Hey guys, I looked around the site for a while and this is the only forum I could think to put this in. I apologize if it is incorrect.
Okay, well I will be graduating this April with my RN degree. I am currently in Calgary, and I absolutely hate it here :) (only moved here for school anyway). Well it seems like grads only get hired as casuals in Calgary at first, and apparently it's really hard to get a job at other parts of the province as well (fort mcmurray, etc.). Now I used to live in NJ when I was younger, and have traveled throughout the US extensively.
From what I understand, the US is in a similar job crunch, but I also understand that is largely regional. I do not want to sound greedy, but I just completed two bachelor degrees with no parental support, and have about $70,000 in student loans. So can anyone give me advice on what regions/states have the greatest demand for nurses right now? As in what place would I be the most likely to get hired F/T, as well as what would likely offer the greatest overtime. I obviously did not come into the field for the money, but for the first year or two I need to work wherever will offer me the most income, so I can get rid of this enormous debt.
I have no family here, no dependents, and nothing preventing me from moving anywhere.
So does anyone have any ideas? I really am going in this blind as we don't get much info on the US nursing situation from Canada.
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi Guys, I am a Canadian RN. I already have a stable job however I would like to relocate to the States. I am a little frustrated because it seems like I keep hitting a dead end no matter how I go about this. I can't register for the NCLEX because I have to first register with a nursing board... all of the nursing boards require a SSN ...Being Canadian and not employed in the US, I dont possess a SSN. ANy help on how to go about this? I was hoping to work in Minnesota. Thanks
Moved to the International forum
Not all states require a US SSN however they may not issue a license without a US SSN but will allow you to apply.
Are you currently a US citizen or green card holder? If not, the visa process could be difficult. Employers have to do a lot of paperwork and spend quite a bit of money to bring a foreign worker to the US, they have to submit evidence that they couldn't find a citizen or green card holder for the job to begin with. With all the unemployed or underemployed nurses, that's going to be difficult. There are employers who prefer to fudge the process and get a foreign worker anyway because basically they can pay that person whatever they want and the employee can't leave the job (they'll lose their visa if they do). So even if you do find someone willing to sponsor your visa, the job may be far below what you should be earning.
and you mentioned NJ - jobs are few & far between here at the moment.
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Canadians can use the NAFTA in regards working and many do as long as they meet requirements. It is wrong to assume that employers pay foreign nurses at a lower rate because they have to show the government they will pay the standard rate that nurses get paid in that state
I am in BScN program in UWO. Cause my family (my husband and 2 sons) are in North Chicago, I am planning to do job hunting in Chicago area. I have question about the license? How to change Ontario license to US and IL state licenses?
Silverdragon102, BSN
1 Article; 39,477 Posts
Moved to the International forum
Not all states require a US SSN however they may not issue a license without a US SSN but will allow you to apply.