to recruit. As for approaching managers - someone mentioned that managers have little say in who they hire. Untrue. I do all my own interviews and decide who I hire for my unit. However, there is very little I can do for someone who shows up at my door. While I appreciate their enthusiasm, they have to apply online like everyone else. Lastly - don't believe everything on Alberta governments website regarding foreigners. No foreigner can get a work permit to work here unless the employer can prove that they were unable to fill the position with a Canadian. The changes made to the work permit program have made this much harder and more expensive for the employer. We are noticing it already in the city I live in - places like A&W and Tim Hortons are already losing their TFW and unable to replace them. Add to this the hiring freeze across the province, you'll see fewer and fewer TFW (and remember, not all "foreign looking" people are temp workers, so be careful about letting prejudices show!)

I agree with previous posters - birth plans help open the dialogue between the couple and the RN. However, I do get a chuckle when I see the 10 page typed documents detailing their every wish and desire. And its more fun when they get the words wrong. I had a couple that wished to avoid having an "epidermal" and medical staff were not to offer "epidermals" at any stage! LOL Then there was the couple that brought in a *laminated* birth plan! What I love more than birth plans though - the visitors and grandparents-to-be who constantly ask "so how much longer do you reckon it'll be?" Wait while I get my crystal ball...... :)

I worked in Queensland as both an RN and a midwife. You will find it very very difficult to get a job in Ob/Gyn field as an RN as most hospitals (certainly the government funded ones) will most likely hire a midwife rather than an RN. If you did find a place to hire you, they would only have you working on a post-natal ward or in special care nursery - they only have midwives working in L&D. For the purposes of gaining a work visa - I would look at getting into more general areas such as medical or surgical. Or, look to get a position in ER, ICU, or OR and gain some experience there - speciality nurses with at least 12 months experience in specialty areas are usually well sought after. Another thing to consider - it is usually easier to get a nursing position in remote areas around australia. however, you need to consider that these areas are usually hours away from the main cities, and very poorly staffed. You are often the only nurse on duty with very little support. Just something to consider! Good luck - having just been through all the red tape and dramas of finding a nursing position in another country and all the hassles of getting permits sorted, i don't envy you at all!

I agree with you Fleetfox - i found the case study questions had me sitting there going huh? But the rest of the exam was ok, thank goodness! So i'm pleased i wasn't the only one who thought the same! Now to get through these next few weeks - i have a lot riding on that pass mark!

I've lived in Australia for the past 4 years and the government hasn't given ME a deposit for a home! And you'll find that you're not entitled to unemployment or many other pensions or benefits - there are waiting times for them for new residents. As for nurses who use NZ as a stepping stone to get to Australia - you'll find that is getting harder and harder. Both countries have become more tougher with their requirements for nursing registration, particularly in Australia now they have a national registration board. And living in NZ does not guarantee entry into Australia unless you're a NZ citizen. As for where to live - i think you need to be honest with yourself and decide what you want from life and from your career. If you've already paid $50K for PR in canada, maybe you should consider continuing down that path. Thats a lot of money to be throwing away! But only YOU can decide where to move - yes its a hard choice, but you're the one living with that decision. If all else fails - you could always toss a coin!

I'd like to say for the record - I have plenty of work here, earn good money, so thats NOT my reason for wanting to come to Canada. However - i have recently been converted to loving ice hockey, am totally over tropical humid heat all year round, so a long cold winter actually sounds appealing (don't hold me to that comment though when I'm complaining I can no longer feel my toes!) and I think universal healthcare is a very sane, logical system, compared to a crazy, totally weird insurance based health system (but that could be because I've been raised in Commonwealth countries where universal healthcare is the norm). I'd also like to add - other reasons for wanting to come to canada (even if not unique to canada - but is still different from australia) Dr Pepper, Peanut Butter M&M's, cute accents, mounties, snow, poutine (better taste as good as it sounds!) and maple syrup, just to name a few! Yes, I'd totally go through this lengthy, total PITA process of immigration, JUST for affordable peanut butter M&M's! Who wouldn't?? LOL Oh, yeah, and I guess theres also the whole - experiencing another culture, expanding nursing practice etc etc, but those answers aren't as fun as M&M's and Dr Pepper Bec

Arrianna - they've offered me $34 based on experience. $32 isn't too bad, especially for LTC. From what i've heard with LTC in australia is they are usually very poorly paid compared to the RN's working in acute care. I haven't been asked for any proof of funds, but i was told that i should be prepared to show that i have sufficient funds when we go through customs. I thought you only needed to supply proof of funds if applying for perm residency? If i remember rightly, the CIC website states a figure around $10,000 depending on whether you are single or have dependants (obviously will be more with childrend). But that being said, there is also information saying this amount may be 'lessened' if you have a job offer. but doesn't say lessened by how much! where abouts in NS did you get your job?

Hi Arrianna - I got a position at the main hospital in Truro. The hourly rate is slightly less than what I get now, and I think the penalty rates are definitely not as good as what we get here in Australia either. But, all said and done - my reasons for wanting to work and live in Canada have never been about the money. Its about experiencing a new culture and developing my professional practice. Which I guess probably sounds a bit conceited? Not that I would be insane enough to take a job for a massive paycut! I still need to live after all :) I've filed for my WP - had a reply in less than 2 weeks to go get my medical. The one and only doctor that is able to do the medicals has a 2 week wait, so more waiting, and then hopefully not long after that is done to get a final answer. The LMO took 2 weeks also. How much is the hourly rate for the LTC job? Would it still allow you enough to live off? Because if its for a full time permanent position and you were looking for sponsorship for perm residency, it would allow you to get all that. And then once you are living in Canada with PR, you are free to continue looking for a *better* job. Just a thought....

I agree with Fiona - unfortunately only you can make the decision. Travel nursing has its pros and cons - and no, not everyone does it, but not because it sucks, but because not everyone likes to travel. As Fiona said - if you are young, have no ties and the freedom to do what you want, then go for it. Its very daunting travelling to another country and moving outside of your comfort zone, but don't let fear hold you back. It's also an awesome unforgettable experience to see how nursing works in another culture! And while it is good to be planning for your future, retirement etc, there is nothing worse than spending your life saying 'if only'. If you have the opportunity to travel, and its something you truely want to do, then go for it. I would accept the full time job in the meantime while you plan. It takes time to apply for work permits and nursing registration, and you'll still need a job to pay the bills in the meantime. And some employers are good at allowing you to take a leave of absence while you travel, so it will give you a job to come back to! And if nothing else, it continues to build up your experience which will help with future employers. If it helps any - I have been planning a move to Canada for a little over a year now. In the meantime I accepted a temporary position in the emergency department knowing I was going to be leaving 'at any time' :) I then got offered a full time permanent position, which I took, because it seemed like Canada was never going to happen, and a week later got a position in Canada, so had to give notice to a job I had *just* signed the contract for! LOL Thankfully my manager was/is very understanding and took it all in her flow. Remember, nursing is very transient - it moves in cycles from too many jobs to not enough jobs, so you may travel and come back to a huge choice of jobs! Hope this gives you a little food for thought. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Dacboo - i applied back in march, approved to sit CRNE in april. Haven't sat the exam yet - all things going well, hopefully will be able to sit in Feb when we're there. I saw the cost had increased considerably for IEN's. I'm wondering if you could apply now (when the cost is less) and forward the IELTS results once you've done that? I'm not sure if it can work that way - is just a thought....

donRN - I totally understand where you are coming from. Even the place that have hired me have suggested that I come for a 'visit' and sit the CRNE first prior to starting. They don't seem to realise that for me to just pop over and visit will cost in excess of $7000!!!! LOL I would rather use that money towards relocating! I'm not sure if it helped or not - but I always included a cover letter with my application and stated that I was eligible to sit CRNE and was eligible for a temporary licence, so that it was clear that I was able to start whenever was convenient. As I said before though - it has been a very long process, and very frustrating to not get any responses. I know I'm a good nurse, I have a lot of experience and qualifications to support my practice. So I basically had to keep telling myself it wasn't ME that was preventing me getting the job, but the fact hiring an IEN was too much hard work! In terms of looking for the job - I was with an agency HCL international, but they were slack and kept saying there was a job in NS, but then stopped contacting me, giving me the run around etc. So I decided to do it alone - I used Career Beacon to keep an eye on the jobs coming out. And then took my daughters advice (gotta love kids) who said to lower my expectations a bit. I was only applying for jobs in emergency at that stage. So I started branching out a bit and applying for jobs in other areas, and then started applying for jobs in smaller areas outside of Halifax. Figured that if it was meant to happen, the right job would come along and I would end up in the right place for us :) And worse case - if we end up somewhere awful, I only have to stick it out for a year and we can move along, but i'm sure it will be easier getting a job once you're in the system! Just stick with it - give yourself a deadline, and if you still hear nothing, take a break from it. You never know your luck. I gave myself a deadline for the end of October and I was giving up. Oh, and there is always good old Murphy's Law. I had basically reached the point where I thought this was never going to happen, and purchased a large expensive item that I had been wanting for a long time (and was going to wait until we got to Canada to buy!) I got the job offer the next day - go figure! LOL Keep thinking positive thoughts - I'm sure something will come along soon! Bec

Ouch! That would be awful! Thanks for the heads up. I'm moving from overseas however, so I don't think it will apply for me - from what i've read, i only pay tax on income earned while i'm resident in canada. I guess tax is the same whichever country you live in - if the taxman can find a way to squeeze an extra few $$ out of you, he will!

Dacboo - it only took me around 6 - 8 weeks to get approval. I think a lot depends on getting all the appropriate information to them so they can access your application, and I have heard some nursing schools can delay the process because they either don't send ALL the appropriate information, or they are very slow at sending it all. Hope it all goes well for you! Bec

Wow! It looks like a postcard! I'm sitting here in shorts and tshirt with the aircon on looking at that! Yep, i think a jacket is definitely in order!! I'll be buying very little over here - it just would not cope with the climate in canada. And its not worth paying the $300 - $400 for a 'snow suitable' jacket you'd have to go to the ski shop to buy! I'll probably keep it to one outfit to wear OFF the plane to cover us until we empty walmart out of all their winter stock!

Thanks Silverdragon - PM sent

minus 20!!!!! geez - the warmest bit of clothing I own is a pair of lightweight jeans! I think i'm going to have to budget for a HUGE shop the minute we step off the plane! I don't even own a jacket! LOL (I do however have a pair of wool gloves - go figure!)

I have found the long wait times the most frustrating - I was contacted in July for an interview for this job, and got the job offer in October! VERY hard to sit back and not pester them to hurry up already! LOL There were several jobs in Halifax Infirmary that I applied for in March that I have *still* not had a response too, and they are still advertising the same job (same reference # etc, so I can't reapply because it says my application is still current) Anyway, as I said - have finally got an offer, and am very happy with how it has all worked out. We'll be heading for Truro, which I have been told is a lovely little town and great for the kids too (hope its all true!) So we are all getting very excited (and slightly nervous!). We're hoping to get there before Christmas - although its going to be a HUGE culture shock going from middle of summer in a tropical climate to goodness knows what kind of temperature in the middle of winter!

Hi all, I am soon to be relocating to Nova Scotia, and was wondering if any nurses already working there would be able to help me. For someone working in a hospital full time, roughly how much of your pay is lost to tax? If someone is able to give me a rough idea what the take home pay for a hospital nurse on year 5 salary level would be, I would be very appreciative! I'm trying to work out our budget for accommodation etc, and while I know what my hourly rate will be, I've been given various ideas of tax amounts from around 25% - 55%! Which obviously will have a huge impact on my take home pay, especially if its closer to the higher end than lower! Many thanks Bec

I just wanted to share some good news with you all. I know there have been several of us IEN's actively looking for work in Nova Scotia, and getting a tad frustrated with the long drawn out process of finding an employer! Well, finally - after many many (MANY!) months of sending out my CV to various hospitals, I have *finally* received a job offer!! WOOHOO!!!! So to everyone still looking for work - don't give up hope. There is a job out there for you if you keep hunting! I have found this year to be very frustrating - I have no trouble getting work here in Australia, infact, have been head hunted even (very good for the ego!). So to have to fight so hard to get a job has been a bit hard on my self esteem at times! But I have to say - finally getting that offer and signing the contract has made it all worth it! So I am now busy packing up the house, studying hard for the CRNE, and waiting (im)patiently for the work permit to be approved! I'd love to hear from the other IEN's who have been job hunting whether they have found employment yet? Take care all, Bec

I'm finding the same Silverdragon, in terms of how long it takes to get a response. I applied for a job in march, and they're still holding the job as 'open' - when i email HR, they tell me they need to build up a case for immigration to show that a local nurse can't fill the position. but it makes one wonder how long they do that for? i could be there actually working by now! Its all very frustrating. I had an interview (finally) at another hospital - they emailed me if they could set up a time, then set a time for a month later. Its been 6 weeks since the interview and i'm STILL waiting for an answer! I'm told this is pretty normal in Canada though?

I applied through California - but I applied before I found this site, because if i knew then what i know now I certainly wouldn't have bothered!!! Plus now Cali needs a SSN, so unless you have one, you wouldn't be able to apply there anyway. I've heard that Vermont is good to apply to for international nurses. Which ever board you apply through, there are lots of hoops to jump through regardless, so be prepared to have a LOT of patience! Good luck :)

NurseyT - Can't help you with the info on working in chicago - but as for getting NCLEX with a NZ degree.... I had no problem having my NZ degree recognised in USA for registration. We're lucky in NZ as we are comprehensively trained nurses, so most of us coming through have the requirements for psych, maternity and pediatrics. Many australian nurses do not include maternity in their training, so have problems there. When you apply - make sure when you ask for your nursing school to send transcripts, get them to send transcripts AND course descriptions, as this helps the US nursing board determine if the courses match theirs. I found the NCLEX exam to be demanding, but once you understand how to answer the questions its not so bad. The hardest part is getting a job and visa to work over in USA! As you'll see from many others, retrogression pretty much prevents us from getting over there in a hurry. There is a special class visa if you have an australian passport though. Hope this helps some, Bec

Oh, and another one while I think of it....its slightly more towards the 'shocking' side of the scale than the LOL side, but if you're warped like me you might see the humour! Was working in the peds section of the ER. I hate peds for various reasons. Anyway, was having a hard time convincing this 2, almost 3 year old to take his dose of prednisone. Finally got him to open his mouth, I quickly squirted it in. He promptly spits the lot straight back at me, and says in a loud voice... "It tastes like f*cken sh*t you b*tch" ???????? Am totally shocked - look at the mother to see her response (knowing if MY children had ever dared behave like that they would have been in deep doodoo!) and she's laughing her head off and says "guess he don't like that none". Ummm, yeah...and I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree either..... (should mention I work in a dodgy part of town!)

Was looking after a 90-something lady, had a conversation that went something like this - Me: Hi, I'm Rebecca, I'm your nurse for the day Her: Oh, my best friend was called Rebecca Me: Ah, thats nice.... Her: She was lovely, her birthday was in September Me: Oh, wow - *my* birthday is in September too! Her: Her birthday was on the ** of September Me: Really? *my* birthday is on the ** too! At this point, the sweet old lady looks me up and down, then says in a low evil sounding voice... You are NOT my friend!

I am a foreign nurse who has been going through the process of registering in Canada. Like the others have said - there is a lot of information on CIC and AllNurses detailing the process. I have that yes, there are a few things that are a bit confusing, but on the whole, most of it is self explanatory. If you have particular questions for your own situation, honestly - you are better off asking the college of registered nurses in the province you are looking at moving to directly. This way you will get the correct information for YOU. You will need to keep in mind that they are only looking at your initial education that led to your original registration as an RN, so they may not take into account all the extra courses you have done. The college is only determining if your qualifications are equivalent to that of a new grad who received their education in Canada. This is why many foreign nurses have to do extra competencies etc. Its not a reflection on how you are as a nurse personally - they're just trying to ensure your education is equal. This is both to keep you safe as a professional, as well as to keep Canadians safe from 'dodgy' RN's. My best advice - take the time to read the information here on the sticky notes. Then contact the college directly and obtain the necessary information from them. And then, TAKE YOUR TIME!! Gather ALL the information you need, ensure you have documentation for EVERYTHING, and ensure your nursing school sends transcripts AND course descriptions so that the college has all the evidence they need to make a decision. I've heard of many nurses who have not been accepted simply because they did not send enough evidence or assumed that a transcript will be enough. Assume that the college has no clue what subjects you've covered, and its your job to make sure they DO know what you've learnt! Taking the extra time to gather all the right documents will hopefully save you a lot of bother further down the track. Once you have been approved for registration, you will then be able to find employment. If you can find an employer to sponsor you, you will then be able to apply for residency/work permit, which ever path you're looking at. Be prepared to have a LOT of patience - it won't happen quickly, you have to take your time and take one step at a time. I hope that helps you get started in the right direction! Best of luck, Becky