Tax deduction as RN in Alberta

magnumsRN · Mar 2, 2011

Just called and spoke to "Dorothy" at CARNA.

She says that registration/licensing fees ARE tax deductible. When you receive the paper license, you should get a receipt that says 'for income tax purposes: do not throw out'.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Mar 3, 2011

Yes, of course our registration fees are deductible. The GST charged on them is not, however. Neither may we deduct any expenses for uniforms, shoes, stethoscopes, BP cuffs, calipers, levels or any other nursing necessity.

RGN1 · Mar 3, 2011

hello guys,
Thank you for your reply and info, very much appreciated.
Actually here in UK, I almost get 30% deduction from my monthly salary that includes Employment insurance (PAYE), National Insurance (covers Medical + state pension), Hospital (NHS) Pension.
At present, my rate (senior staff- full time) is almost equivalent to $28/hr.
The cost of living here is i think much higher than in canada. House prices here is also soaring and the petrol now is almost a pound (£.96) per liter.
I have a contingent offer in one of the hospitals in Edmonton. I will be started as a Grad nurse and they will consider my yrs of experience. I am planning to move late next year. so hopefully i wont regret with my decision.
Ta

As a nurse who came from the UK to Alberta I'd say do it!! Cost of living, when all is said and done, is pretty similar to UK, somethings are cheaper, some things are more expensive. Your wage will be better in line to compensate for COL than in the UK though. Especially as you have some years behind you.

You get less vacation and there are other issues you may want to think about - such as cost of healthcare (not as many things are covered here as in the UK under the NHS.) Full time here can be horrible - the shift pattern is harder then the UK for floor nurses - the evening shift being 3.30-11.30pm. There are 12 hr shifts (usually day/night) but if the unit is acute that too can be exhausting.

I'm trying to put on my sensible hat for you but I have to say that I have been soooooo happy here. Helped by the fact that I recently got a new position (having worked 2 yrs on a very acute unit) where I work 12 hr days at .84 (so no more than 3 days per week) it's Mon-Fri with no bank holidays. I don't think I've ever been happier in my nursing career! The extra time off makes up for the lack of vacation and the 45 min drive to the mountains from my house is fantastic!

It's not perfect and you should really do your homework (and your financial math) before making such a life changing decision. If you come with no rose tinted glasses and the right attitude though I don't think you'd regret it. I don't! Oh and don't forget to bring plenty of Marks and Sparks thermals - the weather is brutal in the winter at times! :lol2: