What are differences in job duties of a RPN/LPN in Canada vs. the U.S.?I just completed my education in Canada, so I have no experience as an employee yet. I am considering working in the U.S. for 10 years or less, and then possibly returning to Canada to continue working as a LPN. Would Canadian hospitals want to hire me if my LPN experience was in the U.S. only? Would they not hire me in a hospital because they would think that I had lost my skills?
Fiona59 8,343 Posts Has 18 years experience. Jan 25, 2013 Do you have a green card to permit you to work in the US?
studentnurse1989 34 Posts Jan 25, 2013 I do not have a green card, but I might be able to get a visa. However, I would like to make an educated decision first.
studentnurse1989 34 Posts Jan 28, 2013 Yes, I know. However, I could get a visa if I receive a full-time job offer. But I am wondering what the job duties of a LPN are in the U.S.? I am wondering because RPNs/LPNs in Canada have two years of education, but I think most LPNs in the U.S. have one year.Would Canadian hospitals want to hire me if my LPN experience was in the U.S. only? Would they not hire me in a hospital because they would think that I had lost my skills?
Editorial Team / Admin Silverdragon102, BSN 1 Article; 39,477 Posts Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC. Has 35 years experience. Jan 28, 2013 What visa does a LPN qualify for? As far as I am aware LPN doesn't meet immigrant visa and definitely does not meet work visa as minimum is BSN
RNGrad2006 450 Posts Feb 11, 2013 I am in Arizona and it is hard for LPNS to get jobs. They have completely phased them out in my hospital. The LPNs were given a choice to either upgrade to an RN or take another position. Some of the LPNs chose to work as Nursing Assistants. I know one on our floor retrained to work as a Ortho Tech instead. Most LPNs work in Skilled Nursing Facilities otherwise known as Nursing Homes.
joanna73, BSN, RN 1 Article; 4,767 Posts Specializes in geriatrics. Feb 11, 2013 The US economy is tough for local nurses, and RNs are not as widely accepted as they were anywhere right now. It's very unlikely that you will find work in the US as an LPN until the economy improves.
loriangel14, RN 6,931 Posts Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative. Feb 11, 2013 There is no visa you could get, even with a job offer.
itsmejuli 1 Article; 2,188 Posts Specializes in Home Care. Feb 12, 2013 I can do more as an LPN in Alberta than I could ever dream of doing in Florida where I went to school.Even me, who held PR in the States for almost 20 years cannot easily get PR back. But I could get my FL nursing license reinstated easy enough.
studentnurse1989 34 Posts Feb 12, 2013 Thanks for your input. Why are you saying that it would be difficult to get your PR back?
AngelicDarkness 365 Posts Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management. Has 7 years experience. Feb 12, 2013 I wouldn't advice it OP unless you are an RN. My cousin was an RN in Ontario, and went to the US. She is paid very well, and her employer pays for her schooling, and her childrens' schooling. As an RPN/LPN I don't think you'll get the recognition down there that you will deserve.
