USA NP looking to immigrate to BC

[Kristeen]

I have applied to BCCNM for my RN license and started the process for NP license. I have been an NP in Seattle area for 3+ years and before that an RN since 2004. All of my education is in Washington state (BSN and DNP). I have talked to a recruiter from healthmatchBC and an immigration attorney, I am still just super nervous about this process, the potential timeline, and what the real differences between practicing in US and Canada are. Can anyone give me any insight into NP role in BC? My understanding is it is a fairly new role in Canada. How many patients does a typical primary care NP see in a day? Is there a decent culture of interdisciplinary respect, or is the role too new to garner this? I'm wondering if I should just go back to working as an RN when I immigrate, although I am the primary income for my household and I'm already a bit concerned about lower wages in Canada (I don't care much about this, my biggest concern is getting my children out of the dystopian nightmare in the USA). I'm also wondering about job prospects in general. I see many listings on job websites and feel I meet the qualifications but would dI be looked at as an inexperienced nurse since all of my experience is outside of Canada? Is there truly a significant nursing shortage in BC? Sorry- lots of questions over here! appreciate any and all feedback!

Potentially relevant information- I started the process before the election this is not a knee jerk reaction (not that there is anything wrong with that)

[Bluecarolina, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I was looking into BC but I don't even know where to get started and how to apply?

[Kristeen]

HealthmatchBC

here is my recruiter's email

(MODERATOR EDIT OF EMAIL - PLEASE DO NOT POST IDENTIFYING INFO ABOUT OTHERS)

[kp1987]

Hey! I'm a NP in BC. 
 

NPs have been around in BC for around 20 years. We have full scope of practice and similar roles as GPs. It would really depend on where you work in terms of expectation of patients. NNPBC is our professional association and they are great, lots of education support. NPs are well respected and treated as part of any team in my experience, obviously there may be situations that differ. Where in BC are you planning? Most NPs make around 140-160k a year, or 170+ if a contract NP which is a very good wage in BC. I would recommend looking outside of Vancouver to other parts where you'll get more for your money. Overall, I love being an NP, and would probably not go back to being an RN unless I really had to haha. We have NPs in all different specialities as well. 

[Kristeen]

Hi kp1987

Thank you for the information!   I am further along in the process now and have been able to speak with other NPs in BC and have a much clearer understanding of the role and the system. I looked at your posts and seems like you work in NICU? Did I discern that correctly? I would love to chat sometime outside of a public forum. Jobs I'm looking at are in general Vancouver Metro area, hoping to work in substance use/ mental health and my background is heavily peds and the perinatal population.