Beyond Borders: Nursing Across North America

Wakanda's Wrld

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The traditional nursing path isn't the only way forward. Just ask Kieara, a Montreal-based aesthetic nurse whose journey proves that following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career on your own terms.
Growing up with an esthetician mother, Kieara always had an eye for beauty work, but followed her father's advice to pursue nursing first. Now, she's found the perfect blend of both worlds as a cosmetic injector with six years of nursing experience under her belt. Her story challenges the outdated notion that new graduates must "do their time" in medical-surgical units before specializing.
"If a new grad can work in the ER, why can't they work in aesthetics?" Kieara asks, making a compelling point that the stakes in aesthetic nursing may actually be lower than in critical care settings. For nurses looking to break into aesthetics, she recommends certification courses to demonstrate commitment, while noting affordable online options starting around $50-60.
Our conversation spans borders, comparing nursing education between Canada and the US. Unlike America's three-tier system (LPN, ADN, BSN), Canada primarily offers LPN and BSN paths. We outline the process for American nurses hoping to practice in Canada, including credential verification through NNAS and obtaining TN visas for cross-border work.
Travel nursing takes center stage as Kieara shares her experiences working across Canadian provinces. Unlike some alarming stories from US travel nurses, she describes positive agency interactions, standardized pay rates, and excellent accommodations. We also touch on cultural differences, with Kiara noting how Montreal's multicultural environment has shaped her relatively positive experiences as a Black nurse compared to challenges faced by nurses of color in America's South.
Whether you're considering aesthetics, travel nursing, or international opportunities, this episode reinforces one powerful message: nurses should follow their interests rather than prescribed paths. As both Kieara and I emphasize throughout our conversation, "Go where you want to go."

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فصل ها

1. Introduction to Kiara (00:00:00)

2. From CNA to Aesthetic Nurse (00:04:15)

3. Travel Nursing Experience (00:08:12)

4. Nursing in Canada vs US (00:11:45)

5. Breaking into Aesthetics (00:19:26)

6. Discrimination in Nursing (00:28:00)

7. Travel Nursing Agencies (00:29:32)