What are the differences in job duties of a RPN/LPN in Canada vs. the U.S.?

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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?

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Do you have a green card to permit you to work in the US?

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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.

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LPNs can't use the NAFTA visa.

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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?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

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

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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.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

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.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There is no visa you could get, even with a job offer.

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Specializes in Home Care.

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.

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Thanks for your input. Why are you saying that it would be difficult to get your PR back?

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

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.

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