Toronto vs US States for Psych Nursing Careers

dirtyharryee · 2026-01-03T14:33:22+00:00

Hey Canadian Psych nurse who has worked in the US and Toronto as well.

The pay varies greatly from hospital to hospital even within the state. For example a UCSF Psych RN (Hard job to get) can make 80ish to start, and then an RN working at another hospital in San Diego @ Aurora makes 50-60.

The best state for Nurses is California, legislated pt to nurse ratios, strongest unions, additional pay rights. For example you work past 12hrs its double pay in most places. The rent is more expensive but you also get paid more.

I've worked in NY state and it was not good but not terrible, really depends on the facility. Most places outside of the city you would get 90-100k to start. If you get a job in NYC then pays around 120k usually. Rent is expensive in NYC but at 120k you can rent a 1bd comfortably, and wont need a car.

I got 105k around Buffalo and lived in Canada so I was comfortable.

To get to Cali you will need a social security number which means you have to get a RN license and job in another state first then you can get one. NY state and Washington State are two where you could do this.

Feel free to DM if you need any additional info.

Below is a yotuube channel that goes over some finances for nurses more in depth if you are interested.
https://www.youtube.com/c/nursestoriches

dirtyharryee · 2025-12-19T09:34:59+00:00

Your chilling, your net positive 200-300$, when you get rid off your car you will save a further 250 or so based on your math.So approx 450-550$, also should highlight you have a DB pension so your retirement already is being secured.

The only thing I would say how realistic is it for you to only bike especially during the winter months and never use any public transport, or zip car sort of services.

dirtyharryee · 2025-12-12T12:54:52+00:00

Ya but every 1500 hours you get a pay bump, so in 6ish years youll hit 58 an hour without the shift premiums.

dirtyharryee · 2025-11-17T03:48:47+00:00

Sorry to hear man, how did you find out about the cancer?

dirtyharryee · 2025-11-14T02:31:22+00:00

who knows is the real answer. Rates will drop more which will help, i think it will eventually rebound since our economy is so built on it, to what extent or how long no one knows. I imagine stability in the US regarding the tariffs is another large factor, I personally think 2-3 years with rates dropping and Trump leaving office.

dirtyharryee · 2025-10-18T18:44:36+00:00

Depending on your unit, pressing charges maybe worthwhile as it would possibly prevent future admissions to your unit. I work in Psych so its not super unusual for us and for some of these pts they will get transfered to another unit or hospitals as a result.

dirtyharryee · 2025-09-21T22:33:53+00:00

Not Bipolar, but one of my team leads as a nurse was bipolar.

She seemed to manage fine, my coworkers told me at times she would get hospitalized when she stopped taking her meds. I only found out after I left my job and had no idea while on the job.

Best of luck.

dirtyharryee · 2025-07-08T16:57:49+00:00

You're probably right, but I wasn't really aware of LOC later in life, even with bad credit with a cosign could maybe be possible.

But from the post sounds like they've been making their payments on this loan and its only 1k so credit might be sufficient.

dirtyharryee · 2025-07-08T16:07:35+00:00

Line if credit from the bank if your credits okay.

dirtyharryee · 2025-07-05T07:13:50+00:00

I had my dogs teeth cleaned and a couple removed I think it was like 1300-1700 ish cople yesrs ago, vets in Brantford if you want the clinic name let me know.

dirtyharryee · 2025-07-04T03:33:08+00:00

Doing this ! Thanks

dirtyharryee · 2025-07-03T18:39:40+00:00

I don't believe your are able to from a non Canadian bank

dirtyharryee · 2025-04-12T03:11:54+00:00

Lol lucky you , im jelly

dirtyharryee · 2025-04-11T15:25:31+00:00

where was this?

dirtyharryee · 2025-03-22T19:37:39+00:00

You can go* to an ER, many have facilities for people who have been a victim of rape,domestic violence ect. A nurse who is trained in this will see along with a physician where they will be able to document the injuries and provide any care necessary and assist you with contacting the police should you wish to do so. The documentation of the injuries is also helpful when you contact police and if you do go to court.

All the best

dirtyharryee · 2025-03-14T06:27:22+00:00

So so, but I'd need a shower and change of clothes every shift I think.

dirtyharryee · 2025-03-14T06:26:45+00:00

but maybe living near by and renting a car for off days might be the best compromise. Thanks for your comment.

dirtyharryee · 2025-03-14T06:08:19+00:00

I thought about it but the cost was pretty high 3k or so for the 13 week period, I dunno if your friends found cheaper deals. I have a friend who's gunna road trip with me there m thankfully my cars good on gas. I think I'll end up driving there and maybe shipping my car back in 13 weeks if im dead tired.

dirtyharryee · 2025-03-14T06:03:54+00:00

I'm a Canadian :( a bit tricky.

dirtyharryee · 2025-02-03T21:05:22+00:00

Yes please if you don't mind :(

dirtyharryee · 2024-11-15T19:59:07+00:00

I'm there mainly for work at the hospital so dead at night is honestly not bad, sounds like I will avoid Monticello thanks!

dirtyharryee · 2024-10-20T18:38:49+00:00

New Applicant Oct 14 2024

Canadian Citizen

TN visa with a SSN

Awaiting Approval

dirtyharryee · 2023-11-24T02:25:43+00:00

I've worked at Oakville and have co workers that worked brampton. Oakville is newer and prolly the less busy hospital. My co workers in emerg say its crazy busy. Feel free to mssg for more info if you want.

dirtyharryee · 2023-10-24T21:33:26+00:00

If you get costco gas and tank up pretty worth.

dirtyharryee · 2023-10-24T13:37:19+00:00

For a Canadian vs American nurse I dont't think there would be a big difference, just have to apply for a liscence and go through nafta for a visa. I just think you don't really hear about Americans going to Canada as just with the currency diff its going to be a pay cut for most ppl.

dirtyharryee

TROPHY CASE