Role of Canadian RNs vs US RNs

IslandtrainedRN · Nov 11, 2006

The role of the RN varies some from province to province, but I think it's generally the same as in the USA.

A really good place you could look for information is the CNA. Have you been to their website? http://www.cna-nurses.ca/cna/default_e.aspx

Also, if you're looking for a position in a specific province, you could check with their provincial nursing association. Most have websites as well.

Good luck! Welcome to Canada!

gchelak · Nov 12, 2006

I was educated and worked in the US for 8 months before moving to Canada where I am from originally. I just started in the PICU and find that nursing as a whole is pretty much the same. You would have to take the CRNE even if you have taken the NCLEX (you have to get approval to take the exam from the province you are going to). The exams are very different, from content to how it is written (LONG and on paper) and it takes up to 12 weeks to get the results back (not like the 3 days in the US- I took my exam on Oct 11 and am waiting...).

I think every province in Canada is unionized which is good and bad...I don't have a lot of experience with the unions yet but one good thing is that you actually GET breaks here! No punching in and out for your hours, and if you have a problem with the employer I hear you can call in the union to help (you have to pay dues). One thing I was shocked at though is that (in Alberta anyway) the employee pays for parking no matter what hospital. It is about $80 a month for fulltime. Also, no reimbursement for having to pay for CARNA to approve you to take the exam, nor reimbursement for the exam itself, etc. They do not have an employee incentive to continue education by reimbursing for that either, but I heard there is money somewhere out there for that. No bonuses for extra shifts, but there is a lot of work in almost any area.

Like I said, I JUST started and these are the little things I have found. I have a mere 8 months of nursing experience in the US, and had 4 interviews with 4 job offers.

Hope this helps!

Gail

How different are the roles of US and Canadian nurses? I'm thinking of relocating from the US to Canada. Any and all info is appreciated. I do have info on the process, but not on the substantive differences between the jobs.
Many thanks!
julie

RADONC-RN · Dec 12, 2006

I agree with what gchelak says. I do find though in the US that RN's are not as respected as in Canada. Pt loads are sometimes heavy. You do work with nursing assistants and the LPN's. The role of the LPN is also very different than in Canada. The work very much like RN's with some restrictions. As for breaks, ha! lucky if you get one. Oh How I miss the Unions.