VikkiPink

I'm actually going through this process right now. CGFNS visa screen, you submit all your documents. They evaluate you to determine if the education and requirements are the same and if you are eligible for legal practice in the USA. Once they deem you eligible, they send you documents confirming a TN VISA, which is the work visa you bring to the border to be able to get across the border. So it is the same in regards to what you're asking. You would only pay one fee for this service. however they do have a couple of other services, such as retaining your documents and sending them to specific states for licensure, which is a separate fee, and some stages do require this from them. Always check your requirements first. And If you do require this, you just submit another fee, no need to submit new documents.

How were you able to manage that with the border being closed since last March? To go to the states, apply and then come back and wait?

I went to per diem agency work so I could make the same amount and work less, and pick my hours. I was working a ridiculous amount, suffering from burn out, not having a good work/life balance. In the end it depends on what you want for yourself. I would find a way to work less if it meant having a better life, being able to have hobbies and enjoy time with friends and family. I'm not in this to live just to work.

I believe you can opt to write your NCLEX at any time. You can choose to even write it here in Canada at any testing center. Those results are easily accessible afterwards, via your college of nurses which they can submit to the USA. The first step as far as I am understanding (and I am currently going through this) is to apply for your CGFNS which is your visa screen. It requires you to complete an applicant profile. Once you're done with that you submit it into the shopping cart and pay the 500$+. They will then send you a message that tells you all the documents you need to prepare and submit. These files are found on the CGFNS website and must be sent to the school you graduated from, anywhere you hold licenses and depending on how long its been, your high school transcript. Concurrently, it is a good idea to start the application process for your license in the state of your choice. I have read and heard that you should start with somewhere you don't require an SSN. However, I don't think Oregon needs an SSN. Your SSN you apply for once you are entered into the USA with your VISA screen. They then require a lot of the same paperwork. It's a good idea to have both going at the same time, then you will avoid as many delays as possible. I still haven't chosen the state yet I want to apply to but am currently submitting my CGFNS documents. I have heard it is a quick process ONCE they receive your documents from all the locations required so it really just depends on the college of nurses, your educational facility and high school. I saw another girl on here she got everything sorted in about four months time. Hope this helps!

I moved out of province once I graduated, and I held a license there under another designation with the CNO. I kept my license for the first year as active, just in case I decided to move back. I Had it as non practicing for the next year or two after, just so it would be easier. Now I have it as resigned status. I'm not sure if it would be difficult to reactivate. You would need to re-apply but they would have proof of your education and all your documents from before, all you would require would be an updated background check, and for the other college to verify your license there and that it is in good standing, as well as confirm your practice hours via employer. CNO is VERY slow to respond and do things, it took me about a month to get my info to a third province because of them. But it is doable and not all that difficult once they get around to it.

We're paid biweekly, so every second week. If you look in the province collective agreement you will see the wage scale: https://www.bcnu.org/Contracts-Bargaining/Documents/NBA_Wage_Grid.pdf And if you just deduct approximately 35-40% of total income you'll see the total monthly income. Thats just a rough estimate, as its dependent on the provincial tax rate, the pension deduction rate, your union dues, your benefits, etc. Looks to be approximately 4,800$ monthly.

Hey Jenny, I have questions about how you obtained your SSN while residing in Canada. I am currently sending paperwork to CGFNS and am trying to figure out how the SSN process works. For some reason, I've been told you have to go to the USA to get it, but I saw a comment you wrote about how you were waiting for it in the mail. Any advice would be helpful :).

It's how you were raised and where you come from. If you've saved all your pennies and thrift shopped your entire life due to being from a poorer background chances are you will retain these habits even in a career that can afford more. Honestly it just depends on how each person chooses to spend their money and their definition of enjoying life. I personally enjoy eating higher quality of food as that's what I enjoy. I enjoy having nicer things that last longer than the cheaper made alternative. I don't flaunt it though and I would never judge someone else for having different priorities or ideals about how to live.

I have had multiple episodes of being bullied by management. Guess who you report that to? No one. Because managers manager protects them. The situations would make your hair curl. I've never become depressed or contemplated suicide. At the end of the day it's a job and I can separate from that. I'm also extremely resilient and a fighter. However I worry about how most people respond to this. I can definitely see depression, PTSD and suicide as a common thread... I think most people agree that bullying us wrong and we say we won't but things happen and sometimes you don't realize you're bullying. Sometimes you just don't jive well with people. I think intensive psych testing needs to be done prior to license acquisition that way power tripping individuals who put people down for their personal gain would be axed from nursing. It takes a special kind of person to be that disturbed. Honestly being unsupported is the worst feeling ever. We all need to support one another in lifelong learning that accompanied the profession and respect everyone's role and unique attributes we bring to the table.

Depending on the unit. If it's general medical you would do a few training shifts then be on your own with the assumption staff would help you if you run into any questions or need assistance. More specialized areas have longer training both in class and on the floor. New grad would be the most optimal situation for a new grad.

Read your agency contract. In my experience with home care and agencies we have been informed that taking their clients on for private work is considered stealing business even if services aren't the same as they provide.

If this is what you needed to maintain your sanity then it was absolutely the right decision. I personally want out as well.... however I have no other avenues at the moment and my options are to get education to get into another field that pays more than minimum wage, pay off the school debt and or work through it until I can get my masters and open my own clinic. I've been am RN for a year this November and I know already that if I have to do this until retirement I will literally go off the deep end. My career has been nothing but ridiculous challenges and as you mentioned the work alone is enough nevermind all the extras. Good for you I am jealous. The good thing about nursing is if you change your mind it'll still be there.

I am in love with agency nursing. It's easy money as you're paid well per hour plus driving and milage. I love going to new facilities because Staff is usually good at making you feel lile you're wanted and needed and each facility offers its own unique challenges. You don't get involved with politics- you leave and are a free agent. I also love that you pick your hours and shifts- I prefer nights. I'm also a big fan of not having direct involvement with managers. Plus you need to work way less to make the same if not more money and get more life time.

I took it right after I was done school, as soon as I got my ATT I booked... We were done school April 3rd and I wrote May 27th. Hadn't even graduated nursing school yet. I failed my first attempt as we were the pilot group in Canada to write... We had no idea what to expect for the NCLEX and weren't trained to think or answer questions formatted like the NCLEX. So i waited to write again until October 3rd. I did numerous prep courses... Passed in 75 questions second time around. I would recommend not writing or getting your ATT until you are ready. Until you understand what the questions are asking you. UWorld is a great resource.

Please don't take this offensively or anything, but I think you need to go out and do your own thing. Your mom may just be overprotective in such a way that is actually preventing you from getting anywhere in life. I think you need to go out and do what you need to do for you. Once you start to do this your mother will realize you are a fully capable adult and will be proud of you- once she gets over the shock . You do what you need to do because at the end of the day you'll only have yourself!