What to expect in Oklahoma?

[Vanillanut, DNP, RN, APRN]

Hi everyone.

I am currently a student in a BSN program up in Canada. Upon graduation I plan on moving to Oklahoma to be with my fiance. I already know the technicalities of it all- writing exams, immigration requirements, etc.

However I would like to know more about nursing itself in Oklahoma (and other states too, if you'd like to contribute).

For instance, in Canada, it is quite common for RN's to work 3 days, 2 nights then have 4-5 days off (all 12 hr shifts). Is this system reflected in America as well?

What are the prospects like for nurses in Oklahoma in terms of job availability? Pay? Anything else you might like to add?

THanks in advance

[nurz2be]

Hi everyone.

I am currently a student in a BSN program up in Canada. Upon graduation I plan on moving to Oklahoma to be with my fiance. I already know the technicalities of it all- writing exams, immigration requirements, etc.

However I would like to know more about nursing itself in Oklahoma (and other states too, if you'd like to contribute).

For instance, in Canada, it is quite common for RN's to work 3 days, 2 nights then have 4-5 days off (all 12 hr shifts). Is this system reflected in America as well?

What are the prospects like for nurses in Oklahoma in terms of job availability? Pay? Anything else you might like to add?

THanks in advance

I am in Florida now but I grew up in Oklahoma. Nursing hours are the same, depending on what type of facility you are in (LTC or hospital). I am a nursing student so I cannot comment on pay but in general Oklahoma tends to be a lower paid state in most areas of employment. Again, that tends to differ depending on what area of Oklahoma you are moving to. The thing that you should be thinking about is the atmosphere difference. Where are you moving to? There are 2 major cities in Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Both are metropolitan areas with large populations. The majority of Oklahoma, other than those 2 cities, are smaller towns and small communities. People in Oklahoma are different than most I have ever come in contact with. With the exception of the bustling city life of OK City and Tulsa, most towns move at a rather slow pace. People generally are not in a hurry, they tend to talk slower (NOT insinuating slow as in mentally deficient) we just speak slower because we don't hurry in general. You will find that in the smaller towns and countrysides people have a "southern accent." Most people who hear me speak NEVER guess I am from Oklahoma, they usually say Alabama, North Carolina True southern states. Anyways, good luck and one thing about Oklahoma it can get under your skin. I MISS IT and am moving home within 4-5 years.