Should I cross the border?

Published

  1. Why do you cross the border to work as a Nurse?

    • 4
      Climate/Location
    • 7
      More cash
    • 2
      Full time with benefits
    • 2
      Opportunity for advancement

15 members have participated

ughhhhh!!! what a pain in the *ss!!!! I graduated this year, I have been working in ontario for the last 6 months, but I WANT a FULLTIME job!!! There are jobs in Canada yes, if you don't care about benefits, and if you are willing to juggle two part time jobs. A fulltime job with benefits is almost unheard of. At the hospital I work at, there are nurses who have been working there for almost five years part time waiting for a full time position. C'mon!!!

I'm in the process of finding out all the (capital BS) it is to get

certified in the U.S. I heard it is easier to certify with the Minnisota board of nursing($105 US), have you heard? There i guess you don't need to write CGFNS? but it is more money than the michigan board (only $48)... then i can write the nclex through pearson vue, for $200 US. So much to look into!!! If there are any new recruits working in the US, could you make this hassle a little easier by shedding your light on the situation.

Oh by the way, I live in Ontario and I am looking to commute to Detroit, MI. No one seems to have all the answers, regarding the new visa screen.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Minnesota is the easiest, just need to send them the money and write the NCLEX and you're all registered (you don't need to write any CGFNS). It is very easy to get work in the US, and if you get a recruiter they usually do all the immigration crap for you.

As an aside, if you want full time work in the GTA, I know some places that are hiring. People in my unit are unable to get part time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Interesting enough. But can I apply in Minnisota and work in Michigan under a temp liscence? Do i need endorsement from Michigan Board of Nursing...Does that have a cost?

MMM work in T.O. What opportunities might you tempt me with? I work on an acute medical unit (only 6months exp). Willing to train for other opportunities...

oh and thanks for your VERY quick response...

murse

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just a thought:

There are some states that do accept your Canadian certification so you don't have to write the NCLEX. I worked in the US for 12 years and never wrote the NCLEX. Some states are Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are actually 8 states left that do not require Canadians to have NCLEX. lalaxton mentioned 6..also New Mexico and I'm not sure of the 8th.

I can't help you if the rules have changed in recent years, but if you are planning on staying near the border and working in MI, then just do your NCLEX in MI. You will get your license and you won't have to worry about getting via endorsement after taking the exam in another state. Once you have taken the NCLEX, you can go anywhere in the US.

Licensure and immigration visas will always be a pain and can be expensive. However, it is a small price to pay for a good salary and regular schedule.

The downside...I could never come close to making the kind of money in Canada as I do here in the US, so as my standard of living goes up, the chances of me ever returning to Canada to work goes down!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks traumanurse.

I do have to say... Most importantly, I feel that Canada is loosing good Canadian nurses because of LACK of full time job opportunity. Although income and location(weather) can definately be positive attributes, i am just dreaming of a steady rotation with full time hours:) .

In weighing all the pros and cons, I am leaning on working cross boarder, living in Canada. The only dread would be the commute. 70minutes each way. Having friends in Windsor would ease that situation since I could crash for two nights a week... What good friends they are!!!

For others considering the same idea... here is some info that I found out that could help you on your journeys:

1. Have your college or uni send the Michigan Board of Nursing your transcript. My college did this free of charge. Note: Must be sent from your accredited learning institution.

2. Fax CNO the license endoresment or verification of licensure which can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/healthlicense

with your name, credit card info and exp date and authorization signature. (Cost is less than $20). Do NOT forget to fill out Part 1, on the form. CNO will send the endorsement to the Michigan board for you.

3. Send to the Michigan Board of Nursing your Appn for Registered Nurse Liscense also found at http://www.mighigan.gov/healthlicense. With the fee in U.S. dollars by money order.

In 6-8 weeks ? you should receive your temp license and license by examination.

I hope that helps anyone stuck in my situation. It should make your job of acquiring Michigan Nursing License a bit easier...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the information its really helpful. I'm going to be graduating next spring and I come from a family of RN's who have always told me that finding full time work in Ontario would be hard. It is really sad that new grads and other nurses have to head down south just to receive full time work. People are always saying that there is full time avaiable but most of these positions require experience. Good luck with finding a job in the states:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

just a little info............starting sometime in june or july of 2004 all nurses will have to do the visa screen and the nclex. It really is a pain and will probably deter alot of candians from coming to the states, but don't give up. Once all the paper work is done, it is an amazing experience.

check out this website and get started on the paperwork if you want. http://www.cgfns.org

good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion