will universal healthcare ( in the usa) cut RN pay?

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I been hearing this debate off and on for a long time about how if Obama gets universal healthcare to go ( if he gets elected of course)though in the US that nursing pay will be cut dramatically. I would think this has to do with the fact that we would all be working for the government and that there will no longer be competition. There are many people in my nursing class that said they will leave nursing if thats the case. I also talked to several doctors that said the same thing about medicine in general. Im just curious if anyone has some good info about this. Thanks

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
Hi, I am reading with interest the comments and concerns regarding universal healthcare in the USA.

In Canada there is always endless discussion around the health care system. I believe that we are very lucky to have a health care system that allows for all to be cared for regardless of personal ability to pay. I will add that the RNs get paid very well (hourly wage about $36) pay into a pension fund and have medical, dental and extended health benefits.

LPNs start at about $25 and personal care aids start at around $18 hour. Because all these health care workers must belong to a union to work in BC they all pay into a pension and have the same benefits as the RNs

I keep running into nurses down here in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas who are from Canada. Including several of my instructors. I asked one instructor why there are so many Canucks here, and he told me it's because of the glut of nurses in Canada. Those who have jobs are paid well, but there's just not enough jobs to go around.

True or false?

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I keep running into nurses down here in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas who are from Canada. Including several of my instructors. I asked one instructor why there are so many Canucks here, and he told me it's because of the glut of nurses in Canada. Those who have jobs are paid well, but there's just not enough jobs to go around.

True or false?

Well if it is true that there is a glut it can only mean one thing...

There system is working so well that everyone wants to be an RN and get the awesome pay and benefits but some end up slumming it in the US.

:smokin:

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

Or, there are not many other desirable opportunities in good old Canuckistan. ;)

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Or, there are not many other desirable opportunities in good old Canuckistan. ;)

Which means too many RN's due to it being a 'desirable' job. ;)

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Specializes in Future ICU nurse.
What ever happened to the compasion of nursing . The facts are that this nation is no longer the new world but is becoming the old world , like Europe in the sese of population and census , Dear nurses, its a four generational situ the war babies,the boomers the xers, he now y generation.We must be innovative,creative to provide these generations with the care that all americans need and deserve.We must look outside of our selfishness and look toward the whole.chronic illness is a problem the go to washington and tell your goverment to stop feeding your children junk food,fast food ,fried food, Be proactive rather than reactive with out any action that is my opinion .

The government doesn't feed kids junk food, the parents do. And before someone says that it's because its cheaper than buying groceries, NO ITS NOT.

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Specializes in Peds.
I keep running into nurses down here in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas who are from Canada. Including several of my instructors. I asked one instructor why there are so many Canucks here, and he told me it's because of the glut of nurses in Canada. Those who have jobs are paid well, but there's just not enough jobs to go around.

True or false?

False. Very false. I'm sure if you ask them when they went to Texas they'd tell you it was in the early to mid 90's when there was an artificial glut in Canada caused by government cutbacks. There were people laid off in many public service career paths back then and those who were mobile left for the good old US of A. After they'd been there several years and had made lives there, they chose not to move back when the real facts of health care staffing came to the fore. In my hospital on any given day there are several hundred vacancies posted for RNs. My small unit alone has more than a dozen full time positions vacant.

Well if it is true that there is a glut it can only mean one thing...

There system is working so well that everyone wants to be an RN and get the awesome pay and benefits but some end up slumming it in the US.

:smokin:

Which means too many RN's due to it being a 'desirable' job. ;)

See above.

Or, there are not many other desirable opportunities in good old Canuckistan. ;)

Have you ever been to Canada? You'd be surprised at how easily you'd blend in here, until you speak, that is. Where I live there are many, many very good career opportunities and not nearly enough people to fill them. People are coming here from all over the world to take advantage of our strong economy, our high standard of living, our low crime rates and our social safety net. Freedom of choice and freedom of association are not exclusive to those who revere the Stars and Bars. We who salute the Maple Leaf have the same rights and freedoms you do, but we have a more developed social conscience.

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Specializes in General nursing, ER, ICU.

In reply to the comment about many nurses leaving Canada for the USA because of no jobs. I agree with the comment regarding the time frame. Several years ago there were cutbacks in health care and jobs for RNs were scarce. Because of this the numbers of graduate RNs declined. Now we are in need of RNs and LPNs to fill vacant positions. Go figure!

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The day MAY come that I need help but I will NEVER need help from the government and I will NEVER need your help. You are not my brother and you are not my keeper.

You are a fine example of humanity. I hope you do never need any help from anyone. The profession of nursing at the core is about empathy and it sounds as if you need a refresher course. People despite their fallings are worth our time, energy and resources.

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Specializes in ER, Surgery.
And how much does that cost you each year, in taxation?

Maybe about the same as you pay in insurances etc etc

Seriously as I have already said, apples and oranges, I don't think you can compare the 2 economies there are so many variations, yes we may well have more taxes than the US but I think that the benefits are worth it.

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Specializes in critical care.

I am not trying to argue, but I live in the Detroit area, and there are a ton of nurses who cross the border to work here....So I am wondering what gives???? I have at least 7 or 8 working with me on my unit. Is it pay, benefits, scheduling, relief from taxes? Now I am wondering myself, but am too chicken to ask! :confused:

False. Very false. I'm sure if you ask them when they went to Texas they'd tell you it was in the early to mid 90's when there was an artificial glut in Canada caused by government cutbacks. There were people laid off in many public service career paths back then and those who were mobile left for the good old US of A. After they'd been there several years and had made lives there, they chose not to move back when the real facts of health care staffing came to the fore. In my hospital on any given day there are several hundred vacancies posted for RNs. My small unit alone has more than a dozen full time positions vacant.

See above.

Have you ever been to Canada? You'd be surprised at how easily you'd blend in here, until you speak, that is. Where I live there are many, many very good career opportunities and not nearly enough people to fill them. People are coming here from all over the world to take advantage of our strong economy, our high standard of living, our low crime rates and our social safety net. Freedom of choice and freedom of association are not exclusive to those who revere the Stars and Bars. We who salute the Maple Leaf have the same rights and freedoms you do, but we have a more developed social conscience.

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Those are the reasons that I am going into nursing. Nurses are empathetic. They devote their time, energy and resources to helping others. That's the job of nurses, not the government. Government involvement only hinders progress...it never promotes it.

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Specializes in OB, CASE MANAGEMENT.

I haven't seen anyone mention that with socialized medicine that there is usually a waiting list for surgical proceedures that can save lives.

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