Would you leave for the USA??

TravellinGuy · Apr 23, 2003

Sit down and think of the reasons you want to go. List advantages and disadvantages of both staying in Canada and going to the US. Think of what your career goals are and where you could best meet them. You can go on the TN visa but your hubby probably cannot work until you get a green card unless he is in a profession covered on the trade agreement. Other things are what size of place do you want to go to both city, town and hospital. I have had good experiences in hospitals with 36 beds and 300 beds. The big facilities 900 plus beds I felt were harder and less friendly overall although they had a greater variety of positions available.

If you do go be careful when talking to the hospital and get as much in writing as possible especially the patient ratio and float rules. Unless you are prepared to just move there yourself and take no sign on bonus or moving expenses they might require you to sign a contract for at least one year. I have taken contracts and worked as a traveller and recommend the traveller route. (they usally want one year experience)The reason for this is it allows you to work in the facility for 13 weeks and get a good taste of it and talk to staff, your housing is paid for for the 13 weeks while you look for a place(and it is furnished) and if you really do not like it you are not stuck with a contract.

Don't forget to talk to the Canaian Tax man to see what youneed to do for filing here while you are in the US.

I have worked in the US for about 4 years, two two year stints about 10 years apart and will probably so so again once we kick the kids out of home.

One final thought is that if it is just yo and hubby why limit yourself to the US. A friend of mine went to Austrailia with the hubby and kids on a one year contract and stayed. Look around there is lots out there.

If you go write the NCLEX right away while you still have school on the brain. I worked in many states and my favourite for both hospitals and people were Wyoming and Wisconsin.

Good luck

FutureNurse2005 · Apr 23, 2003

just wanted to say that in Ontario you can obtain training for midwife status!

many of the colleges offer those types of programs at a graduate level. Best thing is to contact them for further information!

hth!

Sarah, RNBScN · May 11, 2003

Re: Midwives...

Laurentian University offers a Midwifery training. We had a few on our OBS/Gyn floor during their practicum. They are fantastic.

Actually, one of our anesthetist wife is a midwife. DOn't say that to loud to an OB/Gyn though...aargh...who do you think was around first delivering? Say no more

HollieRN · May 11, 2003

I heard that it would be another four yrs, on top of the four i'm already doing ... I'm not sure if i'm interested in doing THAT much schooling

fergus51 · May 11, 2003

I have hear that UBC is looking at doing a 2 year program for nurses wanting to become midwives

Nursecathy123ca · May 18, 2003

I heard a 'rumor' about nursing in Canada; can someone confirm or deny it? Is it true that all the hospital require nurses to work rotating shifts; i.e. days for a certain number of weeks, then nights for awhile? What does that do to your circadian rhythm?

fergus51 · May 18, 2003

Not true. My hospital generally wants nurses to work 2 days 2 nights, 4 off. But many nurses switch to a straight schedule, or work casual and get to pick and choose their shifts. There are straight day and nights positions, but I don't think they're as common as rotating jobs are.

lalaxton · May 18, 2003

In Canada Midwives do not have to be nurses as in the US. No we do not have CRNA's but the interest is there.

I am Canadian and was recruited in 1989 (TN visas had just started) by a hospital in CT. After 3 years my husband and I wanted to come home (he went back to school there could not yet work) but jobs had dried up in Canada and we ended up getting the green card so he could work and we stayed 10 more years!We moved to NC ( a much friendlier place) I also went back to school and am now an ACNP. We came home to Ontario to care for aging parents. Crossed the border on Sept. 11, 2001. I enjoyed my time in the US. Have many great friends and learned so much. It is different than Canada. My advice: If you like travel and are open to change than go for it, if not you may be better off staying home..

ndvolvo4u · Jun 24, 2003

i graduated from nursing .also wishing to head to the USA to work.i am still looking for a way out .i hope to get advice or suggestions on what to do

laurasc · Jun 29, 2003

In a word....no.

Laura